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Chung KKH, Lam CB, Chan KSC, Lee ASY, Liu CC, Wang LC. Are General Anxiety, Reading Anxiety, and Reading Self-Concept Linked to Reading Skills Among Chinese Adolescents With and Without Dyslexia? JOURNAL OF LEARNING DISABILITIES 2024; 57:106-119. [PMID: 37415489 DOI: 10.1177/00222194231181914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the cross-sectional relationships between reading-related affective and cognitive factors and reading skills among adolescents with and without dyslexia. Participants were 120 Chinese-speaking eighth graders, including 60 adolescents with dyslexia and 60 typically developing adolescents from Hong Kong, China. Adolescents completed questionnaires on general anxiety, reading anxiety, and reading self-concept. They were also assessed on measures of rapid digit naming, verbal working memory, word reading, reading fluency, and reading comprehension. The results showed that readers with dyslexia reported higher levels of general anxiety and reading anxiety and lower levels of reading self-concept than typical readers. They also showed difficulties in rapid digit naming and verbal working memory. Importantly, controlling for rapid digit naming and verbal working memory, reading self-concept was uniquely associated with word reading and reading fluency for readers with and without dyslexia. Furthermore, reading anxiety and reading self-concept were uniquely associated with reading comprehension for the two groups of readers. The findings point to the importance of considering affective factors when examining the reading skills of Chinese readers and the utility of targeting these factors when supporting the learning of adolescents with and without dyslexia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chun Bun Lam
- The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
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2
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Wilmot A, Pizzey H, Leitão S, Hasking P, Boyes M. "I struggle at times to see her struggle": Mothers' perspectives on dyslexia-related school struggles and the inter-connected nature of mother and child well-being. DYSLEXIA (CHICHESTER, ENGLAND) 2023; 29:136-150. [PMID: 36755469 PMCID: PMC10946717 DOI: 10.1002/dys.1733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Parents of children with dyslexia may be at elevated risk for parenting stress and mental health concerns. Our aim was to explore the emotional experience of growing up with dyslexia in Australia from parents' perspectives. In so doing, we also developed an understanding of parents' own mental health and support needs informed by their lived experience. METHODOLOGY Seventeen interviews with mothers of children (9-14 years; 16 with a diagnosis of dyslexia) were analysed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis approach. ANALYSIS Five themes were developed to address our aim: Theme 1: Years in the wilderness: Life before diagnosis; 2: "I struggle at times to see her struggle"; 3. School struggles: Advocating for our children and managing distress; 4. "It's a full-time job" and a "long slog"; 5: Care for the carer: Social support and coping strategies. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis suggests that mothers of children with dyslexia may be at elevated risk for mental health concerns. Specifically, chronic worry and stress, secondary distress, challenges to parenting self-efficacy, and lack of support and understanding (feeling isolated) were highlighted as plausible risk factors. Mothers described coping strategies at the community level (e.g., school connectedness) and at the individual level (e.g., "acceptance") as protective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne Wilmot
- Faculty of Health SciencesCurtin School of Population HealthBentleyAustralia
| | - Hannah Pizzey
- Faculty of Health SciencesCurtin School of Population HealthBentleyAustralia
| | - Suze Leitão
- Faculty of Health SciencesCurtin enAble Institute & Curtin School of Allied HealthBentleyAustralia
| | - Penelope Hasking
- Faculty of Health SciencesCurtin enAble Institute & Curtin School of Population HealthBentleyAustralia
| | - Mark Boyes
- Faculty of Health SciencesCurtin enAble Institute & Curtin School of Population HealthBentleyAustralia
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Erbeli F, Rice M, Paracchini S. Insights into Dyslexia Genetics Research from the Last Two Decades. Brain Sci 2021; 12:27. [PMID: 35053771 PMCID: PMC8773624 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dyslexia, a specific reading disability, is a common (up to 10% of children) and highly heritable (~70%) neurodevelopmental disorder. Behavioral and molecular genetic approaches are aimed towards dissecting its significant genetic component. In the proposed review, we will summarize advances in twin and molecular genetic research from the past 20 years. First, we will briefly outline the clinical and educational presentation and epidemiology of dyslexia. Next, we will summarize results from twin studies, followed by molecular genetic research (e.g., genome-wide association studies (GWASs)). In particular, we will highlight converging key insights from genetic research. (1) Dyslexia is a highly polygenic neurodevelopmental disorder with a complex genetic architecture. (2) Dyslexia categories share a large proportion of genetics with continuously distributed measures of reading skills, with shared genetic risks also seen across development. (3) Dyslexia genetic risks are shared with those implicated in many other neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., developmental language disorder and dyscalculia). Finally, we will discuss the implications and future directions. As the diversity of genetic studies continues to increase through international collaborate efforts, we will highlight the challenges in advances of genetics discoveries in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florina Erbeli
- Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
| | - Marianne Rice
- Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
| | - Silvia Paracchini
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9AJ, UK;
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Elgendi MM, Stewart SH, MacKay EJ, Deacon SH. Two aspects of psychological functioning in undergraduates with a history of reading difficulties: anxiety and self-efficacy. ANNALS OF DYSLEXIA 2021; 71:84-102. [PMID: 33786751 DOI: 10.1007/s11881-021-00223-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Reading difficulties have been associated with problems in psychological functioning, including challenges in both anxiety and self-efficacy. This study was designed to determine whether such psychological functioning problems are specific to the academic sphere or more global. First-year undergraduate students with and without a history of reading difficulties (n = 40 and 46, respectively) completed standardized questionnaires on general and academic anxiety, and social and academic self-efficacy. Students with a history of reading difficulties reported higher academic anxiety, but comparable general anxiety, relative to those with no such history. Students with a history of reading difficulties also reported lower academic self-efficacy, but comparable social self-efficacy, relative to those with no such history. These findings suggest that students with a history of reading difficulties, as compared to those without such history, experience academic-specific mental health symptoms involving heightened anxiety and low self-efficacy as they enter university. These results point to the need for focused and targeted assessments to be able to capture difficulties they experience with anxiety and self-efficacy and interventions to help them cope with these difficulties. More broadly, the findings have implications for how universities assess academic vulnerabilities and provide access to specific course accommodations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariem M Elgendi
- Department of Psychology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
| | - Sherry H Stewart
- Department of Psychology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - S Hélène Deacon
- Department of Psychology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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5
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Boyes ME, Tebbutt B, Preece KA, Badcock NA. Relationships between Reading Ability and Child Mental Health: Moderating Effects of Self‐Esteem. AUSTRALIAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ap.12281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark E. Boyes
- School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University,
| | | | - Kathryn A. Preece
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, Department of Cognitive Science, Macquarie University,
| | - Nicholas A. Badcock
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, Department of Cognitive Science, Macquarie University,
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Nalavany BA, Logan JM, Carawan LW. The relationship between emotional experience with dyslexia and work self-efficacy among adults with dyslexia. DYSLEXIA (CHICHESTER, ENGLAND) 2018; 24:17-32. [PMID: 29230916 DOI: 10.1002/dys.1575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Revised: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study responds to a call for more research on working adults with dyslexia investigating how employment-related factors affect and relate to one another. Two important work-related factors are self-efficacy and emotional experience with dyslexia. Work self-efficacy is viewed one of the most vital intrapersonal capacities in the work environment. It can be viewed as a subjective indicator of work success and is conceptualized as a multidimensional construct. Research speaks to a unique emotional experience stemming from living with an often misunderstood and stereotyped learning difference. The participants were 173 working adults with dyslexia (average age = 43.5 years, females = 56.6%) who participated in a web-based survey. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that more negative or uncomfortable emotions emanating from living with dyslexia predicted lower levels of total work self-efficacy, work attributes, work competency, and work anxiety over and beyond background contextual variables. Implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blace A Nalavany
- School of Social Work, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Julie M Logan
- Cass Business School, 106 Bunhill Row, London, EC1Y 8TZ, UK
| | - Lena W Carawan
- School of Social Work, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
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Hendren RL, Haft SL, Black JM, White NC, Hoeft F. Recognizing Psychiatric Comorbidity With Reading Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:101. [PMID: 29636707 PMCID: PMC5880915 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Reading disorder (RD), a specific learning disorder (SLD) of reading that includes impairment in word reading, reading fluency, and/or reading comprehension, is common in the general population but often is not comprehensively understood or assessed in mental health settings. In education settings, comorbid mental and associated disorders may be inadequately integrated into intervention plans. Assessment and intervention for RD may be delayed or absent in children with frequently co-occurring mental disorders not fully responding to treatment in both school and mental health settings. To address this oversight, this review summarizes current knowledge regarding RDs and common comorbid or co-occurring disorders that are important for mental health and school settings. We chose to highlight RD because it is the most common SLD, and connections to other often comorbid disorders have been more thoroughly described in the literature. Much of the literature we describe is on decoding-based RD (or developmental dyslexia) as it is the most common form of RD. In addition to risk for academic struggle and social, emotional, and behavioral problems, those with RD often show early evidence of combined or intertwined Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition childhood disorders. These include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and other SLDs. The present review highlights issues and areas of controversy within these comorbidities, as well as directions for future research. An interdisciplinary, integrated approach between mental health professionals and educators can lead to comprehensive and targeted treatments encompassing both academic and mental health interventions. Such targeted treatments may contribute to improved educational and health-related outcomes in vulnerable youth. While there is a growing research literature on this association, more studies are needed of when to intervene and of the early and long-term benefits of comprehensive intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Hendren
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Dyslexia Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Stephanie L Haft
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jessica M Black
- School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| | - Nancy Cushen White
- Dyslexia Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Fumiko Hoeft
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Dyslexia Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,University of California Multi-Campus Precision Learning Center (PrecL), San Francisco, CA, United States.,Haskins Laboratories, New Haven, CT, United States.,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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8
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Jordan JA, Dyer K. Psychological Well-being Trajectories of Individuals with Dyslexia Aged 3-11 Years. DYSLEXIA (CHICHESTER, ENGLAND) 2017; 23:161-180. [PMID: 28470909 DOI: 10.1002/dys.1555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Dyslexia has been associated with a range of psychological well-being issues in childhood. However, it is unclear if these difficulties stem from coping with academic struggles at school, or from other pre-existing diagnoses that sometimes co-occur with dyslexia. Using UK Millennium Cohort Study data (n = 7224) from 2003 to 2011, the present study compared psychological well-being development from ages 3-11 years for children with (1) dyslexia only; (2) special educational needs excluding dyslexia; (3) comorbid dyslexia and other special educational needs; and (4) no special educational needs. Growth curve modelling results controlling for race, gender, age and family income suggested that with the exception of conduct difficulties, psychological well-being issues related to dyslexia do not occur preschool; rather, they commence upon starting school. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie-Ann Jordan
- School of Social Sciences, Education, and Social Work, Queen's University Belfast, UK
| | - Kevin Dyer
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, UK
- Psychological Therapies Service, Northern HSC Trust, UK
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9
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Balazs J, Miklosi M, Toro KT, Nagy-Varga D. Reading Disability and Quality of Life Based on Both Self- and Parent-Reports: Importance of Gender Differences. Front Psychol 2016; 7:1942. [PMID: 28018276 PMCID: PMC5156704 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate self- and parent-rated quality of life (QoL) in children with a reading disability (RD) and the impact of comorbid psychopathology, with special focus on age and gender differences. Methods: Using the Dyslexia Differential Diagnosis Maastricht-Hungarian standard test, 127 children (aged < 18) were included in the RD group and 81 in the control group. To measure comorbid psychopathology, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was administered. To evaluate the children's QoL self- and parent-rated versions of the Measure of Quality of Life for Children and Adolescents (ILK) were used. Group differences in QoL and psychopathology were assessed using Mann-Whitney U-tests. Moderated mediational models were tested in which comorbid psychopathology mediated the relationship between group membership and self- and parent-rated QoL, which was dependent on gender. Child's age and parents' level of education were included as covariates. Results: The RD group showed lower QoL than the controls in several domains, according to the parent-report, while no differences between the two groups were found, according to self-report. In boys, results revealed conditional and indirect effects of group membership on self- and parent-rated QoL through comorbid psychopathology (-0.046, BCa 95% CI: -0.135 to 0.043 and 0.064, BCa 95% CI: 0.024-0.111, respectively) as well as a conditional direct effect of group membership on parent-reported (-0.098, BCa 95% CI: 0.012-0.184), but not self-rated, QoL. No relationship was found for girls. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of measuring QoL and comorbid psychopathology in children with RDs from more sources and accounting for gender and age differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Balazs
- Department of Developmental and Clinical Child Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd UniversityBudapest, Hungary
- Vadaskert Child Psychiatry HospitalBudapest, Hungary
| | - Monika Miklosi
- Department of Developmental and Clinical Child Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd UniversityBudapest, Hungary
- Heim Pál Pediatric Hospital, Budapest, Centre of Mental HealthBudapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztina T. Toro
- School of Ph.D. Studies, Semmelweis UniversityBudapest, Hungary
- Vecses City Local Government Department of Children and Family ServicesVecsés, Hungary
| | - Diana Nagy-Varga
- Department of Developmental and Clinical Child Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd UniversityBudapest, Hungary
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10
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Boyes ME, Leitao S, Claessen M, Badcock NA, Nayton M. Why Are Reading Difficulties Associated with Mental Health Problems? DYSLEXIA (CHICHESTER, ENGLAND) 2016; 22:263-266. [PMID: 27465209 DOI: 10.1002/dys.1531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A growing literature indicates that children with reading difficulties are at elevated risk for mental health problems; however, little attention has been given to why this might be the case. Associations between reading difficulties and mental health differ substantially across studies, raising the possibility that these relationships may be ameliorated or exacerbated by risk or resilience-promoting factors. Using socio-ecological theory as a conceptual framework, we outline four potential lines of research that could shed light on why children with reading difficulties are at risk of mental health problems and identify potential targets for intervention. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Boyes
- School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Suze Leitao
- School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mary Claessen
- School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nicholas A Badcock
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, Department of Cognitive Science, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mandy Nayton
- School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- The Dyslexia-SPELD Foundation, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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11
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Jordan JA, McGladdery G, Dyer K. Dyslexia in higher education: implications for maths anxiety, statistics anxiety and psychological well-being. DYSLEXIA (CHICHESTER, ENGLAND) 2014; 20:225-240. [PMID: 24965499 DOI: 10.1002/dys.1478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Revised: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This study examined levels of mathematics and statistics anxiety, as well as general mental health amongst undergraduate students with dyslexia (n = 28) and those without dyslexia (n = 71). Students with dyslexia had higher levels of mathematics anxiety relative to those without dyslexia, while statistics anxiety and general mental health were comparable for both reading ability groups. In terms of coping strategies, undergraduates with dyslexia tended to use planning-based strategies and seek instrumental support more frequently than those without dyslexia. Higher mathematics anxiety was associated with having a dyslexia diagnosis, as well as greater levels of worrying, denial, seeking instrumental support and less use of the positive reinterpretation coping strategy. By contrast, statistics anxiety was not predicted by dyslexia diagnosis, but was instead predicted by overall worrying and the use of denial and emotion focused coping strategies. The results suggest that disability practitioners should be aware that university students with dyslexia are at risk of high mathematics anxiety. Additionally, effective anxiety reduction strategies such as positive reframing and thought challenging would form a useful addition to the support package delivered to many students with dyslexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie-Ann Jordan
- School of Education, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
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Nalavany BA, Carawan LW, Rennick RA. Psychosocial experiences associated with confirmed and self-identified dyslexia: a participant-driven concept map of adult perspectives. JOURNAL OF LEARNING DISABILITIES 2011; 44:63-79. [PMID: 20574060 DOI: 10.1177/0022219410374237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Concept mapping (a mixed qualitative-quantitative methodology) was used to describe and understand the psychosocial experiences of adults with confirmed and self-identified dyslexia. Using innovative processes of art and photography, Phase 1 of the study included 15 adults who participated in focus groups and in-depth interviews and were asked to elucidate their experiences with dyslexia. On index cards, 75 statements and experiences with dyslexia were recorded. The second phase of the study included 39 participants who sorted these statements into self-defined categories and rated each statement to reflect their personal experiences to produce a visual representation, or concept map, of their experience. The final concept map generated nine distinct cluster themes: Organization Skills for Success; Finding Success; A Good Support System Makes the Difference; On Being Overwhelmed; Emotional Downside; Why Can't They See It?; Pain, Hurt, and Embarrassment From Past to Present; Fear of Disclosure; and Moving Forward. Implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blace Arthur Nalavany
- East Carolina University, School of Social Work, College of Human Ecology, Greenville, NC 27858-4353, USA.
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Willcutt EG, Betjemann RS, McGrath LM, Chhabildas NA, Olson RK, DeFries JC, Pennington BF. Etiology and neuropsychology of comorbidity between RD and ADHD: the case for multiple-deficit models. Cortex 2010; 46:1345-61. [PMID: 20828676 PMCID: PMC2993430 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2010.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2009] [Revised: 03/18/2010] [Accepted: 04/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and reading disability (RD) are complex childhood disorders that frequently co-occur, but the etiology of this comorbidity remains unknown. METHOD Participants were 457 twin pairs from the Colorado Learning Disabilities Research Center (CLDRC) twin study, an ongoing study of the etiology of RD, ADHD, and related disorders. Phenotypic analyses compared groups with and without RD and ADHD on composite measures of six cognitive domains. Twin analyses were then used to test the etiology of the relations between the disorders and any cognitive weaknesses. RESULTS Phenotypic analyses supported the hypothesis that both RD and ADHD arise from multiple cognitive deficits rather than a single primary cognitive deficit. RD was associated independently with weaknesses on measures of phoneme awareness, verbal reasoning, and working memory, whereas ADHD was independently associated with a heritable weakness in inhibitory control. RD and ADHD share a common cognitive deficit in processing speed, and twin analyses indicated that this shared weakness is primarily due to common genetic influences that increase susceptibility to both disorders. CONCLUSIONS Individual differences in processing speed are influenced by genes that also increase risk for RD, ADHD, and their comorbidity. These results suggest that processing speed measures may be useful for future molecular genetic studies of the etiology of comorbidity between RD and ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik G Willcutt
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
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Understanding the complex etiologies of developmental disorders: behavioral and molecular genetic approaches. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2010; 31:533-44. [PMID: 20814254 PMCID: PMC2953861 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0b013e3181ef42a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This article has 2 primary goals. First, a brief tutorial on behavioral and molecular genetic methods is provided for readers without extensive training in these areas. To illustrate the application of these approaches to developmental disorders, etiologically informative studies of reading disability (RD), math disability (MD), and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are then reviewed. Implications of the results for these specific disorders and for developmental disabilities as a whole are discussed, and novel directions for future research are highlighted. METHOD Previous family and twin studies of RD, MD, and ADHD are reviewed systematically, and the extensive molecular genetic literatures on each disorder are summarized. To illustrate 4 novel extensions of these etiologically informative approaches, new data are presented from the Colorado Learning Disabilities Research Center, an ongoing twin study of the etiology of RD, ADHD, MD, and related disorders. CONCLUSIONS RD, MD, and ADHD are familial and heritable, and co-occur more frequently than expected by chance. Molecular genetic studies suggest that all 3 disorders have complex etiologies, with multiple genetic and environmental risk factors each contributing to overall risk for each disorder. Neuropsychological analyses indicate that the 3 disorders are each associated with multiple neuropsychological weaknesses, and initial evidence suggests that comorbidity between the 3 disorders is due to common genetic risk factors that lead to slow processing speed.
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