New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

How do dyslexic readers primarily differ from non-dyslexic readers in terms of brain usage?

1. Dyslexic readers use only the right side of the brain

2. Dyslexic readers use both sides of the brain

3. Non-dyslexic readers have no brain activity

4. Both types of readers use the same brain areas

The correct answer is: Dyslexic readers use both sides of the brain

Dyslexic readers primarily differ from non-dyslexic readers in their brain usage by engaging both sides of the brain, particularly in specific regions that are involved in processing language and phonological awareness. Research shows that dyslexic individuals often exhibit a reliance on compensatory neural pathways due to their challenges with phonological processing, which is essential for reading. This compensation can lead to increased activity in areas of the brain typically associated with visual and spatial processing, which is more pronounced compared to the patterns seen in non-dyslexic readers. In contrast, non-dyslexic readers tend to rely more on the left side of the brain, where the regions responsible for decoding and processing language are more efficiently activated. This difference in brain engagement signifies the distinctive approaches both groups take when interpreting written text. The notion that non-dyslexic readers show no brain activity is inaccurate, as they indeed activate specific areas that facilitate efficient reading. Likewise, the idea that both types of readers use the same brain areas overlooks the compensatory mechanisms that dyslexic individuals employ to process written information. Thus, recognizing the dual-sided brain usage in dyslexic readers highlights their unique strategies for overcoming reading difficulties.