Right-hemisphere coherence to speech at pre-reading stages predicts reading performance one year later

Neural entrainment to the low-frequency modulations of speech might contribute significantly reading acquisition. Still, no previous study has actually attempted establish a longitudinal link between them. The present tested Basque-speaking children twice: once before was formally instructed (t1; 5–6 years old) and after they had received full school year instruction (t2; 6–7 old). At t1, speech-brain coherence recorded via EEG. t2, in addition measure, performance assessed. Our results show that with larger pre-reading delta-band (<1 Hz) at right sites scalp performed better tasks one later. Overall, our provide preliminary support for relevant contribution right-hemisphere successful development point towards neural indexes as useful tools early detection developmental disorders.