Reading is the processing of understanding language by interpreting written symbols for speech sounds. Poor readers are often labeled as “dyslexic,” which simply means “poor with words” or “poor reading skills.”Parents and/or teachers are usually the first to notice reading problems in children. A more substantial and comprehensive evaluation—a cognitive skills test—can pinpoint the exact cause of learning problems. In people with reading problems, the cognitive skills that are usually weak are phonemic awareness and auditory processing, although other areas may be weak as well.

Treatments

• Cognitive skills training attacks the root causes of reading struggles by strengthening weak cognitive skills - especially phonemic awareness and auditory processing.
• Reading to a child or assisting them with reading can increase the skills necessary for them to excel on their own later.

• Struggles pronouncing new words
• Weak at letter sound discrimination (pin, pen)
• Poor at distinguishing similarities/differences in words (no, on)
• Difficulty transferring what is heard to what is seen and vice versa
• Low reading comprehension

• Family history of reading problems
• Average/above average IQ
• No enjoyment of leisure reading
• Poor spelling
• Auditory language difficulties in word finding, fluency, meaning, or sequence