Funções executivas em crianças que apresentam dificuldades de aprendizagem / Executive functions in children with learning disabilities

As Funções Executivas (FE) podem ser definidas como um grupo complexo e integrado de recursos cognitivos que permitem ao sujeito efetuar comportamentos voltados a fins previamente decididos. Alterações nessas habilidades, preditoras de uma boa prática acadêmica, podem desencadear dificuldades no processo de aprendizagem de crianças. Logo, objetivou-se apurar a relação entre FE e dificuldades de aprendizagem em crianças com idades entre 7 e 11 anos de ambos os sexos, atendidas em um centro especializado nessa demanda para o público infantil. Foram utilizadas as ferramentas Five Digit Test(FDT) e um questionário sociodemográfico para a coleta de dados. Foram feitos estudos estatísticos descritivos e correlacionais por meio do software SPSS para Windows, a partir dos quais descrevemos correlações significativas entre os componentes executivos 'Controle Inibitório' e 'Flexibilidade Cognitiva' e as dificuldades de aprendizagem, o que nos indica a importância destes para a execução acadêmica, bem como a relevância de métodos de avaliação das FE na primeira fase escolar, para assim prevenir/minimizar o impacto dessas dificuldades no curso do aprendizado. Pontua-se que foram descobertos impasses normativos para correção de erros no teste aplicado, criando limitações na pesquisa, assim, propõe-se uma ampliação de normatizações.

Executive Functions (FE) can be defined as a complex and integrated group of cognitive resources that allow the subject to perform behaviors aimed at previously decided ends. Changes in these skills, predictors of good academic practice, can trigger difficulties inthe learning process of children. Thus, the objective was to investigate the relationship between EF and learning difficulties in children aged between 7 to 11 years of both sexes, attended at a specialized center in this demand for children. Five Digit Test (FDT) tools and a sociodemographic questionnaire were used for data collection. Descriptive and correlational statistical studies were carried out using PSS for Windows software, from which we describe significant correlations between the executive components 'Inhibitory Control' and 'Cognitive Flexibility' and the learning disabilities, which indicates the importance of these for academic performance, as well as the relevance of EF assessment methods in the first school phase, in order to prevent/minimize the impact of these difficulties on the learning course. It is pointed out that normative impasses were found to correct errors in the applied test, creating limitations in the research, thus, an expansion of norms is proposed.

[Profiles of reading comprehension and written composition of children with high functioning autism]. / Perfiles en comprensión lectora y en composición escrita de niños con autismo de alto funcionamiento.

Research about the academic profile of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) reports a variable performance, although it tends to be lower than what it is expected according to the cognitive level. In the school context, reading and writing are crucial abilities for learning in different curricular areas and they have important implications for academic, social and occupational success. A brief review is carried out about the main reading and writing disabilities that students with ASD show. Studies about reading coincide to point out an adequate knowledge of the decodification processes. However, a lower performance in reading comprehension and, particularly, inferential comprehension has been frequently described. In addition, deficits in the different components of writing have been reported, especially, handwriting and text coherence. Different factors may explain this profile of difficulties, like linguistic factors or aspects related to the psychological theories of autism, which may contribute to possible interventions.

La investigación sobre el perfil académico de los estudiantes con Trastorno del Espectro Autista (TEA) refiere un desempeño variable, generalmente inferior a lo esperado para la capacidad cognitiva. En el marco escolar, la lectura y la escritura constituyen aprendizajes instrumentales cruciales que vertebran el éxito en distintas áreas curriculares y tienen implicaciones importantes a lo largo de la vida, no solo académica, sino también social y ocupacional. En este artículo se realiza una breve revisión de las principales dificultades que presentan los estudiantes con TEA en la lectura y la escritura. Con respecto a la lectura, los estudios coinciden en señalar un buen dominio de los procesos de decodificación, pero un rendimiento inferior a la edad y al nivel intelectual en la comprensión lectora, especialmente en la comprensión inferencial. También se han identificado déficits en los diversos componentes de la escritura, particularmente en el grafismo y la coherencia textual. Este perfil ha llevado a tratar de dilucidar diversos factores explicativos, entre ellos, factores lingüísticos o aspectos relacionados con las propias teorías psicológicas del autismo, que pueden orientar propuestas de intervención.

Perfiles en comprensión lectora y en composición escrita de niños con autismo de alto funcionamiento / Profiles of reading comprehension and written composition of children with high functioning autism

La investigación sobre el perfil académico de los estudiantes con Trastorno del Espectro Autista (TEA) refiere un desempeño variable, generalmente inferior a lo esperado para la capacidad cognitiva. En el marco escolar, la lectura y la escritura constituyen aprendizajes instrumentales cruciales que vertebran el éxito en distintas áreas curriculares y tienen implicaciones importantes a lo largo de la vida, no solo académica, sino también social y ocupacional. En este artículo se realiza una breve revisión de las principales dificultades que presentan los estudiantes con TEA en la lectura y la escritura. Con respecto a la lectura, los estudios coinciden en señalar un buen dominio de los procesos de decodificación, pero un rendimiento inferior a la edad y al nivel intelectual en la comprensión lectora, especialmente en la comprensión inferencial. También se han identificado déficits en los diversos componentes de la escritura, particularmente en el grafismo y la coherencia textual. Este perfil ha llevado a tratar de dilucidar diversos factores explicativos, entre ellos, factores lingüísticos o aspectos relacionados con las propias teorías psicológicas del autismo, que pueden orientar propuestas de intervención.

Research about the academic profile of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) reports a variable performance, although it tends to be lower than what it is expected according to the cognitive level. In the school context, reading and writing are crucial abilities for learning in different curricular areas and they have important implications for academic, social and occupational success. A brief review is carried out about the main reading and writing disabilities that students with ASD show. Studies about reading coincide to point out an adequate knowledge of the decodification processes. However, a lower performance in reading comprehension and, particularly, inferential comprehension has been frequently described. In addition, deficits in the different components of writing have been reported, especially, handwriting and text coherence. Different factors may explain this profile of difficulties, like linguistic factors or aspects related to the psychological theories of autism, which may contribute to possible interventions.

A Developmental Examination of Narrative Writing in EL and EL1 School Children Who Are Typical Readers, Poor Decoders, or Poor Comprehenders.

This longitudinal study examined story-writing development of students from Grade 4 to Grade 6, comparing the developmental trajectories of English as a first language (EL1s; n = 43) and English learners (ELs; n = 108) in general, and in groups of EL1s and ELs with typically developing and poor reader profiles. In relation to their EL1 or EL reference group, students were classified in Grade 4 as typical readers (n = 72), poor decoders (n = 53), or poor comprehenders (n = 26), with EL1s and ELs proportionally represented in each group. The effects of language, grade level, and reading group on story-writing measures were examined. Both EL1s and ELs developed story-writing skills in a similar manner, showing significant growth between Grades 4 and 6. Typically developing ELs attained age-appropriate story-writing levels. Poor decoders and poor comprehenders showed similar profiles of strengths and weaknesses, regardless of whether English was their first or second language. Both poor reader groups had significant difficulties in story-writing, struggling with the mechanics of writing, sentence structure, and story organization. Findings are discussed in terms of the interconnected relationship between reading and writing profiles, and the importance of a comprehensive understanding of sources of learning difficulties in ELs and EL1s.

Quality of life of children with poor school performance: association with hearing abilities and behavioral issues.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the quality of life of children with poor school performance and its association with behavioral aspects and hearing abilities. METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study, developed in a town in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, investigated a random sample of public school children, aged 7-12 years old, who performed poorly in school and received specialized educational assistance. The study comprised two stages: 1) collection of data from parents on their children's health, educational, and socioeconomic profile, and from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire; 2) administration of a quality of life evaluation scale to the schoolchildren. For the assessment of auditory function, transient otoacoustic emissions were used and auditory processing was tested. The following tests were used: verbal sequential memory, nonverbal sequential memory, sound localization, dichotic digits, duration pattern test (flute) and random gap detection. The collected data were analyzed using Excel and STATA 11.0 software. Quality of life was considered the response variable. The explanatory variables were grouped for univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis with the level of significance set at 5%. RESULTS: A statistically significant association was found between impaired quality of life, altered pro-social behavior, and the absence of parental complaints about the children's written language development. CONCLUSIONS: Quality of life is impaired in children with poor school performance. The lack of parental complaints about written language and changes in social behavior increased the likelihood of a child having a poor quality of life.

Motor skills assessments: support for a general motor factor for the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 and the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the construct validity and model-based reliability of general and specific contributions of the subscales of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) and Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 (BOT-2) when evaluating motor skills across a range of psychiatric disorders. METHODS: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and bifactor analysis were conducted on BOT-2 data from 187 elementary school students (grades 1 to 6) (mean age: 113 ± 20 months; boys: n = 117, 62.56%) and on MABC-2 data from 127 elementary school students (grade 1) (mean age: 76 ± 2 months; boys: n = 58, 45.67%). RESULTS: The results of the CFA fit the data for multidimensionality for the BOT-2 and presented poor fit indices for the MABC-2. For both tests, the bifactor model showed that the reliability of the subscales was poor. CONCLUSIONS: The BOT-2 exhibited factorial validity with a multidimensional structure among the current samples, but the MABC-2 showed poor fit indices, insufficient to confirm its multidimensional structure. For both tests, most of the reliable variance came from a general motor factor (M-factor), therefore the scoring and reporting of subscale scores were not justified for both tests.

Motor skills assessments: support for a general motor factor for the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 and the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 / Avaliação de habilidades motoras: suporte a um fator motor geral para o Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 e o Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2

Abstract Objective To evaluate the construct validity and model-based reliability of general and specific contributions of the subscales of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) and Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 (BOT-2) when evaluating motor skills across a range of psychiatric disorders. Methods Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and bifactor analysis were conducted on BOT-2 data from 187 elementary school students (grades 1 to 6) (mean age: 113 ± 20 months; boys: n = 117, 62.56%) and on MABC-2 data from 127 elementary school students (grade 1) (mean age: 76 ± 2 months; boys: n = 58, 45.67%). Results The results of the CFA fit the data for multidimensionality for the BOT-2 and presented poor fit indices for the MABC-2. For both tests, the bifactor model showed that the reliability of the subscales was poor. Conclusions The BOT-2 exhibited factorial validity with a multidimensional structure among the current samples, but the MABC-2 showed poor fit indices, insufficient to confirm its multidimensional structure. For both tests, most of the reliable variance came from a general motor factor (M-factor), therefore the scoring and reporting of subscale scores were not justified for both tests.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a validade de construto e a confiabilidade das subescalas do Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) e do Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 (BOT-2) com base em modelos das contribuições gerais e específicas ao avaliar habilidades motoras em transtornos psiquiátricos. Métodos Foram realizadas análise fatorial confirmatória (AFC) e análise bifatorial em dados de 187 escolares do primeiro ao sexto ano do ensino fundamental (idade média: 113 ± 20 meses; meninos: n = 117, 62,56%) que foram avaliados com o BOT-2, e em dados de 127 escolares do primeiro ano do ensino fundamental (idade média: 76 ± 2 meses; meninos: n = 58, 45,67%) avaliados com o MABC-2. Resultados Os resultados da AFC apresentaram índices de ajuste satisfatórios de multidimensionalidade para o BOT-2 e apresentaram índices de ajuste insatisfatórios para o MABC-2. Para ambos os testes, o modelo bifatorial mostrou que a confiabilidade das subescalas era ruim. Conclusão O BOT-2 apresentou validade fatorial com uma estrutura multidimensional entre as amostras utilizadas, mas o MABC-2 apresentou índices de ajuste insatisfatórios, insuficientes para confirmar sua estrutura multidimensional. Para ambos os testes, a maior parte da variância confiável veio de um fator motor geral (fator-M), portanto, a pontuação e o relato dos escores das subescalas não se justificaram para ambos os testes.

Quality of life of children with poor school performance: association with hearing abilities and behavioral issues / Qualidade de vida de crianças com mau desempenho escolar: associação com as habilidades auditivas e aspectos comportamentais

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to investigate the quality of life of children with poor school performance and its association with behavioral aspects and hearing abilities. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study, developed in a town in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, investigated a random sample of public school children, aged 7-12 years old, who performed poorly in school and received specialized educational assistance. The study comprised two stages: 1) collection of data from parents on their children's health, educational, and socioeconomic profile, and from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire; 2) administration of a quality of life evaluation scale to the schoolchildren. For the assessment of auditory function, transient otoacoustic emissions were used and auditory processing was tested. The following tests were used: verbal sequential memory, nonverbal sequential memory, sound localization, dichotic digits, duration pattern test (flute) and random gap detection. The collected data were analyzed using Excel and STATA 11.0 software. Quality of life was considered the response variable. The explanatory variables were grouped for univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis with the level of significance set at 5%. Results: A statistically significant association was found between impaired quality of life, altered pro-social behavior, and the absence of parental complaints about the children's written language development. Conclusions: Quality of life is impaired in children with poor school performance. The lack of parental complaints about written language and changes in social behavior increased the likelihood of a child having a poor quality of life.

RESUMO Investigar a qualidade de vida de crianças de 7 a 12 anos de idade com mau desempenho escolar e a associação com as características comportamentais e habilidades auditivas. Métodos: Estudo observacional transversal realizado com crianças de 7 a 12 anos de idade, com mau desempenho escolar das escolas públicas municipais de uma cidade do interior de Minas Gerais, Brasil, participantes de atendimentos educacionais especializados. Etapas: 1) coleta de informações com os pais sobre a saúde, perfil escolar e socioeconômico e preenchimento do Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire; 2) etapa com as crianças para aplicação da Escala de Avaliação da Qualidade de Vida. Para a avaliação da função auditiva foram utilizadas as Emissões Otoacústicas Transientes e a avaliação do processamento auditivo, sendo os testes aplicados: teste de memória de sons verbais em sequência, teste de memória de sons não verbais em sequência, localização sonora, teste dicótico de dígitos, teste de padrão de duração (flauta) e Random Gap Detection. Os dados coletados foram analisados por meio dos programas Excel e STATA 11.0. Foi considerada como variável resposta a qualidade de vida e as variáveis explicativas foram agrupadas para análise de regressão logística uni e multivariada, considerando o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Foi encontrada associação estatística entre qualidade de vida prejudicada, comportamento pró-social alterado e ausência de queixa parental de linguagem escrita. Conclusão: A qualidade de vida está comprometida nas crianças com mau desempenho escolar. A ausência de queixa sobre o desenvolvimento da linguagem escrita e comportamento pró-social alterado aumentaram a chance de a criança apresentar qualidade de vida prejudicada.

Caracterización cognitiva del trastorno de Tourette con comorbilidad TDAH: un estudio de caso / Cognitive characterization of Tourette disorder with ADHD comorbidity: a case study

El trastorno de Tourette (TT) es un trastorno del neurodesarrollo que aparece en la primera infancia caracterizado por la presencia de tics fónicos y motores que dificultan la socialización y el proceso de aprendizaje escolar. El TT posee una variada comorbilidad que incluye el trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad (TDAH), el trastorno obsesivo compulsivo (TOC), y dificultades de aprendizaje y del comportamiento. Presentamos el caso de un adolescente de 13 años diagnosticado con TT y con TDAH a los 6 y 10 años respectivamente. El paciente ha tenido una escolarización dificultosa y se encuentra con tratamiento médico de clozapina, aripiprazol, haloperidol y litio. Se aplica una batería neuropsicológica para evaluar la atención e inhibición, organización visuoespacial, memoria de trabajo, flexibilidad cognitiva, memoria verbal y memoria no-verbal, con el propósito de describir su perfil cognitivo de funciones ejecutivas y memoria. El estudio reveló que la atención está deteriorada pero que la inhibición se encuentra preservada; esto confirma el diagnóstico de TDAH y establece el subtipo de inatento para el caso en estudio. Las demás funciones ejecutivas evaluadas se encuentran severamente descendidas, situación que es coincidente con el perfil desarrollado por otros autores para el TT con comorbilidad TDAH. Sin embargo, no es claro si la disfuncionalidad ejecutiva se debe al TDAH que presenta, o a factores sociales y culturales derivados de las dificultades de escolarización causadas por el TT.

Tourette's disorder (TD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that appears in early childhood characterized by the presence of phonic and motor tics that hinder socialization and the school learning process. TD has a varied comorbidity that includes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), learning and behavioral difficulties. We present the case of a 13-year-old adolescent diagnosed with TD and with ADHD at 6 and 10 years old respectively. The patient has had a difficult schooling and is under medical treatment of clozapine, aripiprazole, haloperidol and lithium. A neuropsychological battery is applied to evaluate the attention and inhibition, visuospatial organization, working memory, cognitive flexibility, verbal memory and non-verbal memory, with the purpose of describing its cognitive profile of executive functions and memory. The study revealed that the attention is impaired but that the inhibition is preserved; This confirms the diagnosis of ADHD and establishes the inattentive subtype for the case under study. The other executive functions evaluated are severely descended, a situation that coincides with the profile developed by other authors for TD with comorbid ADHD. However, it is not clear if the executive dysfunctionality is due to the ADHD it presents, or to social and cultural factors derived from the difficulties of schooling caused by the TD.

The use of software in cases of speech sound disorders. / Intervenção fonoaudiológica com a utilização de software em casos de distúrbios dos sons da fala.

To verify the effects of Speech Therapy focusing on phonological awareness and articulatory awareness in speech skills and in the literacy process of children with speech sound disorders. Seven children, aged between six and seven years old, male and female, and with speech disorders complaints participated in this study. These children were submitted to the following speech and language assessments: Children Phonological Assessment, Articulation Test, Articulatory Awareness Assessment, Phonological Awareness Testing by Oral Production and Word Writing Evaluation. Afterwards, they underwent speech and language therapy through the software "Pedro em uma noite assustadora". The sessions took place once a week, lasting approximately 30 minutes each. At the end of eight sessions, the children were reassessed with the same instruments used in the initial assessment. Data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Based on the analysis of data obtained, improvement in speech, articulatory awareness and phonological awareness skills, and Spelling Hypothesis of all children was observed. It can be concluded that speech therapy focusing on phonological awareness and articulatory awareness skills based on specific software has influenced the organization of speech patterns and acquisition of written language in most subjects.

Este estudo tem como objetivo verificar os efeitos da terapia fonoaudiológica com enfoque na consciência fonológica e fonoarticulatória nas habilidades de fala e no processo de alfabetização de crianças com distúrbios dos sons da fala. Participaram deste estudo sete crianças com idade entre seis e sete anos, de ambos os gêneros e com queixa de alterações na fala. As crianças foram submetidas às seguintes avaliações fonoaudiológicas: Avaliação Fonológica da Criança, Exame Articulatório, Avaliação Consciência Fonoarticulatória, Prova de Consciência Fonológica Por Produção Oral e Avaliação da Escrita de Palavras. Em seguida, foram submetidas à terapia fonoaudiológica por meio do software "Pedro em uma noite assustadora", semanalmente, com duração de aproximadamente 30 minutos cada. Ao final de oito sessões as crianças foram reavaliadas com os mesmos instrumentos utilizados na avaliação inicial. Os dados foram analisados qualitativa e quantitativamente. A partir da análise dos dados obtidos, constatou-se melhora na fala, nas habilidades de consciência fonoarticulatória e de consciência fonológica e da Hipótese de Escrita de todas as crianças. Pode-se concluir que a terapia fonoaudiológica com enfoque nas habilidades de consciência fonológica e fonoarticulatórias, a partir de software especifico, influenciou a organização dos padrões de fala e aquisição da linguagem escrita na maioria dos sujeitos.

Relationship between phonological working memory, metacognitive skills and reading comprehension in children with learning disabilities.

PURPOSE: Reading requires the activation of several cognitive processes, some of which are basic, e.g. recognizing letters and words, whereas others are complex, such as working memory and ability to think about one's own learning strategies. One condition for fulfilling a complex cognitive task, such as understanding a text, is the ability to maintain and process information, which depends on working memory. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the ability of using metacognitive strategies for reading, the phonological working memory of school children with learning disabilities, and also determine if there is relation between these skills and reading comprehension. METHOD: The sample consisted of 30 school-age children and teenagers of both genders, aged 8 to 12 years, who were enrolled in primary school. They were divided in two groups, experimental (EG) and control (CG). All children were subjected to evaluation of reading comprehension, phonological working memory, and use of metacognitive skills for reading. The results were compared between groups through the Mann-Whitney test, and correlation between variables was analyzed through Spearman correlation test. RESULT: Statistical comparison between EG and CG showed statistically significant difference. Positive and effective correlation was observed between reading comprehension, phonological working memory and metacognitive tests. CONCLUSION: children with learning disabilities presented deficits in phonological working memory and use of metacognitive strategies. The positive and effective correlation between the abilities analyzed suggests that failure in the phonological working memory and use of metacognitive strategies interfere with reading comprehension.

Intervenção fonoaudiológica com a utilização de software em casos de distúrbios dos sons da fala / The use of software in cases of speech sound disorders

RESUMO Este estudo tem como objetivo verificar os efeitos da terapia fonoaudiológica com enfoque na consciência fonológica e fonoarticulatória nas habilidades de fala e no processo de alfabetização de crianças com distúrbios dos sons da fala. Participaram deste estudo sete crianças com idade entre seis e sete anos, de ambos os gêneros e com queixa de alterações na fala. As crianças foram submetidas às seguintes avaliações fonoaudiológicas: Avaliação Fonológica da Criança, Exame Articulatório, Avaliação Consciência Fonoarticulatória, Prova de Consciência Fonológica Por Produção Oral e Avaliação da Escrita de Palavras. Em seguida, foram submetidas à terapia fonoaudiológica por meio do software "Pedro em uma noite assustadora", semanalmente, com duração de aproximadamente 30 minutos cada. Ao final de oito sessões as crianças foram reavaliadas com os mesmos instrumentos utilizados na avaliação inicial. Os dados foram analisados qualitativa e quantitativamente. A partir da análise dos dados obtidos, constatou-se melhora na fala, nas habilidades de consciência fonoarticulatória e de consciência fonológica e da Hipótese de Escrita de todas as crianças. Pode-se concluir que a terapia fonoaudiológica com enfoque nas habilidades de consciência fonológica e fonoarticulatórias, a partir de software especifico, influenciou a organização dos padrões de fala e aquisição da linguagem escrita na maioria dos sujeitos.

ABSTRACT To verify the effects of Speech Therapy focusing on phonological awareness and articulatory awareness in speech skills and in the literacy process of children with speech sound disorders. Seven children, aged between six and seven years old, male and female, and with speech disorders complaints participated in this study. These children were submitted to the following speech and language assessments: Children Phonological Assessment, Articulation Test, Articulatory Awareness Assessment, Phonological Awareness Testing by Oral Production and Word Writing Evaluation. Afterwards, they underwent speech and language therapy through the software "Pedro em uma noite assustadora". The sessions took place once a week, lasting approximately 30 minutes each. At the end of eight sessions, the children were reassessed with the same instruments used in the initial assessment. Data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Based on the analysis of data obtained, improvement in speech, articulatory awareness and phonological awareness skills, and Spelling Hypothesis of all children was observed. It can be concluded that speech therapy focusing on phonological awareness and articulatory awareness skills based on specific software has influenced the organization of speech patterns and acquisition of written language in most subjects.

Relationship between phonological working memory, metacognitive skills and reading comprehension in children with learning disabilities

Abstract Reading requires the activation of several cognitive processes, some of which are basic, e.g. recognizing letters and words, whereas others are complex, such as working memory and ability to think about one's own learning strategies. One condition for fulfilling a complex cognitive task, such as understanding a text, is the ability to maintain and process information, which depends on working memory. Objective To analyze the ability of using metacognitive strategies for reading, the phonological working memory of school children with learning disabilities, and also determine if there is relation between these skills and reading comprehension. Method The sample consisted of 30 school-age children and teenagers of both genders, aged 8 to 12 years, who were enrolled in primary school. They were divided in two groups, experimental (EG) and control (CG). All children were subjected to evaluation of reading comprehension, phonological working memory, and use of metacognitive skills for reading. The results were compared between groups through the Mann-Whitney test, and correlation between variables was analyzed through Spearman correlation test. Result Statistical comparison between EG and CG showed statistically significant difference. Positive and effective correlation was observed between reading comprehension, phonological working memory and metacognitive tests. Conclusion children with learning disabilities presented deficits in phonological working memory and use of metacognitive strategies. The positive and effective correlation between the abilities analyzed suggests that failure in the phonological working memory and use of metacognitive strategies interfere with reading comprehension.

Metacognitive reading strategies of children with learning disabilities. / Estratégias metacognitivas de leitura de crianças com distúrbio de aprendizagem.

PURPOSE: to check the use of metacognitive reading strategies in children with learning disabilities and determine whether there is a relationship between their use and text comprehension. METHODS: the study was conducted on 30 children, aged 8 to 12 years, of both genders, divided into experimental group (EG) - 15 children with learning disabilities; and control group (CG) - 15 children without disability. All children were submitted to the Reading Strategies Scale and Prolec text comprehension subtest. The sample was described in mean, median, minimum and maximum values. Comparative analysis was performed between the groups using the Mann-Whitney test. The degree of correlation between variables was verified by Spearman Correlation Analysis. The significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: across the total scores of the scale, EG performance was lower in all descriptive measures, with a significant difference compared to CG. The EG achieved a performance close to children without difficulties only in global strategies. The correlation between the use of metacognitive strategies and reading comprehension was positive. CONCLUSION: children with learning disabilities showed deficits in the use of metacognitive reading strategies when compared to children without learning disabilities. The better the performance in reading strategies, the better textual comprehension was and vice versa, suggesting that metacognitive reading skills contribute to reading comprehension.

Estratégias metacognitivas de leitura de crianças com distúrbio de aprendizagem / Metacognitive reading strategies of children with learning disabilities

RESUMO Objetivo verificar o uso de estratégias metacognitivas de leitura de crianças com Distúrbio de Aprendizagem e averiguar se há relação entre este uso e a compreensão de textos. Método participaram 30 crianças, de 8 a 12 anos, de ambos os gêneros, divididas em grupo experimental (GE) - 15 crianças com Distúrbio de Aprendizagem; e grupo controle (GC) - 15 crianças sem dificuldades. Todas foram submetidas à Escala de Estratégias de Leitura e o subteste compreensão de textos do Prolec. A descrição da amostra foi feita em valores de média, mediana, mínimo e máximo. Para análise comparativa entre os grupos, foi utilizado o Teste de Mann-Whitney. O grau de correlação entre as variáveis foi verificado pela Análise de Correlação de Spearman. Foi adotado o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados na pontuação total da escala, o desempenho do GE foi inferior em todas as medidas descritivas com diferença significante em relação ao GC. O GE apresentou desempenho próximo ao das crianças sem dificuldade somente nas estratégias globais. A correlação entre o uso de estratégias metacognitivas e a compreensão de textos foi positiva. Conclusão as crianças com Distúrbio de Aprendizagem evidenciaram déficits na utilização de estratégias metacognitivas de leitura quando comparadas às crianças sem dificuldade de aprendizagem. Quanto melhor o desempenho na escala de estratégias de leitura, melhor foi o desempenho na compreensão dos textos e vice-versa, sugerindo que habilidades metacognitivas para leitura contribuem para a compreensão leitora.

ABSTRACT Purpose to check the use of metacognitive reading strategies in children with learning disabilities and determine whether there is a relationship between their use and text comprehension. Methods the study was conducted on 30 children, aged 8 to 12 years, of both genders, divided into experimental group (EG) - 15 children with learning disabilities; and control group (CG) - 15 children without disability. All children were submitted to the Reading Strategies Scale and Prolec text comprehension subtest. The sample was described in mean, median, minimum and maximum values. Comparative analysis was performed between the groups using the Mann-Whitney test. The degree of correlation between variables was verified by Spearman Correlation Analysis. The significance level was set at 5%. Results across the total scores of the scale, EG performance was lower in all descriptive measures, with a significant difference compared to CG. The EG achieved a performance close to children without difficulties only in global strategies. The correlation between the use of metacognitive strategies and reading comprehension was positive. Conclusion children with learning disabilities showed deficits in the use of metacognitive reading strategies when compared to children without learning disabilities. The better the performance in reading strategies, the better textual comprehension was and vice versa, suggesting that metacognitive reading skills contribute to reading comprehension.

Prevalence of inter-hemispheric asymetry in children and adolescents with interdisciplinary diagnosis of non-verbal learning disorder / Prevalência de assimetria inter-hemisférica em crianças e adolescentes com diagnóstico interdisciplinar de transtorno da aprendizagem não verbal

ABSTRACT Objective To describe clinical and epidemiological features of children and adolescents with interdisciplinary diagnosis of non-verbal learning disorder and to investigate the prevalence of inter-hemispheric asymmetry in this population group. Methods Cross-sectional study including children and adolescents referred for interdisciplinary assessment with learning difficulty complaints, who were given an interdisciplinary diagnosis of non-verbal learning disorder. The following variables were included in the analysis: sex-related prevalence, educational system, initial presumptive diagnoses and respective prevalence, overall non-verbal learning disorder prevalence, prevalence according to school year, age range at the time of assessment, major family complaints, presence of inter-hemispheric asymmetry, arithmetic deficits, visuoconstruction impairments and major signs and symptoms of non-verbal learning disorder. Results Out of 810 medical records analyzed, 14 were from individuals who met the diagnostic criteria for non-verbal learning disorder, including the presence of inter-hemispheric asymmetry. Of these 14 patients, 8 were male. Conclusion The high prevalence of inter-hemispheric asymmetry suggests this parameter can be used to predict or support the diagnosis of non-verbal learning disorder.

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever as características clínicas e epidemiológicas de crianças e adolescentes com transtorno de aprendizagem não verbal, e investigar a prevalência de assimetria inter-hemisférica neste grupo populacional. Métodos Estudo transversal que incluiu crianças e adolescentes encaminhados para uma avaliação interdisciplinar, com queixas de dificuldades de aprendizagem e que receberam diagnóstico interdisciplinar de transtorno de aprendizagem não verbal. As variáveis avaliadas foram prevalência por sexo, sistema de ensino, hipóteses diagnósticas iniciais e respectivas prevalências, prevalência de condições em relação à amostra total, prevalência geral do transtorno de aprendizagem não verbal, prevalência de acordo com ano escolar, faixa etária no momento da avaliação, principais queixas familiares, presença assimetria inter-hemisférica, dificuldade em aritmética, alterações em visuoconstrução, e principais sinais e sintomas do transtorno de aprendizagem não verbal. Resultados Dos 810 prontuários médicos analisados, 14 eram de indivíduos que preencheram os critérios diagnósticos para transtorno de aprendizagem não verbal, incluindo a assimetria inter-hemisférica. Destes 14 pacientes, 8 eram do sexo masculino. Conclusão A alta prevalência de assimetria inter-hemisférica sugere que este parâmetro possa ser usado como preditor ou reforçador para diagnóstico de transtorno de aprendizagem não verbal.

Spelling performance of students with developmental dyslexia and with developmental dyslexia associated to attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity. / Desempenho ortográfico de escolares com dislexia do desenvolvimento e com dislexia do desenvolvimento associado ao transtorno do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade.

Purpose to analyze and classify the spelling performance according to the semiology of spelling error of children with developmental dyslexia (DD) and with developmental dyslexia associated to attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity(DD and ADHD) comparing them to a group of children without learning process complaints. Methods Seventy students, from the third to fifth grade, participated in this study divided as follows: 32 children without complaints of learning difficulties (GI), mean age 9.5 years; 22 students with developmental dyslexia (GII), mean age 10 years; 16 scholars with developmental dyslexia associated to attention deficit disorders and hyperactivity (GIII), mean age 9.9. Spelling skills were assessed through a standardized word dictation task. Results Data indicated that GII and GIII children presented lower performance when compared with typically developed children. There was no statistical difference between the performance of GII and GIII children regarding the score reached in spelling, although GIII children presented the lowest performance. We observed differences between GII and GIII only in the type of misspelling. Conclusion Data from this research contribute to develop better programs for intervention in the studied population.

Desempenho ortográfico de escolares com dislexia do desenvolvimento e com dislexia do desenvolvimento associado ao transtorno do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade / Spelling performance of students with developmental dyslexia and with developmental dyslexia associated to attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar e classificar o desempenho ortográfico, de acordo com a semiologia dos erros, de crianças com dislexia do desenvolvimento e com dislexia do desenvolvimento e transtorno do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade em relação a um grupo de crianças sem queixas de aprendizagem escolar. Métodos Participaram da pesquisa 70 crianças, estudantes do 3º ao 5º distribuídas em três grupos: 32 escolares sem queixa de dificuldade de aprendizagem (GI), média de idade de 9,5 anos; 22 escolares com dislexia do desenvolvimento (GII), média de idade de 10 anos; e 16 escolares com dislexia do desenvolvimento e transtorno do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (GIII), média de idade de 9,9. A habilidade de ortografia das crianças foi avaliada por meio de um ditado de palavras padronizado. Resultados Os dados indicaram que os escolares do GII e do GIII apresentaram um pior desempenho quando comparados ao GI. Não houve diferença estatística entre o desempenho dos escolares do GII e do GIII quanto ao número de acertos na ortografia, embora o desempenho do GIII tenha sido pior. Os escolares do GII e do GIII diferiram apenas quanto ao tipo de erro ortográfico produzido por cada grupo. Conclusão Os dados da presente pesquisa contribuem para o delineamento de melhores programas interventivos para a população estudada.

ABSTRACT Purpose to analyze and classify the spelling performance according to the semiology of spelling error of children with developmental dyslexia (DD) and with developmental dyslexia associated to attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity(DD and ADHD) comparing them to a group of children without learning process complaints. Methods Seventy students, from the third to fifth grade, participated in this study divided as follows: 32 children without complaints of learning difficulties (GI), mean age 9.5 years; 22 students with developmental dyslexia (GII), mean age 10 years; 16 scholars with developmental dyslexia associated to attention deficit disorders and hyperactivity (GIII), mean age 9.9. Spelling skills were assessed through a standardized word dictation task. Results Data indicated that GII and GIII children presented lower performance when compared with typically developed children. There was no statistical difference between the performance of GII and GIII children regarding the score reached in spelling, although GIII children presented the lowest performance. We observed differences between GII and GIII only in the type of misspelling. Conclusion Data from this research contribute to develop better programs for intervention in the studied population.