Intervention Effectiveness Study of BEtter AT LEarning (BEATLE)- Digital Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Program

Launched by HELSINKI UNIVERSITY CENTRAL HOSPITAL · Dec 2, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The BEATLE study is researching a new digital program designed to help children with learning challenges like dyslexia and developmental language disorders. The goal of the study is to see if this program can improve how these children feel about their abilities, their compassion for themselves, their thinking skills, and their attitudes towards learning. Participants will be randomly assigned to either use the program right away or wait to use it, which helps researchers understand its true effectiveness. The study will also look at how using this program relates to its success.

To be part of this study, children aged 4 to 18 who have been diagnosed with specific learning difficulties may qualify. Important criteria include having certain reading or language skills that are below average for their age, and they should be able to hear and see normally. Parents and teachers will also share their thoughts on the children's progress during the study. It's important to note that children with certain conditions, like autism or ADHD, may not be eligible. This study is not yet recruiting participants, but it aims to provide valuable insights into helping children with learning challenges in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• For inclusion, the International Classification of Diseases 10th edition (ICD-10; WHO, 2018) diagnostic criteria accompanied with Finnish Current Care Guidelines will be used as follows:
• • Developmental Language Disorder Verbal reasoning skills (Verbal Reasoning Index = VCI) 1.5 standard deviations lower than average (\< 78 Index points) Intact non-verbal reasoning skills (Perceptual Reasoning Index = PRI) \> 84 index points) Normal or fixed to normal hearing and vision Adequate skills in Finnish: Finnish either as a native language, major household language or adequate reported performance in Finnish school system.
• • Dyslexia Measured reading accuracy and comprehension two standard deviations (-2 standard deviations) lower than anticipated when the chronological age and IQ have been taken into account Normal of fixed to normal hearing and vision Adequate skills in Finnish: Finnish either as a native language, major household language or adequate reported performance in Finnish school system.
• • Mixed Developmental Disorder Wide developmental and learning difficulties (69 \< PRI \< 84, 69 \< VCI \< 84) Normal or fixed to normal hearing and vision Adequate skills in Finnish: Finnish either as a native language, major household language or adequate reported performance in Finnish school system.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• All exclusion criteria will be addressed individually. If a respondent fulfills one or more of the exclusion criteria, the respondent will be dropped out. Exclusion criteria are formed as follows:
• • Suspicion of mild intellectual disability Both verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills more than two standard deviations lower than average (VCI \& PRI \< 70) Weak (-2 Standard Deviations) performance on both subtests representing fluid intelligence (Wechsler's Intelligence Scale for Children IV (WISC-IV): Matrix reasoning and Picture concepts)
• • Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
• • Untreated Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• • Unable to adequately use a a computer and/or a smartphone