Date of Award


Document Type

Research Paper

Degree Name

Master of Liberal Studies (MLS)


The purpose of this paper is to explore methods to improve reading skills in children with common disabilities. Initially the paper will begin by defining key concepts and terms, including fMRI, fMRS, SBRR, classic autism, Aspergers, dyslexia and the poor reader. An explanation of the application of fMRI and fMRS as a tool to detect dyslexia and autism to identify the struggling reader will be included. The paper will explore how the brains of students that have dyslexia, autism or are poor readers function while performing a phonological task. It will provide an overview of how students that read well learn to read based on the scientifically based reading research method SBRR consisting of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Also included are explanations for how to teach the learning disabled and poor reader to improve reading skills utilizing information obtained from an fMRI and fMRS. The paper concludes with classroom activities that can be tailored to assist students who are either autistic, dyslexic, or have undeveloped reading skills.


Copyright 2010 Jacqueline F. Klueh