920 - DYSLEXSCAN: A HYBRID DIGITAL-LINGUISTIC FRAMEWORK FOR EARLY DYSLEXIA SCREENING

Session: P_D05S003 - Poster Session 3 - Division 5
AUTHORS:
Nguyen Thi Phuong Trang (University of Barcelona ~ Barcelona ~ Spain) , Feijoo Sara (University of Barcelona ~ Barcelona ~ Spain)
Abstract text:
Dyslexia is prevalent yet under-identified, with many learners not accessing timely assessment; school-based tools often trade diagnostic rigor for reach. Current screening methods are either costly, language-specific, or fail to integrate both cognitive and linguistic dimensions. This paper introduces DyslexScan, a hybrid digital-linguistic framework designed to enable early screening of dyslexia through structured tasks grounded in psycholinguistic theory and applied linguistics. DyslexScan combines five interactive modules delivered via a digital interface: (1) Sound Identification & Manipulation, assessing phonological awareness in Vietnamese through minimal pair distinction and phoneme deletion; (2) Word and Phrase Reading, targeting decoding accuracy and fluency; (3) Reading Comprehension, requiring participants to read short passages and answer comprehension questions; (4) Rapid Automatized Naming (RAN), measuring lexical retrieval speed with timed picture/number naming; and (5) Working Memory, evaluating auditory-verbal memory through digit span repetition. All sessions are administered in controlled classroom settings, with tasks displayed on slides, audio recorded for later analysis, and behaviors noted on structured score sheets. Pilot testing is currently underway with 30 participants across different age groups. Initial observations suggest that the multi-task structure captures diverse aspects of reading-related processing, with younger participants showing greater variability in phonological tasks and older participants displaying marked differences in fluency and comprehension. Quantitative scoring and qualitative feedback are being analyzed to refine item difficulty and optimize usability. DyslexScan provides an accessible and theoretically grounded screening tool that integrates digital delivery with linguistic and cognitive assessment. By bridging technology and applied linguistics, it aims to improve early detection of dyslexia, reduce educational inequalities, and support interventions aligned with global goals for inclusive and quality education.