Reading Disorder

The essential feature of Reading Disorder is reading (i.e., accuracy, speed, or comprehension as measured by individually administered standardized tests) that falls substantially expectations given the individual's chronological age, measured intelligence, and age-appropriate education.

The disturbance in reading significantly interferes with academic achievement or with activities of daily living that require reading skills. If a sensory deficit is present, the reading difficulties are in excess of those usually associated with it. If a neurological or other general medical condition or sensory deficit is present, it should be coded on Axis III.

In individuals with Reading Disorder (which has also been called "dyslexia"), oral reading is characterized by distortions, substitutions, or omissions; both oral and silent reading are characterized by slowness and errors in comprehension.

Associated Features

Mathematics Disorder and Disorder of Written Expression are commonly associated with Reading Disorder, and it is relatively rare for either of these disorders to be found in the absence of Reading Disorder

Diagnostic criteria summarized from:

American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fourth edition. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.