post
BLOG AND NEWS

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.

 

 

 

Connect with us
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.
🌞 Boost Your Child’s Learning This Summer! 📚
 Looking for a fun and effective way to build confidence and strengthen reading skills? Our Summer Reading Camp offers personalized, one-to-one instruction designed to help kids make real progress in just a few weeks. Available in person or live online! Learn more and get started ➡️ Link in our 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