Balance functions and primitive reflexes in dyslexic children

Abstract

Background Dyslexia is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder accordingly; investigating primitive reflexes – which considered as indicator for neuromotor maturation – possibly be of clinical value for evaluating dyslexic children. Objectives To assess balance functions and primitive reflexes in dyslexic children. Material and methods The study was conducted on 60 children divided into two groups. Control group consists of 20 normal children and study group consists of 40 children with dyslexia (diagnosed by Arabic Reading Screening test (ARST) and Modified Arabic Dyslexia Screening Test (MADST). Both study and control groups aged from 6 6/12 to 9 years old. They were subjected to clinical diagnostic tests for primitive reflexes and balance function tests (office tests, computerized dynamic posturography (CDP), sensory organization test (SOT)). Results Dyslexic children have poorer balance functions compared to control group. Sixty seven percent of the study group has retained primitive reflexes. Conclusions Dyslexic children have poorer balance functions in challenging situations and have retained primitive reflexes indicating delayed neural maturation. Dyslexia is a medical complex that needs assessment and management of balance functions and primitive reflexes for better quality of life.