Contrast sensitivity functions and specific reading disability

William Lovegrove, University of Tasmania
Frances Martin, University of Tasmania
Alison C. Bowling, Southern Cross University
Mary Blackwood, University of Tasmania
David R. Badcock, University of Western Australia
Susan J. Paxton, University of Tasmania

Abstract

Contrast sensitivity functions for normal and specifically disabled readers were measured in two experiments. Each study showed that specifically disabled readers and controls differ in the pattern of relative sensitivity across spatial frequencies. Both studies provide evidence of differences between normal and disabled readers on measures of visual mechanisms fundamental to the reading process.