Spatial load factor in prediction of reading performance

Abstract This study investigated whether there is a relationship between reading age and clinical optometric tests that have varying degrees of spatial loading in their design. Spatial loading in this context is the demand on the visual system to process information about the relative position and orientation of stimuli. A total of 112 children aged 8-11 years were assessed using saccadic eye movement and rapid naming tasks with varying spatial loads. All were subtests of Garzia's Developmental Eye Movement test and Liubinas' SeeRite Reading Diagnostic Programme. Variability in load was achieved by comparing rapid naming of numerals vs the spatially loaded letters p, d, b, q; and by comparing the speed of reading numerals presented in increasingly complex arrays. Reading Age was assessed independently and results were analysed by multiple logistic regression. Spatially loaded naming tasks performed at speed exposed a Spatial Loading Factor which clearly differentiates children at risk with reading.