As boys have been diagnosed with dyslexia more often than girls, the underlying reason for such circumstances have remained unclear. At present, researchers have been establishing the relationship between risks of developing dyslexia and an individual’s speed at which he or she can easily and automatically perform tasks- also known as processing speed.
While gender differences have been a prevalent factor in developing dyslexia and in many other behavioral and psychiatric conditions, the underlying cause remains elusive. In a study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Ann Arnett and her fellow researchers looked into the role of processing speed in developing dyslexia among males and females.
The study gathered 2,401 young individuals aged seven to 24 as their sample. The participants were asked to undergo several cognitive tests as part of their reading assessment. One of the tests was called the Oral Non-Word Reading task through which the boys were asked to read 95 pseudowords, with one or two syllables, aloud while these were shown on a computer.
The Time Limited Word Recognition Test was also conducted to enable the participants to read single words while being shown on the screen. Responses were only deemed correct if they were given within two seconds.
Based on the results, the differences when it comes to processing speed and the ability to voluntarily deter an automatic response (inhibitory control) explain the reading skill differences among males and females. It remains unclear how processing speed can lead to developing dyslexia, and further research is required.
However, processing speed seemingly reflects one’s neuro-developmental state that also affects reading abilities. "For example, it is often linked to white matter integrity in the brain, and there is research suggesting that some aspects of white matter connectivity are also important for reading", Arnett explained to IBTimes UK. The study concluded that the differences in terms of processing speed between boys and girls may help explain their difference in terms of developing dyslexia.
