Dyslexia Research

Dyslexia Can Be Detected in Newborns’ Brains — Seriously!

I can hardly believe it. The scans and research these days are just tremendous! This kind of breakthrough could help us prepare much earlier for children who may experience difficulties, allowing for the implementation of “play-based” programs with parents right from the very start. Imagine catching potential struggles before children ever begin to fail.

We have always said that “early identification is key”, but trying to achieve this within a school system (particularly here in the UK) that often waits until a child is three years behind before offering support is ridiculous. This new research could finally be the answer we’ve been hoping for.

Recent findings from the University of Helsinki are especially exciting. The doctoral dissertation of Sergio Navarrete Arroyo has revealed that signs of dyslexia can actually be detected in newborns’ brains.

“We measured the brain responses of around 200 newborns to changes in speech sounds using an instrument called electroencephalography. The same children were studied again at ages 2 and 4–5. They also participated in standardized tests of pre-reading skills, including abilities such as letter knowledge, verbal short-term memory, and rapid naming skills, which are known to predict future literacy.”¹

— Sergio Navarrete Arroyo, University of Helsinki

The study found that infants with a family history of dyslexia process speech sounds differently from their peers, and that these differences, measured long before reading instruction begins, were linked to later pre-reading skills.

This confirms what so many of us in the learning support community have long believed: the earlier we can identify problems, the quicker we can support children. As Navarrete Arroyo notes, talking, singing, and listening to music in early life strengthen the brain systems essential for learning to read.

In the future, brain-based tools could even complement preschool screenings, helping teachers and healthcare professionals identify children at higher risk much sooner. Combined with everyday observations and simple tests, this could make it possible to provide the right support at the right time.

By focusing on early brain and language development, we can help build the foundation for lifelong learning and well-being. I’m genuinely so excited to explore this further; this could change everything. (I really must get out more!!)

¹  Sergio Navarrete Arroyo, University of Helsinki

Definition of Dyslexia 

“Dyslexia means having difficulty with words in reading, spelling and writing – despite having normal intelligence and ability.”

by Dr J E Cullis, 1992

It is essential to recognise Dyslexia as soon as possible before it impacts a child’s self-esteem. There is no single set of signs that characterises all people with Dyslexia.

‘Dyslexia and Alternative Therapies’ – Book

‘Dyslexia and Alternative Therapies’ contains information on various alternative therapies and how they can help people with Dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties (SpLDs).

For a fuller description of ‘Dyslexia and Alternative Therapies‘, Jessica Kingsley Publishers.