Suzanne M. Adlof|Jessica Klusek|Svetlana V. Shinkareva|Marissa Robinson|Jane Roberts
Phonological awareness and reading in boys with fragile X syndrome
University of South Carolina|University of South Carolina|University of South Carolina|University of South Carolina|University of South Carolina
background reading delays well documented children fragile x syndrome fxs studies examined linguistic precursors reading population study examined longitudinal development phonological awareness relationship basic reading boys fxs individual differences genetic socialbehavioral environmental factors also investigated predictors phonological awareness methods participants included 54 boys fxs 53 typically developing td mental agematched peers completed assessments phonological awareness nonverbal intelligence reading annually 4 years fmrp level autism symptomatology also measured within fxs group hierarchical linear modeling used examine change phonological awareness time predictors linear regression used examine phonological awareness predictor word reading results boys fxs exhibited slower growth td peers phonological awareness nonverbal cognitive abilities controlled rate change phonological awareness decreased significantly age 10 boys fxs phonological awareness accounted 18 unique variance basic reading ability controlling nonverbal cognition similar relationships across groups conclusion phonological awareness skills boys fxs commensurate nonverbal cognitive abilities similar relationships phonological awareness reading observed td mental agematched peers research needed examine potential causal relationships phonological awareness language skills reading abilities individuals fxs neurodevelopmental disorders