The Relationship between Visual and Auditory Attention Networks, Phonological Processing and Reading in Typically Developing and Disordered Reading Populations

Abstract

This research examined the interaction between attention and phonology in predicting reading. Auditory orienting attention predicts reading mediated by phonological processing in beginning readers. In fluent readers, mediated and unmediated routes involve visual (orienting and executive) and auditory orienting attention. Visual alerting, visual and auditory orienting, and auditory executive attention predict reading accuracy for disordered readers through mediated and unmediated routes. Thus, reading ability determines reading pathway. Implications for theory and diagnostic approaches are addressed.