Reading Comprehension Disorder : Understanding The Struggle

Reading comprehension disorder, also known as specific reading comprehension deficiency, is a learning difficulty that primarily affects a child’s ability to understand the meaning of written text. While these children may be able to read words accurately, they struggle to grasp the overall message or make inferences from the text.

This disorder can significantly impact a child’s academic performance and overall learning experience.

Causes and Symptoms

The exact cause of reading comprehension disorder is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some experts suggest that it may be related to differences in brain development or function, particularly in areas responsible for language processing and comprehension.

In many cases, however, the root cause stems from inefficient visual skills or underlying vision problems that directly impact a child’s ability to comprehend what they read. Even if a child can decode words fluently, visual deficits can severely compromise their overall reading comprehension.

Symptoms of reading comprehension disorder may include:

• Difficulty understanding the main idea or key details in a text, even when reading fluently
• Struggling to make inferences, draw conclusions, or grasp implied meanings from the text
• Trouble summarising or retelling what they have read in their own words
• Poor retention of information from written materials, even after multiple readings
• Challenges with applying knowledge gained from reading to other contexts or situations

While these symptoms may seem purely related to cognition and language processing, oftentimes, they can be linked to visual issues that drain a child’s attentional resources during reading.

Some common visual symptoms that may contribute to reading comprehension struggles include:

• Frequent eye rubbing, blinking, or squinting
• Holding reading material very close to the face
• Losing place frequently while reading lines of text
• Complaining of headaches or eye strain with reading tasks
• Short attention span or frequent re-reading due to visual fatigue
• Tilting or turning the head to use just one eye when reading

Undetected or uncorrected vision issues like farsightedness, amblyopia (lazy eye), or eye tracking, teaming and focusing deficiencies can make reading laborious for children.

When a large portion of their energy is spent just trying to keep words clear and lines of text straight, little cognitive resource is left for actual comprehension of what is being read.

Importance of Early Intervention

Early identification and intervention are crucial for children with reading comprehension disorders.

Without proper support, these children may fall behind academically and develop a range of secondary issues, including:

• Low self-esteem and frustration with reading and learning
• Lack of motivation and disengagement from academic activities
• Difficulty in subjects that rely heavily on reading comprehension, such as social studies or science
• Challenges in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Potential social and emotional difficulties due to academic struggles

Addressing reading comprehension difficulties early on can help children receive the necessary support and strategies to improve their comprehension skills, build confidence, and prevent further academic and emotional setbacks.

The far-reaching impacts of this disorder extend beyond just academics. Reading comprehension disorder can profoundly affect a child’s overall experience in multiple areas of life:

Impact in the Classroom

Reading comprehension disorder can profoundly impact a child’s ability to learn and thrive in the classroom. As reading is a fundamental skill required across various subjects, children with this disorder may struggle to grasp concepts, follow instructions, and engage fully with the curriculum.

They may become easily frustrated or disengaged during lessons, leading to disruptive behaviour or a lack of participation.
These children may fall significantly behind their peers academically without proper support, hindering their overall learning potential.

Social and Emotional Impact

Beyond academics, reading comprehension disorder can also affect a child’s social and emotional well-being. Children with this disorder may struggle to understand social cues, follow conversations, or comprehend the nuances of interpersonal interactions. This can lead to difficulties in making and maintaining friendships and potential feelings of isolation or low self-esteem.

Additionally, their inability to comprehend written materials may limit their access to age-appropriate books, stories, and other forms of entertainment, further impacting their social development and sense of belonging.

Impact on Sports and Play

While reading comprehension disorder primarily affects academic performance, it can also influence a child’s ability to engage in sports and play activities. Children with this disorder may have difficulty understanding and following complex rules or instructions, making participating in team sports or structured games challenging.

Furthermore, their struggles with comprehension may limit their ability to engage in imaginative play or understand the narratives behind certain games or activities, potentially hindering their overall physical and social development.

By recognising these wide-ranging impacts, it becomes clear that early intervention and support are crucial for fostering academic success and nurturing a child’s overall development and well-being.

How Dr Nick Can Help

At Eyes by Design, Dr. Nick, the Behavioural Optometrist, takes a comprehensive approach to addressing reading comprehension disorder. He understands that this disorder can stem from various underlying factors, including vision problems, attention difficulties, and cognitive processing issues.

Dr. Nick’s expertise lies in conducting thorough evaluations to identify the root causes of a child’s visually related reading comprehension struggles. He utilises specialised tests and assessments to examine visual skills, eye tracking, focusing, and cognitive processing abilities essential for effective reading comprehension.

These evaluations may involve:

• Visual skills assessment: Examining eye movements, focusing, and binocular vision abilities
• Cognitive processing evaluation: Assessing skills like visual memory, visual processing speed, and auditory processing
• Attention and concentration assessments: Identifying potential attention deficits or distractibility issues

Once the underlying factors are identified, Dr Nick develops a personalised treatment plan tailored to the child’s specific needs.

This may involve:

• Specialised lenses or prism glasses: Correcting any visual inefficiencies or binocular vision problems
• Vision therapy exercises: Improving eye movements, focusing, teaming and/or visual processing skills
• Attention and cognitive strategies: Techniques to improve focus, memory, and information processing abilities

By addressing the underlying visual and cognitive factors, Dr Nick’s treatments can enhance a child’s ability to comprehend written text, leading to improved academic performance, increased confidence, and a newfound love for reading and learning.

Furthermore, Dr Nick collaborates closely with parents, teachers, and other professionals to create a supportive learning environment that reinforces the strategies and techniques learned during therapy sessions. This holistic approach ensures that the child receives consistent support and experiences success in both academic and personal settings.

With early intervention and Dr Nick’s expertise, children with reading comprehension disorder can overcome their challenges and unlock a world of understanding, unlocking their full potential for academic success and personal growth.

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