Your child’s ability to read and understand written language is essential for their success in school, work, and life. If your child is reading below their grade level, has trouble understanding what they read, or has other reading struggles, our friendly speech-language pathologists are here to help. Keep reading to find out what types of delays and disorders can impact reading skills and how these can be addressed with pediatric speech therapy.
What Is a Reading Delay or Disorder?
A reading delay happens when a child’s reading skills aren’t developing as quickly as they should. It is just like any other developmental delay. A reading delay can be caused by an underlying disorder or medical condition, but it isn’t always.
A reading disorder happens when the brain processes written words differently. Children can be born with a reading disorder or develop one after a brain injury. It’s important to note that reading disorders have nothing to do with a child’s intelligence—they simply affect how the brain understands written words.
Common Signs of Delayed Reading Skills
The most common signs of delayed reading skills include struggling to:
- Learn and remember the alphabet or numbers
- Learn letter sounds
- Remember common words when reading
- Read all words in a sentence without skipping any
- Sound out new words without guessing
- Blend letter sounds when reading out loud (e.g. saying “puh-lease” instead of “please”)
Common Types of Reading Disorders
The most common types of reading disorders are:
- Dyslexia – difficulty reading due to trouble relating the sounds of speech to specific letters and words in written text.
- Hyperlexia – where a child has an extremely advanced ability to read but trouble understanding what they read and with language comprehension and social skills.
How Delayed or Disordered Reading Skills Can Impact a Child’s Growth
Children who struggle with reading can have difficulties with their academic success and self-esteem. Not only can they have trouble in school, but they may have trouble with their future career or everyday skills like driving (which requires the ability to read road signs). That’s why early intervention is vital for your child’s future success.
How Can Speech Therapy Improve My Child’s Reading Skills?
Our pediatric speech-language pathologists are reading experts. We use proven therapeutic exercises, techniques, and activities to help children master reading. We can also give you tips and activities you can do at home with your child to help them continue working on their reading skills between therapy sessions. With our one-on-one treatment and your support, we can work together to help your child overcome their reading struggles.
Benefits of Pediatric Speech Therapy for Reading Development
If your child is struggling with reading, speech therapy can give them the tools they need for success. This can lead to incredible benefits such as:
- Better ability to read
- Increased academic performance
- Stronger reading comprehension
- Improved vocabulary and grammar
- Better chances for future career success
- Stronger communication skills
- Increased self-esteem
Schedule Your Child’s Evaluation
Pediatric Therapy Partners has clinics in Bossier and Shreveport, LA, to meet your family’s needs. All you have to do is call us at (318) 746-1199 or fill out the contact form below and our Intake Coordinator will help you schedule your child’s speech therapy evaluation.
