Dyslexia and Working Memory: Understanding Reading Comprehension and High Level Language Skills in Students with Dyslexia

Abstract

Dyslexia is defined as difficulties determining speech sounds and learning the relationships of speech sounds with letters and words. Children with learning disabilities may experience problems in attention, memory, perception, motor processing, information processing speed, planning and problem-solving skills. Although lack of phonological processing is considered one of the leading causes of dyslexia, the level of influence of other underlying factors such as cognitive deficits on reading gain is still unclear. Numerous studies have shown that dyslexia is associated with poor working memory, a critical component of reading skill acquisition because the temporary processing of newly introduced and previously stored information involves critical thinking, use of cognitive executive skills, comprehension, and learning tasks. Working memory is often used synonymously with short-term memory, but some theorists consider their functions distinct in that working memory allows for the manipulation of the information temporarily stored in short-term memory. Working memory, which provides preservation, integration and processing of verbal and visual-spatial information, works together with short-term memory to help the mind manipulate and determine important information while temporary. This study discussed the effects of working memory on reading, reading comprehension, and high-level language skills.

Need Analysis of Dyslexia Students in English Reading Comprehension Instructions

“…20% of dyslexia students also have attention deficits and weakness in motor skills, and 50% have deficits in visual focusing. In particular, time problems and lack of adaptation related to fine motor skills are closely related to the acquisition of reading skills (Kizilaslan & Tunagur, 2021).…”

Attitude and knowledge of dyslexia among elementary school teachers in Turkey

“…Although individuals with dyslexia are able to recognize speech sounds, they have difficulty associating these sounds with letters or words. Dyslexia is typically observed as a reading disorder, but it can also affect attention and memory, affecting the language-processing areas of the brain (Kızılaslan & Tunagür, 2021;Vellutino et al, 2004).In this study, we focus on the Turkish language as our research context. Turkish is a national language…”