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E - Causes of Reading Disorder

If a child struggles with reading over time, itu2019s understandable for parents to want to know<br>whatu2019s behind it. A reading disorder doesnu2019t mean the child isnu2019t smart or isnu2019t tryingu2014it<br>means something specific is making reading harder than it should be. Finding out what that<br>is can help parents and educators choose the right kind of support to meet the childu2019s needs.<br>

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E - Causes of Reading Disorder

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  1. Causes of Reading Disorders If a child struggles with reading over time, it’s understandable for parents to want to know what’s behind it. A reading disorder doesn’t mean the child isn’t smart or isn’t trying—it means something specific is making reading harder than it should be. Finding out what that is can help parents and educators choose the right kind of support to meet the child’s needs. Understanding the Multifaceted Nature of Reading Disorders Reading challenges are rarely caused by just one thing. In most cases, they stem from a mix of brain-based, cognitive, and sometimes environmental factors. These difficulties aren’t something a child can push through with more effort—they’re rooted in real differences in how the brain handles reading and language. Neurobiological Factors: The Brain's Role Research shows that many reading difficulties are linked to how the brain is built and how it works. These neurobiological differences play a major role in why some children struggle more than others. Genetic Predisposition One of the strongest indicators of a reading disability is a family history of reading or learning difficulties. Research shows that specific genes can predispose an individual to differences in brain development related to language processing. If a parent or sibling has dyslexia, there's a significantly higher chance that a child will also experience similar challenges. Brain Structure and Function Brain imaging studies have shown that children with a reading disorder often have subtle differences in the way their brains are wired. These differences usually appear in areas that handle sounds, language, and quick visual processing. When these connections aren’t working as smoothly, it can lead to struggles with reading, spelling, and understanding language. Phonological Deficits At the heart of many reading challenges, especially dyslexia, is a phonological deficit—difficulty recognizing and working with the sounds in words. For example, a child

  2. might have trouble breaking “cat” into /c/, /a/, /t/ or blending sounds to form words. This skill is key for decoding and spelling. Other Contributing Factors Of Dyslexia While neurobiological factors are primary, other elements can contribute to or exacerbate a difficulty in reading. Early Language Development Delays in early spoken language development, such as late talking, difficulty forming sentences, or persistent pronunciation errors, can sometimes precede and impact later reading acquisition. A child’s ability to read often builds on strong oral language skills—they’re the groundwork for understanding written words. Executive Function Weaknesses Difficulties with executive functions—the brain's command and control center—can also play a role. Challenges with things like working memory, attention, organization, or processing speed can make it harder for a child to pick up and use reading strategies successfully—even if reading isn’t the core concern. Environmental Influences While rarely the sole cause of actual reading difficulty, environmental factors can indeed influence a child's reading development. Limited exposure to print, a lack of early literacy experiences, or inconsistent reading instruction can contribute to reading difficulties. Why a Clear Understanding of Causes Matters When we understand what’s causing a reading disability, we stop just labeling the problem and start finding real solutions. For parents and teachers, knowing the neurological or cognitive reasons behind a child’s struggle helps them choose strategies that actually work. It also avoids wasted effort and creates space for empathy and useful support. The Role of Assessment in Pinpointing Causes This is where thorough educational assessments matter. They don’t just spot that a child is having trouble—they help figure out why by closely examining the child’s thinking and learning skills. By combining family insights, clinical observations, and standardized tests, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can determine the unique profile of strengths and weaknesses that contribute to a child's reading challenges. This diagnostic precision ensures

  3. interventions are genuinely effective. The Educational Inspiration Approach Figuring out why a child is struggling to read can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. At Educational Inspiration, we provide reading and language evaluations that look closely at what’s behind the challenges and offer clear next steps. We help parents understand the root of their child’s learning difficulties and how to support their progress in school and beyond. If you suspect your child is struggling with reading or language, don't hesitate. Our detailed educational assessments are the first step in gaining the clarity needed to understand your child's unique learning profile. Schedule a consultation with us and start your child's personalized growth process.

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