This article first outlines a tentative neurocognitive model of oral language and reading. It then reviews recent functional magnetic resonance imaging studies of the development of oral language and reading and brain-imaging research on dyslexia in light of the proposed neurocognitive model. Finally, research on the plasticity of neural systems…

Studies are reviewed on the interactive-compensatory model of reading, which explains developmental and individual differences in the use of context to facilitate word recognition. One major implication reported is that, with context adequately instantiated, less-skilled readers utilize context to facilitate word recognitions as much, if not more,…

This paper examines the influence of Norman Geschwind's model of connectionism, in which complex functions are built up by connecting primary areas in the brain, and notes his studies of the effects of disconnection on dyslexic individuals. Connectionist-based behavioral studies are reviewed, focusing on intracortical association connections and…

Provides a model for diagnosing and helping adult students who are having trouble reading in college. (HOD)

Illustrates how one can test a multicomponent model of reading by observing the different forms that acquired reading disorder takes as a consequence of different patterns of damage to the brain. (HOD)

This article reviews evidence for seven central questions about the role of naming-speed deficits in developmental reading disabilities. Cross-sectional, longitudinal, and cross-linguistic research on naming-speed processes, timing processes, and reading is presented. An evolving model of visual naming illustrates areas of difference and areas of…

The paper develops the phonological-core variable difference model to conceptualize differences between dyslexic and other poor readers. The model highlights the importance of viewing the concept of dyslexia as the outcome of the application of an arbitrary criterion in a continuous distribution. (Author/DB)

Acknowledges that symbol naming speed is an important correlate of reading skill. Proposes an informal model and reviews evidence for several of its links. Concludes that use of such a model may focus research questions more finely and lead to a more precise conceptualization of the basis for naming speed-reading relationships. (SG)

Reviews attempts to adequately define dyslexia with a focus on recent efforts at developing a nosology of dyslexia and discusses the neurological basis of reading and severe reading failure with an emphasis on validating evidence provided through brain-mapping procedures and postmortem studies. (HOD)

The utility of developmental behavioral genetics in the study of reading disability is considered. Research which has found reading disability to be partly genetically determined is cited, and future research applications are discussed. (Author/JDD)

Reviews several lines of convergent research to discuss the relationship between developmental dyslexia and slow symbol naming speed. Describes the interactive development of orthographic and phonological codes, and methodological problems leading to underestimation of the importance of individual differences. Argues that an understanding of…

This overview of the relationship of reading vocabulary knowledge to reading comprehension offers a vocabulary acquisition model that asserts that both breadth and depth of vocabulary knowledge are critical to comprehension. The vocabulary/comprehension relationship and the acquisition of word meanings are compared for hearing and deaf students,…

Presents diagnostic model of early language delay; examines four longitudinal studies exploring relationship between early language delay and later literacy development. Identifies findings providing strong evidence of continuity between language delay and later reading difficulties and the importance of severity and chronicity of the impairment.…

Specific reading disability/dyslexia is examined as the one type of learning disability for which research results are consistent enough to suggest a model. The implications of this model are considered and three types of learning disabilities are discussed: specific language impairments, specific reading disability/dyslexia, and specific math…

Uses the Spear-Swerling and Sternberg model of reading disability (RD) in order to give practitioners a set of materials that are sensitive to the different developmental stages of word recognition in both normal readers and readers with RD, and that can be used for student assessment. (CR)