Category Archives: Tools

From Visual Attention to Literacy: Symbol Search Deficit Predicts Future Reading Difficulties From Age 3

Posted on by

Poor reading has been associated with impaired simultaneous visual processing of multiple graphic symbols composed of separable features, a behavioral marker of reduced visual attention based on parietal dysfunction. We designed a visual search screening test, consisting of finding the (unique) black circle among circles combined with a bar of various length and location (black symbols) versus among circles of various colors. The temporal Gap between these symbol and color search conditions was previously validated as a significant visuo-attentional contributor of reading between ages 8 and 11, predicting its performance with moderate sensitivity, as reading difficulty is multifactorial, but high specificity. Here, we established its good positive predictive value in a longitudinal study with the same children being screened in kindergarten (at 3, 4, or 5 years old) and later assessed for reading performance at the second semester of third grade (at 8 years old).

Read more HERE

Senate Panel Advances Science of Reading, Dyslexia Bills 

Posted on by

A bill that would require states to only use the science of reading in classrooms in order to qualify for a multi-million dollar funding grant passed with bipartisan support from a committee of federal lawmakers Thursday morning.

The READ Act (S.4689) would strengthen the federal government’s oversight of the science of reading through amendments to the Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant, which currently provides $194 million to aid literacy instruction in 23 states. 

Read more HERE

Técnico students create an award-winning app to help children with dyslexia to read

Posted on by

The company, part of the Junior Enterprises at Técnico (JUNITEC), has developed Dyscovery, an artificial intelligence-based app designed to support children with dyslexia in learning to read and write, providing complementary support for students, teachers and families.

According to data from the Portuguese Dyslexia Association, it is estimated that this neurobiological condition affects around 120,000 children in Portugal. Dyscovery gives children with dyslexia the opportunity to practise reading through a guided exercise (much like ‘reading karaoke’), before providing feedback on their performance and suggesting corrections and tips for both reading and writing.

Read more HERE

Swinburne AI reading tool boosts support for dyslexia

Posted on by

Swinburne University of Technology researchers have developed an AI-based reading platform for people with dyslexia, reporting improved comprehension accuracy and confidence among users.

The project was led by Dr Atie Kia alongside Dr Dana Rezazadegan, Dr James Marshall and Professor Leon Sterling, and in collaboration with the industry partner, Divergent Digital Studio. It was designed as a personalised reading environment that adapts to different types and severity levels of dyslexia, after an initial user study found participants needed different kinds of support.

The study found no single feature improved reading for every user. Participants identified a range of useful functions, including simplified text, highlighted key points, summaries, mind maps, semantic support and adjustable visual settings.

That finding shaped a platform intended to do more than change the appearance of text. The system includes AI-assisted summaries, simplified explanations, flashcards, repeated key concepts, quick glossaries and visual knowledge mapping, along with tools such as paragraph focus mode, reading rulers, keyword highlighting and personalised visual controls.

Read more HERE