Researchers in Pennsylvania are on the verge of perfecting a test that will yield early dyslexia diagnosis in children. The test centers around a maze that children navigate on a computer with a joystick. Research suggests that there are certain deficiencies associated with navigating this maze which relate to a cognitive disorder that correlates to children with dyslexia.
Early diagnosis is essential to any learning struggles. How better can we equal education?
Researchers Perfecting Dyslexia Test for Very Young Children
Implementation of this assessment tool will aid parents of children who are too young for a dyslexia diagnosis using conventional methods. The goal is to make the maze assessment available online and without charge. This research, and many other endeavors aimed at aiding those with dyslexia and their families, is being funded by Alan Pesky—a wealthy philanthropist with roots in Pennsylvania, who also has a son with dyslexia.
Gabel’s research with humans and animals was intended to identify a specific cognitive deficit with a direct link to dyslexia. Gabel’s research suggests that there is a difference in the problem-solving ability of children with dyslexia, and their performance with the maze identifies that problem.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Key takeaways
- There’s still additional testing to be done for early-detection for dyslexia in children.
- In the early ’70s and before students with learning disabilities were classified as mentally retarded or lazy.
- Special education wasn’t introduced until the ’70s.
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