Reading-FREE Markers for Early Detection of Developmental Dyslexia

Launched by UNIVERSITÀ VITA-SALUTE SAN RAFFAELE · Jul 8, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This longitudinal study, titled "Longitudinal assessment of multidomain reading-FREE neurocognitive markers for early detection of Developmental Dyslexia (FREE-DD)", investigates early neurocognitive predictors of developmental dyslexia (DD) and related reading disorders in children born preterm (PTB), as compared to children born at term (ATB). Children born preterm are at elevated risk for neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities, including difficulties with language, attention, and reading acquisition, yet early identification of these risks remains limited.

The main objective of the study is...

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• For Preterm-Born (PTB) Children:
• • Born preterm (i.e., gestational age \< 39 weeks)
• • Aged between 6 and 9 years at enrollment
• • Absence of structural brain lesions (as assessed by prior clinical imaging)
• • Italian as the first language (L1)
• • Right-hand dominant
• • Male or female
• For At-Term-Born (ATB) Children:
• • Born at term (i.e., gestational age between 39 and 42 weeks)
• • Aged between 6 and 9 years at enrollment
• • Absence of structural brain lesions (as assessed by prior clinical imaging)
• • Italian as the first language (L1)
• • Right-hand dominant
• • Male or female
• Exclusion Criteria:
• For Preterm-Born (PTB) Children:
• • History of congenital infections
• • Diagnosis of Multiple Congenital Anomalies Syndrome
• • Presence of focal intracerebral parenchymal lesions
• • Pathological findings on conventional MRI
• For At-Term-Born (ATB) Children:
• • Presence of first-degree relatives diagnosed with developmental dyslexia (DD)
• • Diagnosis of other learning or behavioral disorders
• • Contraindications to MRI (e.g., metal implants, severe claustrophobia)