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Visuo-spatial discrimination and mirror image letter reversals in reading
1University of New South Wales, School of Optometry, Kensington, Australia.
Journal of the American Optometric Association
|October 1, 1992
Summary
This review highlights that both visuo-spatial skills and linguistic mechanisms are crucial for distinguishing mirror image letters. Early intervention focusing on left/right body awareness benefits beginning readers and reduces later remedial needs.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Distinguishing mirror image letters is a challenge for beginning readers.
- Existing theories often overlook the role of visuo-spatial processing in reading development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare visuo-spatial and linguistic mechanisms in mirror image letter discrimination.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of visuo-spatial training for reading difficulties.
Main Methods:
- Literature review analyzing existing arguments and evidence.
- Synthesis of findings on the interplay between spatial awareness and reading skills.
Main Results:
- Visuo-spatial discrimination, supported by left/right body awareness, is vital for early reading.
- Linguistic skills compensate for spatial deficits, but this varies with reading experience.
- Arguments against visuo-spatial theories of letter reversal are critically examined and found flawed.
Conclusions:
- Both visuo-spatial and linguistic mechanisms are essential for efficient reading.
- Remediation should include promoting left/right body awareness for children with reversal problems.
- Early intervention programs teaching body awareness as a pre-reading skill are beneficial.