Comparison of visual aids for improving reading performance in children with dyslexia

Abstract Background: Dyslexia is a key learning disorder associated with reading difficulties in children. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of simple visual devices in improving the reading performance of children with dyslexia. Methods: A case control study was conducted by selecting ۸۰ school children with dyslexia, aged ۸ to ۱۱ years, from the Special Dyslexic School Program of the Ministry of Education (MOE) Malaysia. Subjects were randomly assigned to four groups: the typoscope, magnifier, visual tracking magnifier (VTM), and control groups. Reading performance was measured based on reading speed and reading error rate. The time taken to complete reading of text was measured, and reading errors were recorded. The reading performance of each group was assessed at baseline, week ۲, week ۶, and week ۱۲. Results: Reading performance was significantly different (P < ۰.۰۵) for both Level ۱ and Level ۲, before and after intervention only in children with dyslexia using magnifiers and VTM. Reading performance for children with dyslexia using a magnifier or a VTM increased significantly (P < ۰.۰۵) from baseline to week ۲, week ۶, and week ۱۲. The improvement in reading speed was ۲.۵ times faster for children in the VTM group than in the other groups. Conclusions: Simple visual aids, such as a VTM and magnifying glass, improved reading performance in children with dyslexia. The VTM intervention yielded the greatest improvement after ۱۲ weeks of intervention. Hence, it is suggested that a VTM be used as part of a rehabilitation program for all children with dyslexia in Malaysia, particularly those in dyslexia programs in schools under the MOE Malaysia. However, future studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm the sustainability of this improved reading performance after discontinuation of the intervention. Keywords: dyslexia children visual tracking magnifier typoscope simple magnifier reading performance reading speed reading rate reading error rate