Investigation of the Effectiveness of Cognitive Rehabilitation on Several Kinds of Attention of Third Grade Students with Special Learning Disabilities with a Gender Mediating Role

The present study aims to identify the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation on different types of attention in the third-grade students with specific learning disabilities (reading) considering moderating role of gender. As a quasi-experimental research, the study uses pretest-posttest design with control group. Façade testing, a helpful tool to identify the reading difficulties and dyslexia in elementary school, is performed to determine the research sample among the third-grade students in Tabriz. The students who score above average survey response rate are identified as specific learning-disability learners (reading). Among these students, 60 (four groups of 15) are selected by simple random sampling method and randomly divided into two experimental groups (two groups of 15, one group female students and the other male students who received cognitive rehabilitation training program) and two control groups. Cognitive rehabilitation training is delivered through Smart Sound training software (8-level computer-based cognitive rehabilitation in reading disorder). Attention is also measured by focused/sustained attention and scattered attention test designed in Sina Institute. To analyze the data, multivariate analysis of covariance is used. The results indicate cognitive rehabilitation is effective in focused/sustained attention, scattered attention, and reaction time in specific learning-disability students and gender does not have a moderating effect. Accordingly, cognitive rehabilitation does not have meaningful effect in the increase of focused attention, scattered attention and reaction time in male and female students.