Identifying Dyslexia Risk in Student-Athletes: A Preliminary Protocol for Concussion Management.

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Learning disability (LD) is a potential risk factor for sport-related concussions.
• Students with LD are underrepresented in concussion research.
• Dyslexia, a common LD, is often underdiagnosed, especially in high-achieving individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of including students with dyslexia in LD concussion research.
• To provide athletic trainers with an overview of dyslexia.
• To present a preliminary screening protocol for identifying dyslexia in student-athletes.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on learning disabilities and concussions.
• Description of dyslexia, including common masking factors in high-achievers.
• Proposal of a screening protocol for athletic trainers.

Main Results:

• High-achieving students with dyslexia may not be identified through standard assessments.
• A specific screening protocol can aid in identifying dyslexia among student-athletes.
• Inclusion of students with dyslexia in baseline concussion testing is crucial.

Conclusions:

• Athletic trainers need awareness and tools to identify dyslexia in student-athletes.
• Accurate identification of dyslexia can improve concussion risk assessment and management.
• Further research is needed to understand concussion risks in students with LD, particularly dyslexia.