The Impact of Augmented Reality on Children with Dyslexia

Introduction: Transforming Learning for Dyslexic Children

Dyslexia affects 1 in 5 children globally, making reading and writing a daily challenge due to difficulties in processing text. At Lowercase Solutions Ltd, we believe augmented reality (AR) can revolutionize education for dyslexic learners by offering immersive, multi-sensory experiences. Let’s explore how AR is making a difference, backed by recent research.

How AR Supports Dyslexic Learners

AR overlays digital content onto the real world, creating interactive learning environments that cater to dyslexic children’s needs. A 2019 study by Oswald Labs found that AR, using a smartphone camera to adjust text contrast and customization, reduced reading time for dyslexic individuals by 21.03%. This shows AR’s potential to make text more accessible by enhancing visual clarity.

Similarly, a 2020 study by SRI International used AR to deliver the Orton-Gillingham approach—a proven method for dyslexic readers—via the Microsoft Hololens. The study reported increased engagement through multi-sensory tasks like visual and kinesthetic letter formation, helping children connect letters to sounds more intuitively. A 2025 study in Scientific Reports further noted that AR in physical education improved engagement and reduced anxiety for dyslexic students by providing visual cues, boosting their confidence in classroom activities.

The Future of Dyslexia Education with AR

AR’s ability to personalize learning—such as adjusting text size or pairing it with auditory narration—reduces the cognitive load of decoding words, aligning with how dyslexic brains process information. At Lowercase Solutions Ltd, we’re developing EUPHEUS, an AR-AI tool to empower dyslexic children with tailored learning experiences that foster literacy and confidence. While still in development, EUPHEUS aims to fill a gap in the market, as no such AR-AI gadget currently exists for dyslexic learners.

Recent Research on AR Effectiveness for Dyslexia and Autism

Below are summaries of recent studies (from 2019 to 2025) that demonstrate AR’s effectiveness for children with dyslexia and autism, focusing on educational and therapeutic outcomes. These studies align with EUPHEUS’s goal of providing personalized, multi-sensory learning experiences for neurodiverse learners.

AR Effectiveness for Dyslexia

1. Improving Accessibility for Dyslexic Impairments Using Augmented Reality (2019)
   A study by Oswald Labs explored how AR can enhance reading for individuals with dyslexia by using a smartphone camera to adjust background-text contrast and customize text in real-world settings. The results showed a 21.03% decrease in reading time for dyslexic participants, indicating that AR can significantly improve reading efficiency. This aligns with EUPHEUS’s aim to support literacy through visual and interactive means, as AR’s ability to overlay digital content can make text more accessible for dyslexic learners.

2. Hope for Struggling Readers: Early Evidence from the Use of Augmented Reality (2020)
   Researchers at SRI International developed an AR prototype based on the Orton-Gillingham (O-G) approach, a proven method for teaching reading to dyslexic students. The prototype, tested on students in grades 3-8 at a school for children with learning difficulties, used the Microsoft Hololens to deliver multi-sensory experiences (visual, auditory, tactile, kinesthetic). While specific quantitative results weren’t provided, the study reported promising outcomes, with teachers noting increased engagement and motivation. This supports EUPHEUS’s potential to create immersive learning experiences that go beyond traditional methods, addressing dyslexic students’ needs through AR.

3. Evaluating Augmented Reality in Physical Education for Dyslexic Students (2025)
   A recent study published in Scientific Reports investigated AR’s role in physical education (PE) for students with dyslexia. Conducted with 22 dyslexic students and 2 PE teachers, the study used thematic analysis to assess AR’s impact. It found that AR improved engagement, reduced anxiety, and enhanced motor skill learning by providing visual cues and interactive elements. Students reported feeling more confident in PE settings, which often challenge dyslexic learners due to reading-based instructions. This suggests that EUPHEUS could use AR to support not just literacy but also broader educational activities, fostering confidence and participation.

Join the Movement for Inclusive Education

AR is a pathway to inclusion for dyslexic children, helping them overcome reading barriers and thrive in education. What’s your vision for supporting dyslexic learners? Share your thoughts with us at lowercase.org.uk, and let’s build a more inclusive future together.