Reading and White Matter Development: A Systematic Review of Neuroplastic Changes in Literacy

Background/Objectives: Reading is a core cognitive ability that plays a central role in children's brain development and academic success. This review aims to examine the neuroplastic relationship between reading acquisition and white matter development from infancy through adolescence, with a focus on implications for literacy interventions and educational planning. Methods: A systematic review of 89 neuroimaging studies published between 1998 and 2024 was conducted. Eligible studies utilized diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) or structural MRI to investigate white matter changes related to reading behavior in children aged 0 to 18. Studies were identified through comprehensive searches in Web of Science and Scopus databases. Results: Children with stronger reading abilities consistently showed increased fractional anisotropy (FA) in key white matter pathways, such as the arcuate fasciculus and superior longitudinal fasciculus, supporting phonological processing and reading fluency. Longitudinal data suggest that early exposure to literacy enhances brain flexibility and white matter organization. In contrast, children with reading disabilities, including dyslexia, often show disorganized white matter structure, but compensatory pathways may emerge through targeted interventions. Conclusions: Reading experience is associated with measurable changes in white matter development across childhood. Early and sustained literacy engagement appears to optimize neural structures for reading. These findings can inform early diagnosis and improve pedagogical strategies for literacy education. Further research is needed on the long-term neurobiological effects of reading interventions.