Written Word Decision

SKILL: Reading

DIFFICULTY: 1/5

LEVELS: 8, based on similarities between the meaning, starting sound, and word length of the written word and the picture

BRIEF RATIONALE: This word verification treatment targets decision-making and reading comprehension at the word level.

In Written Word Decision, you will see a written word and indicate if the picture matches by selecting yes or no. You can expand the image using the arrows in the lower-right corner. The treatment auto-adjusts in difficulty based on performance.

HINT: A hint button is available in the lower-left corner of the screen to play audio of the target word. You can replay the audio as many times as needed using the audio button. Using the hint will mark the item as incorrect (since it was not answered using only the written stimulus), but it may help you verify the word.

FOR THE CLINICIAN:

Matching a written word to a picture for verification is a top-down strategy that targets word-level reading by using semantic information to support word recognition. For individuals who demonstrate implicit reading abilities, semantic information may be accessible even when explicit identification of the written word is impaired. Word-to-picture matching can capitalize on this preserved processing to support recognition and strengthen connections between orthographic word forms and their semantic representations.

Selected References:

1. Kiran, S. (2006). Pure Alexia: Causes, characteristics, and treatment. Perspectives on Neurophysiology and Neurogenic Speech and Language Disorders, 16(1), 16–21.

2. Starrfelt, R., Ólafsdóttir, R. R., & Arendt, I.-M. (2013). Rehabilitation of pure alexia: A Review. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 23(5), 755–779.