Learning Disability with Impairment in Reading

Last Updated: 28/10/2013

A learning disability with impairment in reading (formerly referred to as Dyslexia) is the inability or difficulty in interpretting written language inspite of normal or above-normal intelligence. This "reading disability" can impact upon phonological awareness or decoding, orthographic decoding, and even auditory short-term memory, and is considered to be the most common learning disability. 

A learning disability with impairment in reading occurs when there is an issue in the areas of the brain that help to interpret language and is not, in fact, caused by visual impairments. While a disorder which affects the ability to read, Dyslexia in no way impairs the ability to think or understand complex ideas.

Warning Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of a learning disability with impairment in reading do not show significant change as the individual ages. According to the DSM-V, young children, elementary-age children, adolescents, and adults tend to exhibit similar difficulties, including:

  • Word reading accuracy 
  • Reading rate or fluency
  • Reading comprehension 

A learning disability with impairment in reading, like all Learning Disabilities, impacts upon all aspects of an individual's life. Learning Disabilities are present in all ethnic and language groups, and may disrupt a child’s home life, education, behavior, and social life. At home, children with a learning disability with impairment in reading face many of the same difficulties they do in school. Trouble reading, difficulties managing home-work or written "to-do" lists may impact negatively upon home life. At school, they have trouble completing written class work and reading assignments, and may often miss valuable information due to inability to read instructional material. 

An assessment is a necessary step before decisions can be made about accommodation and eligibility for services. The diagnosis of a learning disability with impairment in reading as with most Learning Disabilities, is usually based on the observation of behaviors. The criteria for these behaviors are described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition Revised (DSM-V) (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
 

1. Lerner, Janet. Learning Disabilities: Theories, Diagnosis, and Teaching Strategies, 11th Edition (Boston, 2009) buy the book here
2. New Brunswick Department of Education, "Resource for the Identification and Teaching of Students with Specific Learning Disability" 1999

3. American Psychiatric Association, "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, 5th Edition (Arlington, VA, 2013), 67.

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