A Comparative Analysis of Brain Wave Patterns in Children With and Without Dyslexia

Objective: Dyslexia, a neurodevelopmental disorder, disrupts reading and learning abilities in children. Early diagnosis is critical for mitigating its long-term effects. While prior research has examined the neurological underpinnings of dyslexia, the role of specific brain wave abnormalities in the occipital region remains underexplored. This study investigates occipital brain wave patterns in children with and without dyslexia to evaluate their potential as diagnostic markers. Methods and Materials: This study involved 30 students referred to a specialized learning disabilities center in Karaj, Iran. Participants were screened using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale (4th Edition) and the NEMATest for dyslexia. Based on the screening, 15 students with severe dyslexia were matched with 15 neurotypical peers. Brain wave activity was recorded using EEG during reading tasks, focusing on the occipital region. Statistical analyses, including bi-serial correlation and logistic regression, were used to assess differences between the groups. Findings: Dyslexic children exhibited significantly higher frequencies of sharp peaks and temporal phase differences in occipital brain waves compared to neurotypical peers (odds ratio = 1.4, p < 0.05). These abnormalities were more pronounced during reading tasks, suggesting a strong association between occipital brain wave patterns and dyslexia. Conclusion: The findings highlight occipital brain wave abnormalities as potential diagnostic markers for dyslexia. Future research should validate these results in larger and more diverse populations and explore their integration into clinical diagnostic frameworks to enhance early detection and intervention strategies.