| Abstract: | In this study of the course of developmental reading disorder, 40 Caucasian children, who were diagnosed and began reading therapy at 7-years-old were followed-up at 14-years-old. A variety of methodological concerns were addressed by careful screening of the subjects, by attempting to include a representative population, by comparing standardized measures statistically at initial and follow-up testing, and by using a homogeneously delayed population. It was found that 40% of the subjects were reading appropriately at follow-up. Improvement and recovery were significantly related to parents' educational status, especially to IQ, and not to gender of subject or to having a speech articulation or hyperactivity problem. It was concluded that for those who receive early diagnosis and treatment of developmental reading disorder (1) IQ may be a good predictor of recovery potential and (2) remedial efforts for the low IQ dyslexic child may be optimal if cognitive therapy is included in addition to reading therapy. |
