Brain scans ‘can predict reading skills development in dyslexics’

A new brain imaging technique could potentially be used to help predict the likelihood of dyslexia sufferers acquiring reading skills later in life.

Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine utilised functional magnetic resonance imaging to observe the brain activity of dyslexic teenagers while reading over a period of time.

It was found that those with higher levels of activation and connection in their right inferior frontal gyrus were more likely to experience reading improvement in the long term.

Not only could this be used as a prognostic tool, according to the scientists, but the data could also be utilised in the development of new therapies and interventions that focus on this specific area of the brain.

Dr Fumiko Hoeft, an imaging expert and instructor at Stanford's Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, said: "More study is needed before the technique is clinically useful, but this is a huge step forward."

This comes after education secretary Michael Gove stated last week that the government intends to introduce a test for six-year-olds in the UK to check that reading skills are developing normally.