Spatial frequency processing and the prediction of reading ability : a preliminary investigation

Measures of vocabulary, digit span, and pattern-contrast sensitivity for low- to medium-spatialfrequency gratings were collected from 123 representative prereaders. A multiple regression analysis showed that these were moderate predictors of reading ability 2 years later. The contrastsensitivity measure made a significant unique contribution to the regression equation. The results are interpreted in terms of recent data that indicate a transient-system deficit in specifically disabled readers