Abstract

This study classified Korean dyslexia into subtypes based on cognitive processing and language skills and examined the relationships between the strengths and weaknesses of the classified subtypes and reading achievement. The study participants were 206 children with dyslexia in grades 1-3 of an elementary school. The following variables were measured to classify dyslexia into subtypes: phonological awareness, letter knowledge, rapid naming, phonological memory, sentence memory, receptive vocabulary, and listening comprehension skills. Furthermore, the groups were compared in three reading achievement variables: word reading, reading fluency, and reading comprehension. The latent profile analysis identified four subtypes of dyslexia, including the “overall defect group” with overall difficulty in cognitive processing and language skills; “processing speed dominant group” showing strength in letter knowledge and rapid naming; “working memory dominant group” showing strength in phonological and sentence memory abilities; and “receptive language dominant group” with receptive vocabulary and listening comprehension abilities. The comparison of reading achievement between groups revealed that the “overall defect group” was characterized as having lower word reading and reading fluency than the other three groups, whereas the “receptive language dominant group” had strengths in reading comprehension. This is the first study in Korea in which an empirical and exploratory attempt has been made to classify dyslexia into subtypes beyond the limits of the theoretical framework. Moreover, the study results promoted an understanding of the heterogeneity of dyslexia through the strengths and weaknesses of subtypes based on cognitive processing and language skills and had implications for intervention.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call