Reading and Reading Disorders

Reading is the process by which a person gets information from written letters and words. A person can read using sight or touch, such as when a vision-impaired person reads braille.

The skill of reading is built on an understanding of how sounds form words, the relationship between letters and sounds, and other complex elements.

Research has helped define the elements of good reading instruction, including clear, specific lessons and a consistent plan.

Reading disorders mean a person has trouble reading words or understanding what they read. Dyslexia is one type of reading disorder.

The signs of a reading disorder vary from person to person but often include difficulty spelling, sounding out words, and understanding what they just read.

Diagnosing reading disorders usually involves different tests of memory, spelling, visual perception, reading, and comprehension. Family history and other assessments may also be involved.

Research shows that reading disorders result from a specific, brain-based difficulty in learning to recognize and decipher printed words. There is no single known cause of these difficulties.

Effective treatments are tailored to an individual’s needs. In general, the earlier a reading disorder is addressed, the better.

NICHD conducts and supports research on reading and reading disorders and on many conditions associated with reading and reading disorders.

NICHD conducts and supports a variety of clinical research projects related to reading and reading disorders.

Find answers to other common questions about reading and reading disorders, such as how to help your child and how adults can manage their disorder.

Links to websites of groups that study or provide information about reading and reading disorders.