Learning Disability - Reading Comprehension Learning Disabilities

A learning disability in reading comprehension that affects the learner's ability to understand the meaning of texts. Students with LDs in reading comprehension may also have difficulty with basic reading skills such as decoding words. Some students with learning disabilities in reading comprehension can read aloud with little or no difficulty but do not understand or remember what they've read.

LDs in reading comprehension likely involve difficulty with language processing and visual reasoning centers of the brain. They can result from inherited conditions or developmental differences in the brain. They are not solely due to vision problems, difficulty with hearing or speech, or lack of appropriate instruction.

People with LDs in reading comprehension have difficulty understanding the important ideas in reading passages. They may or may not have difficulty with basic reading skills such as word recognition. In some cases, they may read aloud with little difficulty but may not understand or remember what they've read.

Evaluation can provide information to help educators develop effective strategies. Typical strategies focus on using pre-reading tasks, mediated reading instruction, graphic organizing, and improving comprehension and retention.

All students with learning disabilities are at-risk for being underestimated in their abilities. People with LDs in reading comprehension have general learning ability that is as high as, or higher than their peers. They simply have a skill deficit in this area. They may become frustrated because of the effort they must put forth to get their work done. They may appear as if they are not putting forth effort, when they are just overwhelmed.

Diagnostic reading tests can be used to determine what specific types of problems are affecting the learner's reading skills. Through observations, analyzing student work, cognitive assessment, and possibly language assessment, educators measure your child's progress and can develop individualized education programs.

If you believe you or your child has LD in reading comprehension, contact your school principal or counselor for information on how to request an assessment. For students in college and vocational programs, their school's advising office can assist with finding resources to help ensure their success.