Gemm Learning & Gaab Lab Partner in Dyslexia Research Study

Gemm Learning helps recruit students for a new study

We are pleased to announce that Gemm Learning will partner with Children’s Hospital Boston in a dyslexia study. This new study will focus on early detection of dyslexia in children who are yet unable to read. Through the use of cognitive, psychoeducational and neuroimaging methods, this research aims to find a way of identifying children at risk for reading disabilities at an early age. Through this research on dyslexia, the hope is that dyslexia will be able to be detected early, before reading skills are present. Ultimately it is hoped that through dyslexia treatment programs and early intervention, prevention of disorders can occur.

Gaab Laboratory at Boston Children’s Hospital

The study will focus on early identification of children who are at risk for developmental dyslexia and monitor the growth and progress of their brains’ developments over time.

Currently researchers at the Gaab Lab at Children’s Hospital in Boston are seeking participants for this early detection study.  Working with infants, preschool and elementary school children has revealed changes in the brains of school-age children and adults with a diagnosis of developmental dyslexia. Current investigations involve how brain differences appear and how they develop over a period of time. The larger question is whether these differences can be used to identify children who are at risk for dyslexia before reading skills are present.

Here at Gemm Learning we are very dedicated to resolving learning difficulties through personalized reading programs, and we aim to resolve learning difficulties by treating the underlying issues, rather than tutoring around them. We are honored to be a part of a study that could revolutionize the way that learning disabilities are discovered. In early discovery of learning difficulties, perhaps one day we will be able to eliminate learning disabilities altogether.

Who is Needed to Participate in the Study

The Gaab Lab is seeking:

• Children 3-12 months old with and without family histories of dyslexia. This study requires only one session. Information about the child’s cognitive and motor abilities will be gathered and pictures of brain activity will be taken during naptime. All children (and parents) receive toys, a picture of their brain, as well as a report containing information regarding the child’s developmental strengths and weaknesses.
• Children 4-5 years old who have not begun reading, with or without a family history of dyslexia. Children involved in this segment must be starting kindergarten in the fall of 2011 or 2012. This study requires two sessions each year for a four year period. One session looks at cognitive and reading development, the second brain development. Parents will receive a report and children will receive toys as well as a gift certificate to local book stores.
• Children 8-12 years old who have dyslexia, ADHD, both or neither. This study requires one or two sessions. During the session, the child’s reading, language, attention and other cognitive skills will be measured. Parents will receive a report and children receive prizes as well as bookstore gift certificates.

Contact Information for Gaab Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital

All sessions are conducted at Children’s Hospital locations in Boston or Waltham. Parents are reimbursed for transportation and parking. If you and your child are interested in learning more please visit: http://www.childrenshospital.org/research/gaablab or email: gaablab@gmail.com (phone: 617-334-5046).