Motor proficiency in dyslexic children with and without attentional disorders
M. B. Denckla, R. G. Rudel, C. Chapman and J. Krieger
Motor proficiency, in terms of speed, rhythm and absence of overflow, has
previously been shown to distinguish nonlearning disabled hyperactive boys
from matched controls. Accepted screening methods for selecting children
with dyslexia do not include assessments of hyperactivity or other
attentional deficits. Dyslexic children selected in this customary manner
were compared with an otherwise matched group that had been screened for
attentional disorders, on a series of repetitive and alternating movements
of the fingers, hands, and feet. The screened dyslexic group performed more
rapidly on five of six movements and had fewer qualitative signs of
dysrhythmia or overflow.
