How might we screen dyslexia in Pakistan digitally and provide support to those who need it?
This project explores how digital tools can be used to screen and support dyslexic children in Pakistan. Developed as part of my undergraduate studies in Computer Science at the Lahore University of Management Sciences, the project resulted in an interactive web platform designed to assess dyslexic tendencies and provide rehabilitation activities in Urdu and other local languages.
MY ROLE
User Researcher
Designer
Developer
METHODS & TOOLS
User Interviews
Usability Testing
Adobe XD
Adobe Illustrator
HTML5
Javascript
MEAN Stack
TEAM
Dr. Suleman Shahid (Supervisor)
Dr. Sana Haidry
Tashfeen Ahmed
DURATION
8 months
Problem
Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty worldwide, affecting reading and language processing. While studies estimate that around 40 million people in the US are dyslexic, only 2 million are diagnosed. In Pakistan, high illiteracy rates and lack of awareness make identification even harder. Many children progress through the education system undiagnosed, resulting in academic and social challenges.
A study of 8–10-year-old Pakistani children revealed that 3.9% experience reading difficulties. However, Urdu—the national language—is central to education and communication. Failure to read Urdu not only hampers academic progress but also isolates dyslexic children socially, highlighting the urgent need for accessible screening and support tools in local languages.
Solution
We developed a web platform to screen and support dyslexic children in Urdu and other Pakistani languages. Building upon existing tools like the Dyslexia Assessment Battery for Urdu, we digitised assessment methods and created a screening checklist to identify dyslexic tendencies.
Our research into dyslexia tools in languages like Arabic and Persian helped us tackle linguistic challenges specific to Urdu. The platform adapts to different dyslexia profiles—such as phonological and visual dyslexia—and offers rehabilitation activities customised to each child's needs.
Features
Screening Checklist
Identifies strengths and weaknesses in children and calculates prevalence rates in Urdu and English.
Urdu eBooks Composer
Allows contributors to create and share customizable e-books in Urdu with images and examples.
Guess the Word
Interactive exercises to match words with images to reinforce language comprehension.
Spelling Aid
Breaks words into letters to support spelling and phonological learning.
Resources
External resources are available for additional reading support. Readers can customise fonts and colors for accessibility.
Results
The platform successfully demonstrated how digital tools can support dyslexic children by improving accessibility and engagement. Usability testing revealed that children found interactive features engaging, while parents and teachers valued the screening checklist for early identification.
This project showed the potential for scalable, localised interventions in Pakistan, emphasising how technology can complement traditional assessment and rehabilitation methods.