EEG correlation topography in poor spellers

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Educational Psychology

Background:

• Specific learning disorders, such as dyslexia, are associated with neurobiological differences.
• Understanding the electroencephalographic (EEG) correlates of reading in individuals with poor spelling skills is crucial for identifying potential biomarkers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in electroencephalographic (EEG) activity between poor spellers and matched controls during a reading task.
• To explore the role of the right hemisphere in reading processes among individuals with spelling difficulties.

Main Methods:

• EEG data from 6 derivations were analyzed using Hjorth's parameters (Activity and Mobility).
• Product-moment correlations and cross-correlations of EEG amplitude values were calculated between derivations.
• Local Correlation Indices (LCIs) were computed to assess functional connectivity.

Main Results:

• Poor spellers showed higher Mobility LCIs in the right fronto-central derivation during reading.
• Increased right hemisphere dominance in Mobility LCIs was observed in poor spellers, prepubertal boys, and neonatal risk cases during reading.
• During rest, poor spellers exhibited a less posterior distribution of Activity and cross-correlations compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• Poor spelling is associated with altered cortical activation patterns during reading, characterized by increased right hemisphere engagement.
• These findings suggest that atypical hemispheric activation may contribute to reading and spelling deficits.
• Differences in alpha activity distribution might underlie the observed resting-state EEG variations in poor spellers.