Article

Aim To improve understanding of brain function in children with severe dyslexia
in terms of minor neurological dysfunctions (MNDs). Method One hundred and four
children (81 males, 23 females; age range 7-12y; mean age 9y 7mo, SD 1y 2mo;)
with severe dyslexia (the presence of a Full-scale IQ score of >/=85, retardation
in single-word or text reading of >/=2y), assessed in a department of dyslexia of
a third-level regional psychiatric centre, underwent a neurological examination
according to Touwen and a multidisciplinary child psychiatric assessment. Special
attention was paid to severity and type of MND. Data were compared with
neurological morbidity data of children in the general population. Results Most
children had MND (87%): 43% had simple MND, 44% complex MND. The incidence of MND
was significantly higher (p<0.001) in the children with dyslexia than in the
general population (simple MND 15%, complex MND 6%). Children with dyslexia
showed especially fine manipulative disability and - to a lesser extent - mild
dysfunction in muscle tone regulation and excessive presence of associated
movements. A comorbid psychiatric syndrome was diagnosed in 66 children (63%):
emotional disturbances (27%), adjustment disorder (42%), hyperkinetic disorder
(15%), autism spectrum disorder (3%), specific disturbances of childhood not
otherwise specified (13%). The neurological findings of children with dyslexia
with and without psychiatric comorbidity were similar. Interpretation Our results
demonstrate the importance of neurological and child psychiatric assessment in
children with severe dyslexia. Our findings suggest that dysfunction of cortical
structures plays a dominant role in dyslexia.
CI - (c) The Authors. Journal compilation (c) Mac Keith Press 2010.

Langue : ANGLAIS