Dyslexia affects until one in five children around the world and is a constant challenge for teachers and families. Dr. Coral Hoh, a clinical linguist, describes a neurobiological learning disorder as basically a “coding error in the brain's learning system” that interferes with accurate and fluent word recognition. “Each part of this system has billions of data points, and language ability encompasses billions and billions of possible changes. So, the problem becomes one of statistics,” Hoh told the Observer.
The beginning of Hoh, Dysolvefounded in 2017, aims to address this common learning disability in a different way. Instead of relying on standard test kits, the company uses AI to generate powerful HTML5 games that target each child's unique learning challenges.
Dysolve addresses the disconnect between expensive diagnoses and limited treatment resources, leaving less than half of students with mental illness with the help they need. Dyslexia is a tricky condition to treat, because it is often misdiagnosed and treatment is often expensive. Traditional treatment for dyslexia can cost more than $20,000 a year, especially in states like New York and California. In comparison, Dysolve's solution costs $1,000 per year in school contracts per student or $222 per student per monthly subscription.
How does the diagnosis and treatment of AI dyslexia work?
An AI-enabled platform can address language processing inefficiencies that contribute to the list learning difficultiesincluding dyslexia (reading), dysgraphia (writing) and dyscalculia (maths). To assess each user, Dysolve's game interface collects valuable data about how their brain processes language. This data is then sent to an AI system for analysis. Based on the results, the AI generates a next game for the user—to further explore or address the identified inefficiencies.
Hoh said the biggest challenge in dealing with dyslexia is identifying the specific aspects of a child's language processing that are impaired and understanding how these difficulties affect their learning. With this in mind, the program is designed to be easy to use, so young children can use it independently without requiring the constant assistance of adults.
“Language processing takes place in milliseconds within the brain and requires systems to operate at sub-second speeds to keep up. That's why we designed an independent system,” explained Hoh. “When they (the children) are in the lobby, there is only one game available to play at any given time. Our AI tailors games in real-time based on user progress, integrating assessments and interventions to address inefficiencies during each session.” Valuable points are awarded at the end of each game to be effective and engaging, encouraging children to stay engaged throughout the program. Similarly, the AI also dynamically adjusts to each child's progress, gradually increasing the level of challenge as their skills improve.
AI shows promise in treating mood disorders
AI is already making strides in treating mood disorders. The doctors of the American Neurological Association (ANA) are using AI for diagnosisprognosis and treatment of conditions such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy and stroke. Using pattern recognition from extensive databases, AI helps identify appropriate treatments for patients, combining brain imaging and other test results to improve early detection and diagnosis. In addition, AI helps researchers in understanding how Genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease affects the brain, including its role in reducing the hippocampus-the area responsible for learning, memory and emotional control.
Many AI startups are also entering this space. Based in San Francisco Viz.ai uses AI to aid in stroke diagnosis by analyzing scans to detect patterns. Menlo Park, Calif.-based Octave Bioscience offers AI-driven molecular testing and blood tests to track and prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
Dysolve says students have shown limited improvement after using its AI platform-something progresses from the bottom of the 25th percentile to the 50th percentile in just one year. “The 25th-30th percentile on standardized reading tests is generally considered the cutoff for dyslexia in research,” Hoh said. “When users achieve 90-100 percent efficiency in major language processing areas of the platform, they often experience noticeable improvement in school grades within just two months.”
Hoh added that the improvements seen on the AI-powered platform remain even after students stop using the program. “Most of our users started with Dysolve in elementary or middle school,” he said. “Many later received Honors in higher grades. Today, they are successful in college even after they have already graduated.”
