Back on track: an efficient computer-assisted multi-componential remediation program for dyslexic readers

BackgroundConverging evidence suggests that the causes of developmental dyslexia (DD) are multifactorial, which results in a large heterogeneity of DD. We, therefore, tested a three-stage multimodal and multi-componential computer-assisted remediation program that trained different underlying cognitive processes typically impaired in DD (audio-phonological, visual-attentional, orthography-phonology).MethodsThe program was tested in a multicenter, longitudinal, clinical trial. An overall of 94 speech and language therapists and 144 dyslexic readers participated in the study. In the first phase (within-subject pre-intervention baseline), all participants received conventional reading remediation (CRR) once a week for two months. In the second phase, three different types of intensive computer-based interventions were delivered in the homes of the children five times a week/15 min a day: audio-phonological (AP), visuo-attentional (VA) and orthography-to-phonology (OtP) for two months each in addition to participants’ weekly speech and language therapy sessions. The order of the first two training programs (AP, VA) was crossed and participants were randomly assigned to either AP or VA first. The specific content of each training program was tailored to the specific deficits of each patient. In the third phase (post-intervention baseline), the intensive interventions were stopped, and participants continued with weekly CRR.ResultsCompared to the pre-intervention baseline, the three intervention programs (i.e., AP, VA, OtP) had a cumulative and significant effect on improving reading fluency, spelling and reading comprehension. Each intervention program significantly improved reading fluency. Training VA first produced larger gains in reading fluency than training AP first. At the end of the 3-stage program, 48.8 % of the participants were free of reading disorders.ConclusionsWe show that it is possible to implement an inexpensive and effective home intervention program for dyslexic children that brings a large proportion of them back in the normal range of reading after only 6 months of intervention.