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Room to read: The effect of extra-large letter spacing and coloured overlays on reading speed and accuracy in adolescents with dyslexia

journal contribution
posted on 2023-08-30, 19:06 authored by Steven Stagg, Nathan Kiss
Background- Coloured overlay and extra-large letter spacing may improve reading speed and accuracy in individuals with dyslexia; however, research has yet to identify which types of reading errors are diminished. Aim- To determine the impact of extra-large letter spacing and colour overlay on reading and assess the impact of both interventions on reading errors. Sample- Thirty-two dyslexic children were matched on age, verbal and non-verbal IQ with 27 children with no diagnosis of dyslexia. The average age of each group was 13 years. Method- Participants read four texts with either standard or extra-large letter spacing with or without a coloured overlay. Results- Extra-large letter spacing significantly improved reading speed more substantially for the dyslexia group. In addition, extra-large letters significantly reduced the number of missed word errors made by the dyslexia group. In contrast, coloured overlays did not significantly impact reading speed or the reduction of errors. Conclusion- Increasing letter spacing is an effective way for teachers to improve reading skills in students with dyslexia.

History

Refereed

  • Yes

Volume

119

Page range

104065

Publication title

Research in Developmental Disabilities

ISSN

1873-3379

Publisher

Elsevier

File version

  • Accepted version

Language

  • eng

Legacy posted date

2021-09-30

Legacy creation date

2021-09-30

Legacy Faculty/School/Department

Faculty of Science & Engineering

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