Pediatric Reports · Published 2026-06-11 · DOI 10.3390/pediatric18030081
Elena Cavalieri, Emilia Cascio, Giada Iannone, Loredana Angelini, Giovanni Battista Dell’Isola, Claudio Maura, Raimondo Stefano Maria Torcisi, Elisa Macchione, Simona Lucibello, Alberto Verrotti, Federico Vigevano
Background/Objectives. This study examined whether exposure to white noise improves reading and writing performance in children with Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), with and without comorbid Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Methods. Thirty children aged 8–13 years (mean age = 9.4) with SLD, 12 of whom also had ADHD, were recruited from the Centro di Riabilitazione San Raffaele Pisana (Rome). Each child completed two standardized reading and writing assessments, four weeks apart, under two auditory conditions (with vs. without white noise) in randomized order. The primary outcomes were reading speed and accuracy, while the secondary outcome was writing accuracy. Results. Among the 26 completers, white noise significantly improved nonword reading speed and accuracy, showed a trend toward improved passage-reading accuracy, and reduced accuracy in nonword writing. Benefits were different in children with SLD + ADHD compared to those with SLD only. Conclusions. These findings indicate task-specific effects of white noise and suggest potential applications for targeted educational interventions.
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Cavalieri, E., Cascio, E., Iannone, G., et al. (2026). Effects of White Noise on Academic Skills in Children with ADHD and Specific Learning Disorders: New Perspectives for Personalised Rehabilitation and Educational Intervention. Pediatric Reports. https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric18030081