1
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Scorza M, Gontkovsky ST, Puddu M, Ciaramidaro A, Termine C, Simeoni L, Mauro M, Benassi E. Cognitive Profile Discrepancies among Typical University Students and Those with Dyslexia and Mixed-Type Learning Disorder. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7113. [PMID: 38002724 PMCID: PMC10671892 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12227113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have identified areas of cognitive weakness in children diagnosed with Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), in the areas of working memory and processing speed in particular. In adulthood, this literature is still scant, and no studies have compared the cognitive profile of university students with dyslexia (DD) with that of students with Mixed-type SLD. METHOD Thus, in this study, the WAIS-IV was used to examine the cognitive functioning of three groups of university students: students with DD, with Mixed-type SLD, and typical students. Statistical analyses were performed to examine differences in WAIS-IV FSIQ, main, and additional indexes and subtests. RESULTS The results showed strengths in perceptual reasoning and good verbal comprehension abilities in both the DD and Mixed-type SLD group, with weaknesses in working memory and processing speed, leading to a pattern of a better General Ability Index (GAI) than Cognitive Proficiency Index (CPI) in both clinical groups. Thus, discrepancies between GAI and CPI, well documented in children with SLD, still manifest in adulthood in university students. Our findings also revealed worse cognitive performance in university students with mixed learning disorder relative to students with only a reading deficit. CONCLUSIONS The cognitive features and distinctive subtest profiles that emerged should guide the assessment and the definitions of intervention programs, special educational needs, and strategies of compensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maristella Scorza
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.C.); (E.B.)
| | | | - Marta Puddu
- Independent Researcher, 40100 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Angela Ciaramidaro
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.C.); (E.B.)
| | - Cristiano Termine
- Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy;
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, ASST dei Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy;
| | - Loriana Simeoni
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, ASST dei Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy;
| | | | - Erika Benassi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.C.); (E.B.)
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2
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Camia M, Scorza M, Lipparini A, Martorana L, Nardocci F, Padovani R, Rubichi S, Benassi E. Psychological health of mothers and siblings of children with autism spectrum disorders during COVID-19 pandemic: new evidence in Italian families. Acta Biomed 2023; 94:e2023199. [PMID: 37850771 PMCID: PMC10644939 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v94i5.14522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Psychological challenges are well recognized in families with a child with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Instead, less is known about the effects of traumatic scenarios, such as COVID-19, on the psychological health of these families. The main aim of this research was to study the psychological health of both mothers and typically developing (TD) siblings of children with ASD during the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, we investigated the relationship between the mothers' psychological resources and their children psychological well-being. METHODS The sample included 52 mothers and their children: 15 with one child with ASD and at least one TD child (aged 4-14) (ASD-siblings group) and 37 with one or more TD child (aged 4-14) (TD control group). The data were collected through an online platform; four standardized questionnaires (GAD-7, BDI-II, CD-RISC 25 and CBCL) were administered. RESULTS The analyses revealed more internalizing and total behavioral symptoms in the siblings of children with ASD, compared to TD control group. Regarding the mothers, we did not find differences in depression and anxious symptoms between the two groups. However, the results reported a lower level of resilience in the mothers of children with ASD relative to mothers of TD children. Finally, the psychological well-being of the TD children was associated with the level of mothers' anxiety only in the ASD-siblings group. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our data show that the COVID-19 outbreak may had been particularly challenging for families of children with ASD, and highlight the importance of intensifying psychological support to families.
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3
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Vascelli L, Berardo F, Iacomini S, Scorza M, Cavallini F. Effects of textual prompting and constant time delay on social communication skills of young adults with Prader Willi syndrome during online socialisation activities. J Appl Res Intellect Disabil 2023; 36:259-269. [PMID: 36373488 DOI: 10.1111/jar.13052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social communication skills are critical for full participation in social activities in primary life contexts for adolescents and young adults with neurodevelopmental disorders. METHOD Two young adults with Prader Willi syndrome participated in an online socialisation programme with elderly and adolescent conversational partners. We used a multiple baseline across conversational partners design for each participant to investigate the effects of textual prompts and constant time delay on the number of initiations and follow-up questions. We evaluated the social validity. RESULTS Both participants improved their social communication skills during online socialisation with partners. Participants with Prader Willi syndrome enjoyed participating in this study. Elderly conversational partners reported a slight decrease in loneliness following online socialisation. CONCLUSION The use of textual prompts and constant time delay may be helpful to promote opportunities for interaction among segments of the population potentially at risk of social isolation during online socialisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Vascelli
- Department of Social Inclusion, TICE Live and Learn, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Federica Berardo
- Department of Social Inclusion, TICE Live and Learn, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Silvia Iacomini
- Department of Social Inclusion, TICE Live and Learn, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Maristella Scorza
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Cavallini
- Department of Social Inclusion, TICE Live and Learn, Piacenza, Italy.,Department of Humanistic, Social Sciences and Cultural Enterprises, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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4
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Sulla F, Camia M, Scorza M, Giovagnoli S, Padovani R, Benassi E. The Moderator Effect of Subthreshold Autistic Traits on the Relationship between Quality of Life and Internet Addiction. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11020186. [PMID: 36673554 PMCID: PMC9858939 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11020186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
People with sub-threshold autistic traits (SATs) are more prone to develop addictive behaviors such the ones linked to Internet abuse. The restrictions for anti-COVID-19 distancing measures encourage social isolation and, consequently, increase screen time, which may lead to Internet addiction (IA). However, a better quality of life (QoL) may have function as a protective factor against the development of IA. This study wanted to investigate the relation between SATs, QoL, and the overuse of the Internet in a group of 141 university students in the North of Italy. Participants completed a battery of tests. Results suggest that QoL is a predictive factor of IA and that the relationship between QoL and IA is significantly moderated by SATs. This could mean that SATs might represent a risk factor for IA, even when people have a better quality of life. Differences between female and male students are discussed, as well as possible implications for practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sulla
- Department of Human Studies, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Michela Camia
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Maristella Scorza
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Sara Giovagnoli
- Department of Psychology “Renzo Canestrari”, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Padovani
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Service, AUSL Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Erika Benassi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
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5
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Camia M, Benassi E, Giovagnoli S, Scorza M. Specific learning disorders in young adults: Investigating pragmatic abilities and their relationship with theory of mind, executive functions and quality of life. Res Dev Disabil 2022; 126:104253. [PMID: 35526492 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are lifelong conditions often associated with language difficulties, executive dysfunctions, and psychological problems. Previous research has shown that communicative-pragmatic ability may be impaired in SLD. However, the role of other cognitive abilities in explaining pragmatic difficulties has still not been fully investigated. The relationship between pragmatics and quality of life is not yet clear, as well. AIMS Firstly, the study assessed pragmatic comprehension abilities in adults with SLD. Secondly, we examined the relationship between pragmatics, theory of mind, executive functions and quality of life. METHOD AND PROCEDURES We enrolled 26 adults with SLD and 30 adults without SLD. Standardized tests assessing pragmatic comprehension, theory of mind and executive functions were used. The quality of life was investigated with a self-reported questionnaire. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Pragmatic comprehension abilities were compromised in young adults with SLD. In this clinical population we also found a link between pragmatic comprehension and visual theory of mind. Finally, independently from the presence of SLD, pragmatics abilities were in relationship with quality of life. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Overall, these data highlight the importance of including pragmatic abilities both in the clinical evaluation, as well as in psychological intervention for adults with SLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Camia
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Campus San Lazzaro, Via Amendola 2, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Erika Benassi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Campus San Lazzaro, Via Amendola 2, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Sara Giovagnoli
- Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari", University of Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 5, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Maristella Scorza
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Campus San Lazzaro, Via Amendola 2, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
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6
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Luoni C, Scorza M, Stefanelli S, Fagiolini B, Termine C. A Neuropsychological Profile of Developmental Dyscalculia: The Role of Comorbidity. J Learn Disabil 2022:222194221102925. [PMID: 35726739 DOI: 10.1177/00222194221102925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Developmental dyscalculia (DD) has long been thought to be determined by multiple components. Dyscalculia has high comorbidity with other learning and developmental disabilities, including reading and writing disorders, attention deficits, and problems in visual/spatial skills, short memory, and working memory. This study aims to assess prevalence rates for isolated as well as comorbid DD in a sample of Italian-speaking children. In addition, we studied the neuropsychological profile of children with isolated or combined dyscalculia. We tested 380 children (176 males and 204 females) between the ages of 8.17 and 9.33 years using an extensive battery to determine the neuropsychological profile. The assessment included an arithmetic battery and nonverbal intelligence, short-term memory, reading, and writing tests. The results indicated that children with DD more frequently have a reading disorder and writing disorder. They also have a lower nonverbal intelligence quotient (IQ) and obtain significantly lower scores in short-term memory tests and on a visuospatial skills questionnaire. They also had significantly higher scores (indicative of greater attentional difficulties) in the Conners subscale for attentional problems. Children with DD present different cognitive and neuropsychological profiles.
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7
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Benassi E, Boria S, Berghenti MT, Camia M, Scorza M, Cossu G. Morpho-Syntactic Deficit in Children with Cochlear Implant: Consequence of Hearing Loss or Concomitant Impairment to the Language System? Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18189475. [PMID: 34574401 PMCID: PMC8471606 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background: Among implanted children with similar duration of auditory deprivation and clinical history, the morpho-syntactic skills remain highly variable, suggesting that other fundamental factors may determine the linguistic outcomes of these children, beyond their auditory recovery. The present study analyzed the morpho-syntactic discrepancies among three children with cochlear implant (CI), with the aim of understanding if morpho-syntactic deficits may be characterized as a domain-specific language disorder. Method: The three children (mean age = 7.2; SD = 0.4) received their CI at 2.7, 3.7, and 5.9 years of age. Their morpho-syntactic skills were evaluated in both comprehension and production and compared with 15 age-matched normal-hearing children (mean age = 6.6; SD = 0.3). Results: Cases 1 and 2 displayed a marked impairment across morphology and syntax, whereas Case 3, the late-implanted child, showed a morpho-syntactic profile well within the normal boundaries. A qualitative analysis showed, in Cases 1 and 2, language deficits similar to those of normal hearing children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). Conclusions: We suggest that a severe grammatical deficit may be, in some implanted children, the final outcome of a concomitant impairment to the language system. Clinical implications for assessment and intervention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Benassi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Sonia Boria
- Center for the Diagnosis, Treatment and Study of Communication and Socialization Disorders, NPIA, AUSL of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy;
| | | | - Michela Camia
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Maristella Scorza
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.)
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8
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Ferrara M, Camia M, Cecere V, Villata V, Vivenzio N, Scorza M, Padovani R. Language and Pragmatics Across Neurodevelopmental Disorders: An Investigation Using the Italian Version of CCC-2. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 50:1295-1309. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04358-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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9
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Rocco D, Pastore M, Gennaro A, Salvatore S, Cozzolino M, Scorza M. Beyond Verbal Behavior: An Empirical Analysis of Speech Rates in Psychotherapy Sessions. Front Psychol 2018; 9:978. [PMID: 29962991 PMCID: PMC6014027 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The present work aims to detect the role of the rate of speech as a mechanism able to give information on patient's intrapsychic activity and the intersubjective quality of the patient–therapist relationship. Method: Thirty clinical sessions among five patients were sampled and divided into idea units (N = 1276) according to the referential activity method. Each idea unit was rated according to referential activity method and in terms of speech rate (syllables per second) for both patient and therapist. A mixed-effects model was applied in order to detect the relationship between the speech rate of both the patient and the therapist and the features of the patient's verbal production in terms of referential activity scales. A Pearson correlation was applied to evaluate the synchrony between the speech rate of the patient and the therapist. Results: Results highlight that speech rate varies according patient's ability to get in touch with specific aspects detected through referential activity method: patient and the therapist speech rate get synchronized during the course of the sessions; and the therapist's speech rate partially attunes to the patient's ability to get in touch with inner aspects detected through RA method. Conclusion: The work identified speech rate as a feature that may help in the development of the clinical process in light of its ability to convey information about a patient's internal states and a therapist's attunement ability. These results support the intersubjective perspective on the clinical process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Rocco
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Pastore
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gennaro
- Department of History, Society and Human Studies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Sergio Salvatore
- Department of History, Society and Human Studies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Mauro Cozzolino
- Department of Human, Philosophical and Educational Sciences, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Maristella Scorza
- Department of Education and Human Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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10
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Di Lullo AM, Scorza M, Amato F, Comegna M, Raia V, Maiuri L, Ilardi G, Cantone E, Castaldo G, Iengo M. An "ex vivo model" contributing to the diagnosis and evaluation of new drugs in cystic fibrosis. Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital 2018; 37:207-213. [PMID: 27897275 PMCID: PMC5463510 DOI: 10.14639/0392-100x-1328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) gene. About 2000 mutations have been described so far. We setup an ex vivo model of human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) to study CF patients testing the effect of novel mutations and molecular therapies. We performed sampling (by brushing), followed by culture and analysis of HNECs using a series of molecular techniques. We performed 50 brushings from CF patients and controls. Using cultured cells, we: i) demonstrated the widely heterogeneous CFTR expression in patients and in controls; ii) defined the splicing effect of a CFTR mutation; iii) assessed the CFTR gating activity in patients bearing different mutations; iv) demonstrated that butyrate significantly enhances CFTR expression. Based on our data, we can conclude: 1) HNEC brushing is performed without anaesthesia and is well tolerated in all CF patients (children and adults); 2) HNECs can be preserved for up to 48 hours before culture allowings multicentre studies; 3) HNECs culture can be considered a suitable model to study the molecular effects of new CFTR gene mutations and/or uncertain meaning specific mutations of carriers; 4) an ex vivo model of HNECs may be used to evaluate, before human use, the effect of new drugs on patients’ cells bearing specific CFTR mutations; 5) the methodology is adequate for a quantitative measurement, by fluorescence, of the CFTR gating activity of the HNECs from patients with different genotypes identifying: a) CF patients bearing two severe mutations with an activity < 10% (compared to controls – 100%); b) CF patients bearing at least a mild mutation with an activity of 10-20%; c) CF carriers (heterozygous subjects) with an activity between 40-70%.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Di Lullo
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Naples "Federico II", Italy.,CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies scarl, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Italy
| | - M Scorza
- CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies scarl, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Italy
| | - F Amato
- CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies scarl, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Italy
| | - M Comegna
- CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies scarl, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Italy
| | - V Raia
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Italy
| | - L Maiuri
- Department of Science and Technology Innovation, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - G Ilardi
- European Institute for Research in Cystic Fibrosis, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - E Cantone
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Naples "Federico II", Italy
| | - G Castaldo
- CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies scarl, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Italy
| | - M Iengo
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Naples "Federico II", Italy
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11
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Morlini I, Stella G, Scorza M. Assessing decoding ability: the role of speed and accuracy and a new composite indicator to measure decoding skill in elementary grades. J Learn Disabil 2015; 48:176-195. [PMID: 23877769 DOI: 10.1177/0022219413495298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Tools for assessing decoding skill in students attending elementary grades are of fundamental importance for guaranteeing an early identification of reading disabled students and reducing both the primary negative effects (on learning) and the secondary negative effects (on the development of the personality) of this disability. This article presents results obtained by administering existing standardized tests of reading and a new screening procedure to about 1,500 students in the elementary grades in Italy. It is found that variables measuring speed and accuracy in all administered reading tests are not Gaussian, and therefore the threshold values used for classifying a student as a normal decoder or as an impaired decoder must be estimated on the basis of the empirical distribution of these variables rather than by using the percentiles of the normal distribution. It is also found that the decoding speed and the decoding accuracy can be measured in either a 1-minute procedure or in much longer standardized tests. The screening procedure and the tests administered are found to be equivalent insofar as they carry the same information. Finally, it is found that speed and accuracy act as complementary effects in the measurement of decoding ability. On the basis of this last finding, the study introduces a new composite indicator aimed at determining the student's performance, which combines speed and accuracy in the measurement of decoding ability.
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12
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Morlini I, Stella G, Scorza M. A new procedure to measure children's reading speed and accuracy in Italian. Dyslexia 2014; 20:54-73. [PMID: 24115526 DOI: 10.1002/dys.1462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2012] [Revised: 06/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Impaired readers in primary school should be early recognized, in order to asses a targeted intervention within the school and to start a teaching that respects the difficulties in learning to read, to write and to perform calculations. Screening procedures, inside the primary schools aimed at detecting children with difficulties in reading, are of fundamental importance for guaranteeing an early identification of dyslexic children and reducing both the primary negative effects--on learning--and the secondary negative effects--on the development of the personality--of this disturbance. In this study, we propose a new screening procedure measuring reading speed and accuracy. This procedure is very fast (it is exactly 1 min long), simple, cheap and can be provided by teachers without technical knowledge. On the contrary, most of the currently used diagnostic tests are about 10 min long and must be provided by experts. These two major flaws prevent the widespread use of these tests. On the basis of the results obtained in a survey on about 1500 students attending primary school in Italy, we investigate the relationships between variables used in the screening procedure and variables measuring speed and accuracy in the currently used diagnostic tests in Italy. Then, we analyse the validity of the screening procedure from a statistical point of view, and with an explorative factor analysis, we show that reading speed and accuracy seem to be two separate symptoms of the dyslexia phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Morlini
- Department of Economics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Berengario 51, 41121, Modena, Italy
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13
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Tomaiuolo R, Scorza M, Elce A, Giordano S, Castaldo G. WS21.7 Identification and characterization of two novel mutations in conserved sequences tags (CSTs) of CFTR gene. J Cyst Fibros 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/s1569-1993(13)60135-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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14
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Montecchi F, Scorza M. [The role of parental phobic and/or obsessive pathology in the development of psychiatric symptoms in children]. Minerva Psichiatr 1987; 28:333-6. [PMID: 3453880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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15
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Dávila Aveiga E, Estol P, Vidal H, Scorza M, Belitzky R, Bustos R, Caldeyro-Barcia R. Persistence Time of the Ring of Bubbles (PTRB): a method for the quantification of the Foam Tests. J Perinat Med 1981; 9:275-85. [PMID: 6799636 DOI: 10.1515/jpme.1981.9.6.275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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16
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Bustos R, Estol P, Fasanello A, Scorza M, Giussi G. Optical density at 650 nm in amniotic fluid, L/S ratio and foam test as indicators of fetal lung maturity. J Perinat Med 1980; 8:278-83. [PMID: 7452436 DOI: 10.1515/jpme.1980.8.6.278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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