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In this study, we aimed to ascertain whether it is possible to create reading contexts that eliminate the impact of word recognition on reading comprehension and permit pupils with reading disabilities (RD) to attain a level of comprehension similar to that of their peers without RD. Specifically, the study compared a traditional reading situation with one of reading with aids (joint reading). In both situations, pupils' comprehension level was assessed by means of a summary and a series of inferential questions, and we controlled the effect on comprehension of word recognition, previous knowledge, rhetorical competence, and working memory. The results showed that the aids provided during reading do not eliminate the effect of word recognition, but they do permit readers with RD to attain a comprehension level similar to that of their peers.

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Introduction Sexual dysfunction in patients with severe mental disorders is often underestimated or overlooked by psychiatrists. A brief and valid self-report instrument for assessing sexual functioning may well contribute to changing this situation. Aims To validate the Short Form of the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ-14) in Spanish patients with severe mental disorders. Methods Naturalistic, cross-sectional, multicenter, validation study. Eighty-nine patients with schizophrenia and 82 with bipolar disorder were evaluated using the CSFQ-14, the Visual Analogue Scale for Sexual Functioning Satisfaction (VAS-SFS), and the Clinical Global Impression—Severity scales for mental disorders (CGI-S) and for Sexual Dysfunction (CGI-SSD). Main Outcome Measures The 14-item Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire. Results Internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha)=0.90. Construct validity=3 principal components, of which the first, arousal-orgasm, explained 46.4% of the total variance. Convergent validity: Pearson correlation coefficients between CSFQ-14 and VAS-SFS=0.33 (P <0.01) and between CSFQ-14 and CGI-SDS=−0.71 (P <0.01). Discriminant validity: The CSFQ-14 was able to discriminate among patients with no, mild, moderate, and severe sexual dysfunction according to CGI-SDS scores, both in males (P <0.001) and females (P <0.001). In males, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.833 and a cutoff point of 49 provided a sensitivity of 92.9% and a specificity of 59.5%. In females, the AUC was 0.834 and a cutoff point of 43 provided a sensitivity of 91.9% and a specificity of 62.5%. Conclusion The Spanish version of the CSFQ-14 is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing sexual functioning in patients with severe mental disorders. As a brief, self-rated instrument, the CSFQ-14 scale seems to be appropriate for use in everyday clinical practice as a means of identifying and monitoring changes in sexual functioning.