54 retarded readers of at least average IQ (Retardeds) and 54 adequate readers (Controls) aged 6.5 to 12.5 yr. were administered the MFD. This was scored (i) according to the standard Graham and Kendall system and (ii) according to a new system which took into account all errors of displacement, omission, and addition. Both methods discriminated significantly between the groups, the standard scoring system being somewhat better than the new system. Discrimination was maintained after adjustments for IQ differences were made. The results suggest that reading retardation may be a symptom of minimal cerebral dysfunction.
