The challenge of remote treatment in neuropsychological intervention for reading and spelling in dyslexia: A prospective observational cohort study

Abstract

Telemedicine approaches have proved to be valuable solutions for the delivery of treatment for many health-related issues, and crucial during the pandemics. Nonetheless, the efficacy of such Web-based practices in developmental dyslexia needs to be thoroughly evaluated. To this aim, the effects of a multi-componential program for neuropsychological intervention in dyslexia delivered as an outpatient program were compared with those obtained with a remotely delivered, Web-based treatment, based on the same methodological principles and delivered with the same duration and intensity. The treatment-related changes obtained with a combination of visual hemisphere-specific stimulation and training of visual–spatial attention through action video games, were compared to those obtained through remote treatment via the Tachidino Web-based platform. Both treatments had a duration of 4 weeks. The same battery of reading and phonemic awareness tests was delivered in presence, before and after treatment, as well as at 6-months follow-up. User satisfaction was assessed through parents and user questionnaires. Both treatments were significantly and similarly effective in improving reading speed, reading accuracy, and writing accuracy. No reduction in the effects was observed after treatment discontinuation. The Web-based treatment may thus offer a valid alternative to in-person intervention, optimizing the flexibility, capillary diffusion and cost-effectiveness of intervention.