Digital neuropsychological rehabilitation program for learning difficulties

Intervention Effectiveness Study of BEtter AT LEarning (BEATLE)- Digital Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Program

This study is testing a digital program to see if it can help teenagers with learning difficulties, like dyslexia, feel better about themselves and improve their learning skills.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 312 (estimated)
• Ages: 12 Years to 16 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Helsinki University Central Hospital (other)
• Locations: 2 sites (Helsinki and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT06713863 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the BEATLE program, a digital neuropsychological rehabilitation tool designed for adolescents aged 12-16 with developmental language disorders, dyslexia, and other specific learning difficulties. Utilizing a randomized controlled trial with a waitlist design, the study aims to measure changes in self-efficacy, self-compassion, executive functioning, and attitudes toward learning as reported by participants, their guardians, and teachers. The research will also explore the correlation between the usage of the Digital Care Pathway and its effectiveness in improving learning outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 12-16 diagnosed with developmental language disorder, dyslexia, or other specific learning disorders.

Not a fit: Patients without a diagnosis of developmental language disorder or dyslexia, or those who do not meet the specific eligibility criteria, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance the learning experiences and self-perception of adolescents with developmental learning disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using digital interventions for learning disorders, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

For inclusion, the International Classification of Diseases 10th edition (ICD-10; WHO, 2018) diagnostic criteria accompanied with Finnish Current Care Guidelines will be used as follows:

Developmental Language Disorder Verbal reasoning skills (Verbal Reasoning Index = VCI) 1.5 standard deviations lower than average (\< 78 Index points) Intact non-verbal reasoning skills (Perceptual Reasoning Index = PRI) \> 84 index points) Normal or fixed to normal hearing and vision Adequate skills in Finnish: Finnish either as a native language, major household language or adequate reported performance in Finnish school system.

Dyslexia Measured reading accuracy and comprehension two standard deviations (-2 standard deviations) lower than anticipated when the chronological age and IQ have been taken into account Normal of fixed to normal hearing and vision Adequate skills in Finnish: Finnish either as a native language, major household language or adequate reported performance in Finnish school system.

Mixed Developmental Disorder Wide developmental and learning difficulties (69 \< PRI \< 84, 69 \< VCI \< 84) Normal or fixed to normal hearing and vision Adequate skills in Finnish: Finnish either as a native language, major household language or adequate reported performance in Finnish school system.

Exclusion Criteria:

All exclusion criteria will be addressed individually. If a respondent fulfills one or more of the exclusion criteria, the respondent will be dropped out. Exclusion criteria are formed as follows:

Suspicion of mild intellectual disability Both verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills more than two standard deviations lower than average (VCI \& PRI \< 70) Weak (-2 Standard Deviations) performance on both subtests representing fluid intelligence (Wechsler's Intelligence Scale for Children IV (WISC-IV): Matrix reasoning and Picture concepts)

Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Untreated Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Unable to adequately use a a computer and/or a smartphone

Where this trial is running

Helsinki and 1 other locations

• Pediatric Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital — Helsinki, Finland (RECRUITING)
• Phoniatrics, Helsinki University Hospital — Helsinki, Finland (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Markus S. Hannukkala, PhD Student, M.A.

Conditions: Dyslexia, Developmental, Developmental Language Disorder, Specific Learning Disorder, Borderline Intellectual Functioning, eHealth, Adolescence, Intervention, Effectiveness