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Is learning a logographic script easier than reading an alphabetic script for German children with dyslexia? PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282200. [PMID: 36827407 PMCID: PMC9956901 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Developmental dyslexia in alphabetic languages (DD) is characterized by a phonological deficit. Since logographic scripts rely predominantly on visual and morphological processing, reading performance in DD can be assumed to be less impaired when reading logographic scripts. METHODS 40 German-speaking children (18 with DD, 22 not reading-impaired-group C; 9-11 years) received Chinese lessons. Eye movements (EM) were recorded during naming single alphabetic words, pictures (confrontational) and Chinese characters to be named in German and Chinese. The main outcome variables were: Articulation latency, numbers and durations of fixations. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed by questionnaires. RESULTS While reading alphabetic words, articulation latencies and numbers of fixations were significantly higher for group DD than for group C (AL-DD = 1.13, AL-C = 0.84, p< .001; FN-DD = 3.50; FN-C = 2.00, p< .001). For naming pictures and Chinese characters in German and in Chinese, no significant group differences were found for any of the EM variables. The percentage of correct answers was high for German naming (DD = 86.67%, C = 95.24%; p = .015) and lower for Chinese naming in both groups, but significantly lower in group DD, especially for Chinese naming (DD = 56.67%, C: 83.77%; p = .003). QoL differed between groups from the children's perspective only at posttest. Parents of group DD perceived their children`s QoL to be lower compared with parents of group C at pre- and posttest. CONCLUSIONS Children with dyslexia performed as well as group C during naming Chinese characters in German and in Chinese regarding their EM variables, presumably because they processed Chinese characters by the visuo-spatial pathway with direct access to the semantic system. However, the significantly lower percentage of correct answers especially during Chinese naming showed that group DD had more difficulties naming Chinese characters than group C, which could be attributed to their phonological deficit, among other factors. TRIAL REGISTRATION German clinical trials register (DRKS00015697).
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Waber DP, Boiselle EC, Forbes PW, Sideridis GD. Special Education Services and School-Related Quality of Life in Children With Learning Disorders and Their Families: A One-Year Follow-Up Study. JOURNAL OF LEARNING DISABILITIES 2022; 55:351-358. [PMID: 34865563 DOI: 10.1177/00222194211060864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Learning disorders can have adverse impacts on children and families extending beyond the academic skills deficits. The goal of the present study was to assess the impact of the school's response, following an independent evaluation, for child and family school-related quality of life (QOL). We hypothesized that a positive school response would be associated with improved QOL. Parents completed the LDQOL/15, a brief measure of school-related QOL, at the time that their child received an independent evaluation and again a year later (N = 155). At follow-up, parents reported the tenor of the school's response to the evaluation and whether special education services had changed. QOL problems were very high in this referred population, with 66% of respondents rating a level of problems in the clinical range at baseline. Predicted interactions between time of assessment (baseline/follow-up) and the school's response to the evaluation were confirmed for all outcome variables; a positive school response was associated with improved QOL. Nevertheless, the overall prevalence of school-related QOL problems remained high a year after the evaluation. These findings indicate that special education interventions can mitigate learning disabilities' impacts, but even with these services, many children with learning disorders and their families continue to be significantly affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah P Waber
- Boston Children's Hospital, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Zou L, Zhu K, Jiang Q, Xiao P, Wu X, Zhu B, Song R. Quality of life in Chinese children with developmental dyslexia: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e052278. [PMID: 35039286 PMCID: PMC8765030 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-052278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our study aimed to compare the quality of life (QoL) between Chinese developmental dyslexia (DD) and healthy children. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. SETTING The participants were recruited from grades 3-6 in six primary schools in Tianmen, a city of Hubei Province, China. PARTICIPANTS A total of 5679 students were recruited. After excluding children with visual and auditory dysfunction or psychiatric diseases or with a response rate on the scales or questionnaires of less than 90%, 5352 children were finally included in the analysis. DD children were diagnosed according to their clinical symptoms, which were mainly assessed by the Dyslexia Checklist for Chinese Children and the Pupil Rating Scale Revised Screening for Learning Disabilities. OUTCOME MEASURES The QoL for DD and healthy children was appraised by the Quality of Life Scale for Children and Adolescents (QLSCA). Outcome measures included its four domain scores (psychosocial function, physiological and mental health, living environment and satisfaction with QoL) and total score. RESULTS A total of 186 children were diagnosed with DD. The distribution of DD children in five levels of QoL was statistically different from that of healthy children (χ2=57.63, p<0.001). Compared with healthy children, the proportion of poor or worse QoL in DD was higher, and the proportion of moderate, better or good QoL was lower. The total QLSCA score in DD children was 3.475 lower than that in healthy children (B=-3.475, p=0.006). Psychosocial function, physiological and mental health, living environment and satisfaction with QoL of DD children were also inferior to those of healthy children. CONCLUSION The QoL of DD was significantly lower than that of healthy children, prompting more public efforts to improve DD QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zou
- Department of Child Healthcare, Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kaiheng Zhu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qi Jiang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Pei Xiao
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaoqian Wu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Bing Zhu
- Department of Health Determinants Surveillance, Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ranran Song
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Eldblom J, Boström P, Broberg M, Åsberg Johnels J. Word reading, vocabulary, and mental health problems in adolescent girls and boys with intellectual and developmental disabilities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2019; 67:131-139. [PMID: 34141406 PMCID: PMC8115501 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2019.1626168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Reading difficulties are linked to several disadvantages in the general population. Less is known about correlates of reading difficulties in individuals with intellectual and severe developmental disabilities (IDD). Vocabulary and word reading were assessed in 112 adolescents with IDD, recruited from Special needs comprehensive schools in Sweden (grundsärskolor in Swedish). Proxy-ratings of mental health were collected from teachers and parents for a subset of the participants. Relationships between all measures were investigated. Reading and vocabulary were poorly developed in both groups and significantly associated. While mental health problems were common, there were no significant associations with word reading or with vocabulary knowledge. Thus, the study did not confirm an association between reading difficulties and mental health problems in adolescents with IDD. Still, the frequency of mental health problems and the low reading abilities point to the need for further intervention for adolescents with IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Eldblom
- Habilitation & Health, Habilitation – Child and Youth, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden;
- Speech and Language Pathology Unit & the Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden;
| | - Petra Boström
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Malin Broberg
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jakob Åsberg Johnels
- Speech and Language Pathology Unit & the Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden;
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Voelkl-Kernstock S, Kletecka-Pulker M, Felnhofer A, Kothgassner OD, Skala K, Hansmann B, Wenzel T. Psychopathology and Quality of Life in Traumatized or Victimized Underage Individuals as Factors for Forensic Multilevel Assessment-A Pilot Investigation. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:684. [PMID: 31620034 PMCID: PMC6759824 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Psychological sequels to criminal violence can be long lasting and severe. They are in many countries not sufficiently considered in court cases as an important circumstance that could be used to assess the severity of the crime, also guiding redress, compensation, and rehabilitation of the victim, and-in children-child custody considerations. So far, the focus of forensic assessment has often been limited to diagnostic categories, especially "posttraumatic stress disorder" (PTSD), a diagnosis that presently is subjected to rapidly changing definitions both in and between diagnostic systems. Other indicators such as quality of life (QoL) might be of equal importance as compared to clinical or research diagnostic categories to understand and evaluate the impact of a crime and the amount of help needed and, in the legal context, redress to be asked. Symptoms might differ depending on the crime encountered. Objective and Methods: QoL and general symptom patterns including a PTSD diagnosis were assessed in a group of 10- to 17-year-old minors with (n = 33) and without (n = 49) PTSD diagnosis who all had experienced sexual abuse, physical abuse, death of a parent, or their parents' divorce, using standardized diagnostic instruments. Results: PTSD patients reported a significantly lower QoL than non-PTSD controls. Reported symptom patterns with potential impact on life, such as intrusive thoughts, differed between the victims of different crime types, with the highest rates of both intrusive symptoms and combined symptom profile in victims of sexual abuse. Data indicate that the changes between older and present criteria and between DSM and recently published ICD 11 might help identify different groups and symptom profiles. Conclusion: Specific trauma-related symptom profiles integrating the type of crime encountered and its individual impact on QoL may help improve future forensic assessment and guide compensation and rehabilitation plans. Carefully designed studies are now needed to further explore the use and forensic usability of complex indicators and the impact of violence in different forensic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Voelkl-Kernstock
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Kletecka-Pulker
- Department for Ethics and Law in Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Felnhofer
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Katrin Skala
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Brigitte Hansmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Wenzel
- Department of Psychiatry and Department for Ethics and Law in Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Waber DP, Boiselle EC, Forbes PW, Girard JM, Sideridis GD. Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents With Learning Problems: Development and Validation of the LD/QOL15 Scale. JOURNAL OF LEARNING DISABILITIES 2018; 52:146-157. [PMID: 29860921 DOI: 10.1177/0022219418775119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Learning problems (LP) can have wider implications than the academic deficits per se. The goal of the present series of studies was to develop a reliable and valid quality-of-life measure targeted to children and adolescents with LP. In Study 1, using a 35-item questionnaire, we surveyed 151 parents/guardians of children referred for assessment of learning disorders. Exploratory factor analysis identified a three-factor model: Academic Performance, School Understanding, and Child/Family Psychological. These factors were validated against standardized measures of academic achievement and psychosocial functioning. The questionnaire was then reduced to 15 items-the LD/QOL15 -and administered to a community sample of 325 parents/guardians of children in Grades 1 to 8 (Study 2). The three-factor model was verified with confirmatory factor analysis. Comparison of general education ( n = 232) and LP ( n = 93) groups within the community sample documented substantial group differences ( p < .0001), with the LP group having higher mean scores. These differences were larger for older students (Grades 5-8) than younger students (Grades 1-4; p < .01). The LD/QOL15 is a brief and reliable measure that is valid to assess quality of life and, potentially, outcomes in children and adolescents with LP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah P Waber
- 1 Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, MA, USA
| | - Ellen C Boiselle
- 2 Learning Disabilities Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, MA, USA
| | - Peter W Forbes
- 3 Integrated Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston Children's Hospital, MA, USA
| | | | - Georgios D Sideridis
- 5 Integrated Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, MA, USA
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