Compensated dyslexics have a more efficient error detection system than noncompensated dyslexics

Error/correct-related negativities, response-locked components of the evoked response potential, and N100, a stimulus-locked component, were used to compare error detection monitoring in skilled readers and in compensated and noncompensated dyslexic adolescent readers during a lexical decision task. Results showed a general increase in N100 amplitudes prior to error commission in all groups; a significant decrease in error/correct-related negativity amplitudes in the noncompensated dyslexics compared with the other 2 groups; and smaller error-related negativity correlated with a higher number of decoding errors, lower working memory scores, and lower speed of processing in the neuropsychological battery. Based on the hypothesis in previous studies that the error detection mechanism is a subcomponent of executive functions, the possibility that poor executive ability underlies poor reading skills in the noncompensated dyslexic readers is discussed. These findings can be used as a platform for executive-based diagnosis and training for individuals with reading disabilities.