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).

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