In the dyslexia literature, visual–verbal PAL deficits
have typically been interpreted within the phonological
deficit hypothesis of dyslexia. This prominent
theory views difficulties in phonological processing
as the primary cognitive-level cause of dyslexia. Difficulties
with phonological processing can give rise to
deficits on any task that places demands on the phonological
system, including phonological awareness, verbal
short term memory, speech perception and production,
naming, and of course, reading and spelling. The finding of visual–verbal PAL deficits in children with dyslexia, in
the absence of visual–visual PAL deficits fits comfortably
within this framework.