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UAB Study: Improved Reading and Brain Activity Following Visualizing and Verbalizing Instruction

Jul 22, 2015
 
 

Lindamood-Bell Press Release

Study Cites Improved Reading and Brain Activity in Children with Autism Following Visualizing and Verbalizing® Instruction

A new study released by the University of Alabama aprograms-img-1t Birmingham (UAB), in which a group of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) received 10 weeks of intensive instruction utilizing the Visualizing and Verbalizing for Language Comprehension and Thinking® program, found that the instruction “was enough to strengthen the activity of loosely connected areas of their brains that work together to comprehend reading.” The children’s reading comprehension also improved.

Three groups of children with ASD were studied: 1) the experimental group of children with ASD, 2) a wait-list control group of children with ASD, and 3) a control group of typically developing children. The study revealed, through Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), widespread changes in functional connectivity of the brain’s reading network as a result of intervention in children with ASD. These findings add new evidence of the ability to alter function of young brains in children with ASD. In addition, the findings support the use of specialized sensory-cognitive intervention to boost the memory and comprehension of children with ASD.

The children received intensive instruction 4 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 10 weeks, of the Visualizing and Verbalizing program, authored by Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes co-founder Nanci Bell. The program develops concept imagery—the ability to create an imaged whole from language—as a basis for comprehension, critical thinking, and memory. The intensive intervention was administered at the Lindamood-Bell Learning Center nearest each of the children.

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🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning

🧠 2011: Georgetown University researchers publish a study showing changes in the brains of children with dyslexia following reading intervention.

Our next milestone highlights research conducted by Georgetown University`s Center for the Study of Learning in collaboration with Lindamood-Bell.

Published in the scientific journal NeuroImage, the study followed children with dyslexia who received eight weeks of instruction using the Seeing Stars® program.

Researchers found significant improvements in reading skills, along with measurable increases in gray matter volume in the brain. Follow-up testing eight weeks later showed that these gains were maintained.

These findings offered encouraging evidence that effective reading instruction can help children with dyslexia improve their reading skills while also supporting changes in the brain.

Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning!

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🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning 🧠 2011: Georgetown University researchers publish a study showing changes in the brains of children with dyslexia following reading intervention. Our next milestone highlights research conducted by Georgetown University's Center for the Study of Learning in collaboration with Lindamood-Bell. Published in the scientific journal NeuroImage, the study followed children with dyslexia who received eight weeks of instruction using the Seeing Stars® program. Researchers found significant improvements in reading skills, along with measurable increases in gray matter volume in the brain. Follow-up testing eight weeks later showed that these gains were maintained. These findings offered encouraging evidence that effective reading instruction can help children with dyslexia improve their reading skills while also supporting changes in the brain. Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning!

🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning

📖 Our next milestone takes us to 2010, when Nanci Bell published the Symbol Imagery (SI) Test.

This standardized assessment measures a student`s ability to visualize the sounds and letters within words, an important skill for reading and spelling.

The SI Test helps educators identify and monitor skills that underlie word recognition, spelling, and reading fluency.

Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning!

Open post by lindamoodbellofficial with ID 18132697948768306
🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning 📖 Our next milestone takes us to 2010, when Nanci Bell published the Symbol Imagery (SI) Test. This standardized assessment measures a student's ability to visualize the sounds and letters within words, an important skill for reading and spelling. The SI Test helps educators identify and monitor skills that underlie word recognition, spelling, and reading fluency. Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning!

🐱 Calling all cat lovers! Celebrate National Cat Day with a FREE reading resource for parents and teachers, courtesy of Gander Publishing!

This Imagine That! lesson packet features five cat-themed stories for grades 2–6, vocabulary practice, puzzles, and a coloring page!

Perfect for use with Visualizing and Verbalizing® or with any student who could benefit from extra comprehension practice.

Download your free packet - follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial!

Open post by lindamoodbellofficial with ID 18125634643933102
🐱 Calling all cat lovers! Celebrate National Cat Day with a FREE reading resource for parents and teachers, courtesy of Gander Publishing! This Imagine That! lesson packet features five cat-themed stories for grades 2–6, vocabulary practice, puzzles, and a coloring page! Perfect for use with Visualizing and Verbalizing® or with any student who could benefit from extra comprehension practice. Download your free packet - follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial!

🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning

Our next milestone takes us to 2008, when Lindamood-Bell co-founder Nanci Bell was recognized by the California State Assembly as one of the state`s Top 50 Women Business Leaders!

Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning.
#LindamoodBell40 #LindamoodBell

Open post by lindamoodbellofficial with ID 17894687682438642
🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning Our next milestone takes us to 2008, when Lindamood-Bell co-founder Nanci Bell was recognized by the California State Assembly as one of the state's Top 50 Women Business Leaders! Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning. #LindamoodBell40 #LindamoodBell

🎧 New Podcast Episode!

How can art help students share their stories and make a difference in their communities?

Muralist Kyle Holbrook joins Lindamood-Bell for Schools Director of Development Dave Kiyvyra to discuss the Moving Lives of Kids Community Mural Project and the power of art to bring people together.

Hear how students are using creativity to express themselves and contribute to their communities.

Listen and subscribe at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.

Open post by lindamoodbellofficial with ID 18105553907243102
🎧 New Podcast Episode! How can art help students share their stories and make a difference in their communities? Muralist Kyle Holbrook joins Lindamood-Bell for Schools Director of Development Dave Kiyvyra to discuss the Moving Lives of Kids Community Mural Project and the power of art to bring people together. Hear how students are using creativity to express themselves and contribute to their communities. Listen and subscribe at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.

🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning

📚 2006: What happens when an entire school district works to improve reading?

In 2006, researchers from Texas A&M University published a study in the American Educational Research Journal examining reading achievement in Colorado’s Pueblo School District 60, where Lindamood-Bell had been working with schools since 1997 to support students at risk of reading difficulties.

They examined reading scores for students in grades 3–5 over several years and found that schools using Lindamood-Bell instruction made significantly greater gains than schools across Colorado. Those gains increased over time, including in Title I schools.

It was encouraging to see these results, especially in a district where so many students needed additional reading support.

Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning.

Tap the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial, to learn more about our work and research.

Open post by lindamoodbellofficial with ID 18108629015220537
🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning 📚 2006: What happens when an entire school district works to improve reading? In 2006, researchers from Texas A&M University published a study in the American Educational Research Journal examining reading achievement in Colorado’s Pueblo School District 60, where Lindamood-Bell had been working with schools since 1997 to support students at risk of reading difficulties. They examined reading scores for students in grades 3–5 over several years and found that schools using Lindamood-Bell instruction made significantly greater gains than schools across Colorado. Those gains increased over time, including in Title I schools. It was encouraging to see these results, especially in a district where so many students needed additional reading support. Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning. Tap the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial, to learn more about our work and research.

📣 FREE Halloween Download for Parents and Teachers, courtesy of Gander Publishing! 🎃
The Imagine That! Halloween lesson packet features four high-imagery stories written at a 2nd–5th-grade reading level.

👻 Enjoy stories about a giant pumpkin, a ghost, and even a rooster accused of being a witch!
🎃 Build reading comprehension with higher-order thinking questions.
🍬 Strengthen vocabulary skills with engaging activities.

Perfect for use with Visualizing and Verbalizing® or any student who could benefit from extra comprehension practice.
Download your free packet and bring some Halloween fun to reading! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial

Open post by lindamoodbellofficial with ID 18109697348578139
📣 FREE Halloween Download for Parents and Teachers, courtesy of Gander Publishing! 🎃 The Imagine That! Halloween lesson packet features four high-imagery stories written at a 2nd–5th-grade reading level. 👻 Enjoy stories about a giant pumpkin, a ghost, and even a rooster accused of being a witch! 🎃 Build reading comprehension with higher-order thinking questions. 🍬 Strengthen vocabulary skills with engaging activities. Perfect for use with Visualizing and Verbalizing® or any student who could benefit from extra comprehension practice. Download your free packet and bring some Halloween fun to reading! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial

🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning

🧠 2004: Georgetown University researchers publish an important study on adult dyslexia and Lindamood-Bell instruction.

Led by Dr. Guinevere Eden and published in the scientific journal Neuron, the study used brain imaging to examine changes in adults with dyslexia following eight weeks of intensive Lindamood-Bell instruction.

Researchers found improvements in reading skills along with changes in brain activity, showing that the adult brain can continue to change and develop with reading instruction.

More than 20 years later, these findings continue to offer hope for adults who struggle with reading.

For more about our evidence-based reading instruction, follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.

Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning!

Open post by lindamoodbellofficial with ID 17912505366557683
🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning 🧠 2004: Georgetown University researchers publish an important study on adult dyslexia and Lindamood-Bell instruction. Led by Dr. Guinevere Eden and published in the scientific journal Neuron, the study used brain imaging to examine changes in adults with dyslexia following eight weeks of intensive Lindamood-Bell instruction. Researchers found improvements in reading skills along with changes in brain activity, showing that the adult brain can continue to change and develop with reading instruction. More than 20 years later, these findings continue to offer hope for adults who struggle with reading. For more about our evidence-based reading instruction, follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial. Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning!

🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning

Our next milestone takes us to 2002, when Lindamood-Bell reached another exciting first!

🇬🇧 2002: Our first international Learning Center opens in London, England.
The opening of our London Learning Center meant more children could benefit from individualized instruction to strengthen their reading and comprehension skills. It was another meaningful step in helping more students learn to their potential.

Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning.

Explore Lindamood-Bell at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.

Open post by lindamoodbellofficial with ID 18386963560227937
🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning Our next milestone takes us to 2002, when Lindamood-Bell reached another exciting first! 🇬🇧 2002: Our first international Learning Center opens in London, England. The opening of our London Learning Center meant more children could benefit from individualized instruction to strengthen their reading and comprehension skills. It was another meaningful step in helping more students learn to their potential. Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning. Explore Lindamood-Bell at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.

🎙️ New Podcast Episode: Supporting At-Promise Students

In this episode, we’re joined by Khieem Jackson, Managing Director of Reaching At-Promise Students Association (RAPSA), for a thoughtful conversation about helping at-promise and opportunity youth thrive.
Together, we explore how the words we use to describe students can shape their experiences, and how literacy and learning can open doors to new opportunities beyond the classroom.

🎧 Listen and subscribe at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.

Open post by lindamoodbellofficial with ID 18031744844908967
🎙️ New Podcast Episode: Supporting At-Promise Students In this episode, we’re joined by Khieem Jackson, Managing Director of Reaching At-Promise Students Association (RAPSA), for a thoughtful conversation about helping at-promise and opportunity youth thrive. Together, we explore how the words we use to describe students can shape their experiences, and how literacy and learning can open doors to new opportunities beyond the classroom. 🎧 Listen and subscribe at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.

Lindamood-Bell will be at the International Dyslexia Association 2026 Annual Reading, Literacy & Learning Conference, November 12–14 in Las Vegas.

Join Paul Worthington, Director of Research and Development, for “ADHD and Dyslexia: Untangling the Comorbidity Conundrum,” which examines research on co-occurring ADHD, dyslexia, and language-processing difficulties, as well as implications for intervention.

📅 November 12–14
📍 Las Vegas + virtual attendance available

Learn more about our presentation and where to find us at the conference at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.

Open post by lindamoodbellofficial with ID 18135942733655099
Lindamood-Bell will be at the International Dyslexia Association 2026 Annual Reading, Literacy & Learning Conference, November 12–14 in Las Vegas. Join Paul Worthington, Director of Research and Development, for “ADHD and Dyslexia: Untangling the Comorbidity Conundrum,” which examines research on co-occurring ADHD, dyslexia, and language-processing difficulties, as well as implications for intervention. 📅 November 12–14 📍 Las Vegas + virtual attendance available Learn more about our presentation and where to find us at the conference at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.

🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning

📚 2000: Lindamood-Bell partners with juvenile justice schools in San Diego, California, for Project of Hope.

Through this partnership, Lindamood-Bell provided intensive reading and comprehension instruction to young people in the juvenile justice system.
Using the Seeing Stars® and Visualizing and Verbalizing® programs, Project of Hope helped students strengthen their reading and comprehension skills. An independent evaluation found significant gains, offering new hope and opportunities for their futures.

Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning.

Explore Lindamood-Bell at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial

Open post by lindamoodbellofficial with ID 17944479570357101
🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning 📚 2000: Lindamood-Bell partners with juvenile justice schools in San Diego, California, for Project of Hope. Through this partnership, Lindamood-Bell provided intensive reading and comprehension instruction to young people in the juvenile justice system. Using the Seeing Stars® and Visualizing and Verbalizing® programs, Project of Hope helped students strengthen their reading and comprehension skills. An independent evaluation found significant gains, offering new hope and opportunities for their futures. Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning. Explore Lindamood-Bell at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial

Students with ADHD may need more than help with organization and study skills.

Our latest blog explores how individualized instruction can help students strengthen underlying learning skills, manage schoolwork, and become more confident, independent learners.

👉 Learn more at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.

Open post by lindamoodbellofficial with ID 17868366357663473
Students with ADHD may need more than help with organization and study skills. Our latest blog explores how individualized instruction can help students strengthen underlying learning skills, manage schoolwork, and become more confident, independent learners. 👉 Learn more at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.

🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning

📰 1999: Lindamood-Bell is featured in a Newsweek cover story on dyslexia.

The November 22, 1999, issue of Newsweek featured “Dyslexia and the New Science of Reading,” exploring how research was changing our understanding of dyslexia and reading difficulties. The article highlighted Lindamood-Bell’s unique sensory-cognitive approach to developing the underlying skills needed for reading and spelling.

This exciting milestone brought national attention to our work and new hope to students and families facing reading challenges.

Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning. Learn more about Lindamood-Bell at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.

Open post by lindamoodbellofficial with ID 17980495497135170
🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning 📰 1999: Lindamood-Bell is featured in a Newsweek cover story on dyslexia. The November 22, 1999, issue of Newsweek featured “Dyslexia and the New Science of Reading,” exploring how research was changing our understanding of dyslexia and reading difficulties. The article highlighted Lindamood-Bell’s unique sensory-cognitive approach to developing the underlying skills needed for reading and spelling. This exciting milestone brought national attention to our work and new hope to students and families facing reading challenges. Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning. Learn more about Lindamood-Bell at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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