| چکیده انگلیسی مقاله |
Objectives: The aim of this research is designing a neuro-cognitive program, based on dysfunctions and alterations of some neural circuits in dyslexics. The visual and auditory working memories in pre-schoolers are evaluated with this program in order to early screening dyslexia. Methods: In the designed neuro-cognitive program some cognitive components considering dyslexic’s disabilities due to neural circuits’ dysfunctions and alterations were measured. Then the validity and reliability of the designed program were calculated. This study is a longitudinal descriptive research. 259 randomly selected preschoolers, with average age of 6 years, participated and the unskilled data of these students were gathered. These subjects were followed during two years. After two years, the remained subjects were assessed accurately for dyslexia by means of different reading diagnostic tests. Then, the preschool unskilled data and the diagnosis were applied to automate the designed program. The program was designed in game format and consisted of separate tasks measuring visual and auditory working memories and rapid naming. Results: From the calculation of content validity rate as the first step of content validity process, 3 out of 5 components, including visual and auditory working memories, and rapid naming were selected. The process and the results of content validity showed that the designed program has an appropriate and acceptable level of content validity. The amount of reliability of the program for visual and auditory working memories, and rapid naming obtained 0.89, 0.92 and 0.88, respectively. Moreover, the discriminative validity for auditory and visual working memories and rapid naming, between children with dyslexia, ADHD (as a disorder having high similarity with dyslexia) and normal ones, obtained 0.87, 0.67 and 0.8, respectively. It is worthy to say that the prediction accuracy of this neuro-cognitive program for dyslexia achieved 90.65%. Discussion: This program has acceptable validity and reliability. It could be account as an accurate assessment tool in predicting dyslexia before occurrence of psychological scars and can be used as a quick screening tool for children at risk for dyslexia. |