Having developed and deployed the NIMH-EMA applet as part of one research study, we were able to rapidly develop and deploy a second assessment applet as part of a research study about reading disability. Reading disability is the most common learning disability, affecting 10–15% of school age children. It incurs major functional impairments at all stages of life. A wealth of data documents lifelong disadvantages in educational and occupational attainment. Current evidence-based reading interventions largely rely on services by trained specialists, either in well-resourced classrooms or clinical settings. As such, under-resourced schools (or countries) often are unable to provide reading interventions for their students. The significance of this dilemma is compounded when considering that children of lower socioeconomic status, and children with other serious comorbid behavioral health conditions, may have more severe or complex reading disability profiles. Thus, the children most in need are the least likely to have access to evidence-based treatment.

The EDUCATE study, funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, is a collaborative effort between researchers at the University of Connecticut and the Child Mind Institute. This clinical trial will examine the effectiveness of an at-home, game-based intervention for reading disorders. Parents of participants in this study will complete daily and weekly assessments in MindLogger, which will allow researchers to assess the home environment and compliance with the intervention protocol throughout the study period. This data will be critical for evaluating the impact of this clinical trial.

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