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A comparative analysis of cognitive profiles: Monozygotic and dizygotic reading-disabled twins

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Abstract

Previous twin studies have provided evidence for genetic influences on reading disability (RD) or “normal” reading ability. The existence of subtypes of RD — each with its characteristic cognitive profile — has been suggested. Whether the etiology of the particular subtypes is genetic is uncertain. The present study examined within-pair comparisons of cognitive profiles (with respect to composites of general reading, symbol processing speed and sequential memory) in RD and control twins. Twin profile analysis were applied to these cognitive composites on 120 pairs of RD and control twins. Results showed a greater monozygotic (MZ) than dizygotic (DZ) resemblance in profiles indicating that individual differences in the patterning of cognitive abilities related to reading are genetically influenced.

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Ho, HZ., Decker, S.N. A comparative analysis of cognitive profiles: Monozygotic and dizygotic reading-disabled twins. Read Writ 1, 61–72 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00178838

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