E is E, but not 3: Computer-aided analysis of early literacy skills in children with and without developmental language disorders

Up to now, the diagnosis of reading, spelling and arithmetic skills has generally been carried out manually. The potential of digital technologies as a time- and resource-saving alternative to data analysis is not being exploited. However, lack of resources is a major factor in the fact that more than two-thirds of children who show deficits in reading, writing or arithmetic in elementary school do not receive appropriate support at kindergarten age. The Computers in Early Literacy project examines the writing of 5 to 6-year-old children with and without language development disorders. Influences by writing media (such as pencil and keyboard) or by parental support are analyzed with computer-assisted methods. The aim is to record the various influences on the early acquisition of writing in an automated (e.g. through speech and pattern recognition) and holistic manner. Thereby, implications for diagnostics and early support of writing and numerical skills shall be derived. In addition, the project promotes the integration of digital technologies and therapy sciences in the context of modern health care.