article
Research Articles
 
 

Rapid and Widespread White Matter Plasticity During an Intensive Reading Intervention

Huber, E., Donnelly, P. M., Rokem, A., & Yeatman, J. D. (2018) Nature Communications, 9, 2260. doi:10.1038/s41467-018-04627-5

White matter tissue properties are known to correlate with performance across domains ranging from reading to math, to executive function. Here, we use a longitudinal intervention design to examine experience-dependent growth in reading skills and white matter in grade school-aged, struggling readers. Diffusion MRI data were collected at regular intervals during an 8-week, intensive reading intervention. These measurements reveal large-scale changes throughout a collection of white matter tracts, in concert with growth in reading skill. Additionally, we identify tracts whose properties predict reading skill but remain fixed throughout the intervention, suggesting that some anatomical properties stably predict the ease with which a child learns to read, while others dynamically reflect the effects of experience. These results underscore the importance of considering recent experience when interpreting cross-sectional anatomy–behavior correlations. Widespread changes throughout the white matter may be a hallmark of rapid plasticity associated with an intensive learning experience.

The Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences (I-LABS) at the University of Washington conducted a study examining growth in reading skills and neural connections (white matter) as a result of intensive reading intervention to develop the sensory-cognitive function of symbol imagery. This study is the first to measure white matter during an intensive reading intervention for dyslexics, comparing children’s learning with their brain’s changes. The children who struggled with reading and/or had a diagnosis of dyslexia received eight weeks of intensive reading intervention at a Lindamood-Bell Learning Center. They took a series of reading tests before and after the intervention, and underwent MRI scans at the beginning, middle, and end. A control group of children with mixed reading skill levels did not receive the reading intervention.

Access Full Article

Connect with us
Lindamood-Bell summer learning can change your child’s life! Our evidence-based instruction improves Reading, Comprehension, and Math in just a few weeks. 
⏳Enroll now for special savings on your first week of summer learning. Hurry, spots are filling fast! 
Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Make a Meaningful Impact This Summer!
Our learning centers are hiring enthusiastic, positive individuals with strong communication skills and a passion for helping students succeed. Join us as an Educational Clinician/Tutor and be part of something truly rewarding.
✨ Paid training provided!
Apply now. Link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
📢 Attention Educators! Save 20% on In-Person Workshops in San Luis Obispo, CA this June! 🌞
💡 Lindamood-Bell workshops offer evidence-based programs to support students struggling with reading and math, and those diagnosed with dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. Ideal for SPED staff, SLPs, MTSS interventionists, paraprofessionals, and tutors.
Use code JOINSLO25 at checkout to save 20%.
 👉 Spaces are limited—sign up today! Link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Summer at Lindamood-Bell can be life-changing for your child!
In just a few weeks, our evidence-based instruction can make a lasting impact in Reading, Comprehension, or Math.
⏳ Enroll now to save on your first week of summer learning!
Spots are filling fast—don’t miss out!
Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
🎧 New Podcast Episode: A Parent Perspective on Autism & Reading Challenges 🌟
Hear how Lindamood-Bell’s evidence-based approach helped a child with autism overcome reading struggles and the effects of language delays, boosting confidence and skills.
This inspiring story offers hope for families facing similar challenges.
👉 Listen now at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
🌟 Make a difference this summer!
Lindamood-Bell is hiring! We’re looking for motivated, enthusiastic individuals with strong communication skills and a desire to help students thrive.
Join us as an Educational Clinician/Tutor and be part of something truly rewarding. Paid training provided!
📍Explore openings and apply now. Link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Why do so many literacy reforms fall short—and what can be done differently?

In our recent webinar, Paul Worthington, Director of Research and Development at Lindamood-Bell, explains what’s been missing from past initiatives and how our evidence-based approach is helping close the gap for students across the country.

🎥 Watch the full webinar: “Why Literacy Reform Keeps Failing and What Actually Works”
 🔗 Link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
📚Help your child catch up or get ahead with Lindamood-Bell summer instruction! ☀️
Our personalized, one-to-one instruction builds skills in reading, comprehension, and math—for all ages and abilities, in person or live online.

🔍 Evidence-based approach
 🧠 Proven effective for students with dyslexia, ADHD, autism & more
 🎉 Fun, confidence-boosting environment

💸 Enroll now and get 10% off your first week with our Early Bird offer!
⏳ Don’t wait—get the details and save your spot today! Link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Make a meaningful impact this summer! 🌞
Lindamood-Bell is now hiring enthusiastic, positive individuals with excellent communication skills and a passion for helping students succeed. Join us as an Educational Clinician/Tutor and be part of something rewarding.
🔎 Explore open positions and apply today!
Link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
🎓 You’re Invited to the Lindamood-Bell Academy Virtual Open House!
📅 Tuesday, April 29, 2025
 🕙 10:00 a.m. PT | 1:00 p.m. ET | 6:00 p.m. BST

Discover how our accredited K-12 private school helps students thrive through personalized, evidence-based instruction—both online and in person.

🎤 Join us live to learn more and get your questions answered during the Q&A!
🔗 Register now at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
 ✨ We can’t wait to share what makes our Academy truly unique!
🌞 Make This Summer Count!
Unlock your child’s learning potential with our unique Learning Ability Evaluation—the first step toward lasting success in reading, comprehension, and math.
🎉 Now just $495 (reg. $1150)
💡 Plus: Get 10% off your first week of summer instruction!
💥 Hurry—this limited-time offer won’t last!
👉 Tap the link in our bio to get started, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Parents, make this summer count! 🌞📚
Give your child the boost they need with Lindamood-Bell summer instruction—designed to help students catch up, hone skills, or get ahead in reading, comprehension, and math. Our engaging, evidence-based approach delivers results, with students often gaining years in just weeks!
🏫 In-person or live online—both options lead to similar, strong gains.
💡Enroll now and save! Get 10% off your first week with our Early Bird offer.
Secure your child's spot today! ✨ Link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Give your child a summer of success with Lindamood-Bell! 
☀️📚Our one-to-one instruction helps students of all ages and abilities build skills in reading, comprehension, and math—whether in person or live online.

✨ Personalized, evidence-based instruction
✨ Proven effective for students with dyslexia, autism, ADHD, and other learning challenges
✨ A fun, supportive environment that builds confidence

🌟Enroll now for summer and save! Get 10% off your first week of instruction with our Early Bird offer.

Don’t miss out—get details and reserve your spot today! Link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Ready to make a difference this summer? ☀️ 
Our learning centers are hiring! We're looking for enthusiastic, positive individuals with excellent communication skills and a passion for helping students succeed. Join us as an Educational Clinician/Tutor and be part of something rewarding.
🔎 Explore open positions and apply today. Link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Request Information

Request Information

When you complete our form, we'll send you to our digital information packet and reach out to you shortly.
You may also call us at

* required

Schedule a Learning
Ability Evaluation

Please fill out the form and we will be in touch to schedule an evaluation.

* required