New Clues to Treating Dyslexia

Researchers have discovered the way we process and differentiate letters.

Scientists may have discovered a key component in understanding and treating dyslexia. In a study in the November issue of Psychological Science, researchers from the University of Victoria in Canada report that our brains differentiate letters mainly by the points at which the letters begin and end, called line terminations.

Previous research has shown that when we read, we recognize individual letters rather than the shape of full word. But it was unknown how we distinguish between letters.

The researchers suggest their findings about the importance of line terminations could lead to the development of special fonts to aid in letter recognition for those with dyslexia.

Read more about the study.