Authors:

Wilson, B.A.

Reference:

Year of publication:

1994

CBU number:

2986

Abstract:

Seven subjects who were neurologically impaired following encephalitis (N=2), head injury (N=3), and stroke (N=2) were referred several years previously because of acquired dyslexia. Two were almost totally alexic, two were surface dyslexic, two were deep dyslexic and one was a letter-by-letter reader. Following a period of rehabilitation, the two with alexia became surface dyslexic and letter-by-letter readers; one of the deep dyslexics showed some improvements but remained a deep dyslexic; and the letter-by-letter reader learned to read more quickly. At follow-up, 6 to 10 years later, there had been little significant change. The two whose alexia resolved into surface dyslexia with letter-by-letter reading had increased their reading ages but remained surface dyslexic and letter-by-letter readers. The subject who had been a letter-by-letter reader was faster at easier and more frequently used words but slower at harder, less frequently used words. Changes in the other four subjects were negligible. Implications for rehabilitation are discussed.