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Research Roundup | Autism Spectrum Disorder

Apr 6, 2018
 
 

Lindamood-Bell has been involved with research for over 30 years. We actively take part in peer-reviewed studies of our programs and instruction and monitor student results at our learning centers and school partnerships to ensure we maintain our exceptional standard of quality.  We have partnered with such institutions as the University of Alabama, MIT, and Wake Forest University to conduct neurological and behavioral research.

 

The research consistently proves that Lindamood-Bell instruction changes the brain functions underlying language and literacy skills. These brain functions continue to improve after our instruction has ended.

 

We believe all individuals can be taught to read to their potential—including those who have a previous diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

 

Numerous studies examining the effectiveness of our instruction with students with autism have been conducted; we have summarized and included links to several below.

 

Visit our Research & Development site for more information, studies, and references.

 

Summary of Behavioral & Neurological Research—Autism

 

Changes in Intrinsic Connectivity of the Brain’s Reading Network

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Psychology and Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes conducted a randomized controlled, neuroscientific trial with a group of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) who received 200 hours of Visualizing and Verbalizing® (V/V) instruction.

 

Before and after instruction, subjects’ brains were scanned and administered a reading comprehension test. The figure below shows comparative pre- and post-brain connectivity for the subjects who received Visualizing and Verbalizing instruction. Subjects receiving V/V exhibited significantly greater brain connectivity after instruction than control subjects. Furthermore, researchers found that improvements in reading comprehension were correlated with increases in brain connectivity.

 

 

To learn more about the changes in brain connectivity or to download the article, click here.

 

 

Improvements in Brain Activity in Children with Autism After Reading Intervention

Children with ASD have a unique reading profile where their comprehension often rates below their verbal and decoding abilities. Our results support the potential of targeted interventions to alter brain activation in response to positive gains in treatment. Children with ASD have a different reading profile from other reading disorders that needs to be specifically targeted in interventions.

For more information about this activation of brain activity, click here.

 

The Impact of Reading Intervention on Brain Responses Underlying Language in Children With Autism

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Psychology and Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes conducted a study using translational functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study the effect of V/V on sentence comprehension, brain activation, and functional connectivity.

 

Children with ASD typically have weaker connectivity, or underconnectivity, in the areas of the brain associated with language. Before and after instruction, children’s brains were scanned and they were administered a reading comprehension test.  

 

The figure below shows increased brain connectivity between Broca’s and Wernicke’s language areas for the V/V group (thicker blue line) compared to control group (thinner yellow line) during a task of visual imagery sentence comprehension. The thickness of the lines represents the magnitude of connectivity between the two brain areas.

 

 

Click here to learn more about the effect of V/V on Broca’s Area and Wernicke’s area or to download the full article.

 

Watch a video that features lead researcher, Dr. Rajesh Kana, and participating families.

 

 

Exceptional Parent Magazine – The Science of Improved Language Comprehension: Brain Connectivity and Autism Spectrum Disorder

The November 2016 issue of Exceptional Parent Magazine Features an independent study of Visualizing and Verbalizing and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  “The Science of Improved Language Comprehension: Brain Connectivity and Autism Spectrum Disorder,” summarizes the groundbreaking results of a recent University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) study.

 

The article will enable parents, physicians, and education professionals to better understand the relevance of the findings of the study, primarily that deficits in language comprehension can be improved through stimulating and strengthening the connection between the verbal and imaginal centers of the brain.

 

Click to read the full article.

 

Learning Center Results — Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

 

As part of our effort to maintain an exceptional standard of quality, we continually monitor student learning results. At Lindamood-Bell Learning Centers, students receive individualized instruction, using one or more of our research-validated programs. The Visualizing and Verbalizing (V/V)  program develops concept imagery—the ability to create an imagined or imaged gestalt from language—as a basis for comprehension and higher order thinking. The development of concept imagery improves reading and listening comprehension, memory, oral vocabulary, critical thinking, and writing. V/V instruction can address the needs of students who have been previously diagnosed with ASD.

 

On average, students with Autism Spectrum Disorder who received Visualizing and Verbalizing instruction achieved significant improvements in comprehension. They made large (significant) standard score changes on all measures. Their pre- to posttest results were statistically significant on all measures.

 

 

 

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Diagnosed with dyslexia in fifth grade, Miss Massachusetts 2024, Kiersten Khoury, first came to Lindamood-Bell as a student. Today, she’s using her platform to advocate for literacy and inspire others on their reading journey. Learn more at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbelllofficial.

✨ Imagine what your student could achieve with Lindamood-Bell! Discover our unique, sensory-cognitive approach and get started today. Special offer through September: Apply the cost of your evaluation to instruction! 💡 Plus, online students may qualify for 20% off their first week. Don’t miss out —⏳Speak with our learning center today!
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🎙️ New Podcast Episode Alert! 🎙️
In this episode, Dr. Pasternack discusses the role of tiered intervention in preventing unnecessary referrals, the importance of teacher preparation and professional development, and the necessary components of effective literacy instruction. 
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Attention Educators! Join us this October in San Luis Obispo, California, for in-person Lindamood-Bell Workshops! 🌟
 
Discover evidence-based programs proven to help students with dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. Our approach, grounded in the cognitive science of learning, aligns with the science of reading and structured literacy.
 
📅 Register by 9/30/24 and enjoy a $100 discount on any workshop!
Use code: back2school100 at checkout.
 
✨Register today! ✨Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
🚀 Unlock Your Child’s Potential with Lindamood-Bell Academy! 📚

Our unique sensory-cognitive approach helps students learn to their potential. We tailor learning to meet your child’s unique needs, in person or live online. Watch your child soar academically and build confidence like never before.

🌟Special Offer: Enroll now and enjoy 15% off a month of tuition!

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📚 Join Us for a Special Live Parent Forum!
🗓️ Wednesday, September 25
🕖  10 AM PDT/1 PM EDT/6 PM BST

📍This Zoom event will also stream live on Facebook
 
Emmy’s mom, Alyson, will share how Lindamood-Bell’s online instruction helped her energetic kindergartener catch up in reading and spelling. Lindamood-Bell’s Director of Research and Development, Paul Worthington, will be on hand to review how student gains from online instruction are equivalent to gains from in-person instruction. ✨ Don’t miss this inspiring story! Register now. ✨ Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
📚 Tips for Students with ADHD
Attention challenges don’t always exist in isolation. Students with ADHD often face additional challenges with literacy and learning. At Lindamood-Bell, we provide personalized instruction that addresses the root causes of these difficulties.
✨ Special offer through September: Apply the cost of your evaluation to instruction! Plus, online students may be eligible for 20% off their first week.
💡 Discover more strategies and tips in our latest blog post! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Lindamood-Bell provides tailored instruction for students of all ages and abilities in reading, comprehension, and math.
🌟 Customized one-to-one sessions
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Lindamood-Bell workshops prepare teachers to use evidence-based programs proven to help students with dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. Our approach, grounded in the cognitive science of learning, aligns with the science of reading and structured literacy.
 
📅 Register by 9/30/24 and enjoy a $100 discount on any workshop!
Use code: back2school100 at checkout.
 
Learn more and get started today!  Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
📚 Our Newton Learning Center recently welcomed Miss Massachusetts 2024, Kiersten Khoury, a former Lindamood-Bell student and passionate literacy advocate. Her inspiring journey with dyslexia made a lasting impression on our students.
Kiersten’s visit kicked off a book drive, a community initiative to foster a love of reading by collecting new children’s books for local literacy programs.
Visit our website to learn more and hear Kiersten’s incredible story—it’s sure to inspire learners of all ages! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
We’re honored to be part of your journey, Kiersten, and can’t wait to cheer you on as you continue to Miss America! 👑🎉
Students of all ages and abilities thrive at Lindamood-Bell Academy! 🎓✨

We tailor learning to meet your child’s unique needs with proven, evidence-based instruction, in person or live online. Watch your child soar academically and build confidence like never before.

🌟Special Offer: Enroll now and enjoy 15% off a month of tuition!

Don’t miss this opportunity—visit our website for more details and start the journey toward success! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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Looking to elevate your next teacher inservice? Partner with us and receive complimentary follow-up support all year long! 🌟
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🎧 New Podcast Episode! 🎧
Shelly, a Lindamood-Bell Academy parent, shares how she found the perfect school for her daughter, Brooklyn, who has dyslexia. Discover how our supportive environment helped Brooklyn thrive academically while nurturing her curiosity. ✨
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