Understanding and coping with a Reading Disorder
A Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in Reading, referred to simply as a Reading Disorder in this post, is neurodevelopmental disorder that signifies persistent difficulties in key areas of reading. However, it is important to know that with the right understanding and support, people with reading disorders can achieve success and lead fulfilling lives.
In this post, I will explore the fundamentals of Reading Disorders, including its symptoms, diagnosis and tips for support.
Disclaimer
The information in this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for your specific needs.
What is a Reading Disorder?
The term “Reading Disorder” is often used interchangeably with Dyslexia and both are widely recognized terms for individuals who face challenges with reading. Both terms imply a difficulty in reading and a significant delay in the development of reading skills. Common challenges include difficulties with phonological awareness (recognizing distinct sounds), visual processing (identifying separate letters), memory and/or reading comprehension and fluency difficulties.
The exact causes of this disorder are not currently known. However, research shows there are differences in the brain functioning of a person with this disorder. Also there is a strong genetic link such that if a parent has a reading disorder, there is a high likelihood that their children will also have it.
Important to note that a reading disorder can affect individuals from all backgrounds and intellectual abilities. Despite the challenges of dyslexia, many people with this condition are highly intelligent and demonstrate exceptional skills and talents in other areas. Current estimates suggest that approximately one in ten students in Canada has a learning disorder, with the majority of these being related to reading.
Foundations of Reading Development
It is essential to understand that reading development is a process that unfolds through various stages, each building upon the previous one to achieve reading proficiency. Any delays or gaps in foundational skills can create a bottleneck effect, hindering the development of more advanced reading abilities. The key stages in reading development include:
1. Concepts of Print and Letter Recognition: In the initial stage, children begin to understand the basic concepts of printed letters and materials in books. They start recognizing letters within words, matching spoken words to printed letters, and identifying the letters in their own names. This stage involves learning that the letters of the alphabet correspond to specific sounds made by parents or teachers.
2. Phonological and Phonemic Awareness: The next stage focuses on phonological and phonemic awareness. Children learn to rhyme, identify syllables in words, and isolate, compare, and blend phonemes (the individual sounds in words).
3. Decoding and Word Recognition: As children progress, they develop decoding skills and word recognition. They become familiar with high-frequency words through repeated exposure and practice decoding unfamiliar words. This stage also involves matching spoken words with their written forms and improving spelling skills.
4. Reading Fluency: Once children have a solid foundation in word reading accuracy, they move on to reading fluently with accuracy, speed, and comprehension. At this stage, they transition from "learning to read" to "reading to learn."
5. Reading Comprehension: The final stage involves enhancing comprehension skills. Children expand their vocabulary, engage with complex concepts in writing, summarize texts, and make inferences. This stage also includes discussing ideas from texts with others, writing essays that compare and contrast ideas from books, and drawing inferences and theories from the text.
It's important to recognize that there are natural variations in the development of these skills. Some children may acquire these skills more easily than others.
Additionally, various other factors can influence reading development that is not due to a reading disorder such as major life stressors, lack of exposure to reading materials, learning multiple languages simultaneously, and issues related to attention, anxiety, motivation, depression, or other intellectual or developmental delays.
Common Symptoms of a Reading Disorder
The symptoms can vary widely, but may include:
Struggles with decoding words and reading fluently
Difficulty spelling words correctly
Struggles with understanding what they read
Slow and laborious reading, even after many years of instruction
Avoidance of reading and writing tasks
Diagnosis of a Reading Disorder
Diagnosing a Reading Disorder typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a specialist (i.e., psychologist or neuropsychologist). The evaluation may include a cognitive assessment, a review of the individual's educational and medical history, and an assessment of their reading and writing abilities.
Supporting Individuals with a Reading Disorder
Educating Yourself
Learning about Reading Disorders is a great first step to understanding how to help your child. Below I provided some excellent resources to start with researching and learning more about reading disorders.
Supporting a Literacy Rich Environment
Encourage and support a literacy rich environment for your child at home. This can include reading together, practicing writing, and encouraging participation in reading activities. Websites like Reading Rockets https://www.readingrockets.org/ offers many resources, activities and games you can add to daily life.
Advocating for Accommodations & Remediation
Individuals with a Reading Disorder may need accommodations in school to help access the curriculum. Common accommodations offered are access to remedial reading programs, assistive technology and extra time on reading tasks. As well, it is important to ask your school about any reading programs they can offer to help with their foundational reading skills.
Connecting with Local Resources
There are many resources available for individuals with Reading Disorder, including support groups, tutors, and educational programs. For example, here in Canada the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario (https://www.ldac-acta.ca/) has many great information and programs.
Excellent Resources for Further Information
Understood.org serves as an online hub aimed at delivering assistance and materials for individuals who possess unique thinking and learning patterns.
LDonline.org a valuable resource for insights into learning disabilities and exploring effective approaches to support those who have them.
Misunderstood Minds offers interactive experiences designed to simulate the challenges of a learning disability.
The Learning Disabilities Association of Canada is a comprehensive resource guide to help understand learning disabilities and supports.
Overcoming Dyslexia (2020 Edition) by Dr. Shaywitz gives a detailed look at dyslexia and common strategies for support.
References
Learning Disabilities Association of Canada. Learning disabilities at a glance. Retrieved from https://www.ldac-acta.ca/learning-disabilities-at-a-glance/
Understood.org. Dyslexia. Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/en/ dyslexia
American Psychiatric Association (2022). Neurodevelopmental disorders. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.).
Shaywitz, S. (2005). Overcoming Dyslexia (2020 Edition): Second Edition, Completely Revised and Updated.
Snowling, M. J., Hulme, C., & Nation, K. (2020). Defining and understanding dyslexia: past, present and future. Oxford Review of Education, 46(4), 501–513.
