Computer Based Oculomotor Training Improves Reading Abilities in Dyslexic Children: Results from A Pilot Study

Abstract

1. Abstract Poor written-language skills in dyslexia is often lifelong and impairs academic results. A lot of uncertainty still surrounds the question of the appropriate methods of diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of the present study is to validate the hypothesis of a computer-based program for remediation of reading deficits in dyslexic children. The program described in this study consists in four different exercises ( rapid naming task, Stroop task, motion perception and saccades) performed fifteen min a day, five days a week, for eight weeks. Sixteen dyslexic Italian children (mean age: 10.2 ± 0.3 years) participated to the study. Reading abilities were tested before and after the oculomotor training by eye movement recordings. Ten over sixteen children significantly reduced reading time and thirteen over sixteen significantly reduced fixation time. These training benefits suggest that a computer - based oculomotor program could be an easy and practical tool for improving reading performance in dyslexic children. Program limitations and future directions are discussed. 1.1. Highlights · Home computer-based oculomotor training improves dyslexic children’s reading performance. · Reading capabilities improvement in dyslexic children by computer-based oculomotor training could be due to visuo-attentional processes controlling eye movements and words comprehension. 2. Keywords: Dyslexia; Fixations; Oculomotor training; Reading; Saccades; Visuo-attentional mechanisms