Reading disability

Reading disability is a condition in which a person has trouble reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words (decoding). Also called dyslexia, reading disabilities result from a problem in the part of the brain that processes language.

Causes

Reading disabilities are often inherited. People with certain genetic variations are more likely to have problems with reading. Other risk factors can influence the severity of the disorder.

Symptoms

The symptoms of reading disabilities depend on the severity of the disorder. People with a mild reading disability may struggle with understanding complex sentences or have difficulty reading multi-syllable words. More severe forms of reading disability can make it difficult to read even simple words.

Diagnosis

Reading disabilities are typically diagnosed in childhood. A comprehensive evaluation often includes intellectual and educational testing, as well as an assessment of the important cognitive and language skills that are critical for reading.

Treatment

The most effective treatment for reading disabilities is specific types of reading instruction. This reading instruction is intensive and includes teaching phonemic awareness, which is the ability to identify individual sounds in words, phonics, fluency, vocabulary knowledge, and comprehension strategies.

Prognosis

With the right educational support, most people with reading disabilities can become proficient readers. Some people, however, may struggle with reading throughout their lives.

See also

• Dyslexia
• Learning disability
• Special education