Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Reading | Symptoms, Treatment & Therapists Near You

Authored by: The DrSensory Editorial Team

Reviewed by: 🛡️ DrSensory Clinical Review Board

Last updated: June 2025

All medical content on this page has been reviewed and approved by licensed Doctors on the DrSensory Clinical Review Board. Our reviewers follow strict editorial standards and ensure alignment with current APTA guidelines, evidence-based practice, and orthopedic rehabilitation protocols.

Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Reading (SLD-R): What Parents and Professionals Need to Know

Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Reading (SLD-R) is a recognized diagnosis under the DSM-5 that describes persistent difficulty with reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension. Often associated with dyslexia, this condition can significantly impact a child’s academic performance and self-esteem if left untreated.

What Is Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Reading?

SLD-R is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by challenges in:

  • Word recognition
  • Decoding (sounding out words)
  • Reading fluency
  • Reading comprehension

It is not caused by low intelligence, lack of instruction, or sensory deficits. Children with SLD-R typically have average or above-average intelligence, but struggle with reading due to differences in brain processing.

This diagnosis is distinct from dyslexia, but dyslexia is the most common form of SLD with impairment in reading.

Key Signs and Symptoms

Early intervention starts with recognizing the red flags:

  • Difficulty learning letter names and sounds
  • Slow or inaccurate reading
  • Guessing words instead of decoding
  • Problems understanding or remembering what was read
  • Avoidance of reading-related tasks
  • Spelling difficulties

If your child is struggling in these areas, an evaluation is crucial.

What Causes SLD with Reading Impairment?

SLD-R is caused by differences in how the brain processes written language. Risk factors include:

  • Genetic predisposition (family history of reading difficulties)
  • Language delays in early childhood
  • Co-occurring disorders like ADHD, dysgraphia, or executive function deficits
  • Sensory processing challenges affecting visual/auditory input

How Is It Diagnosed?

A proper diagnosis includes a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation, typically involving:

  • Standardized reading and decoding assessments
  • Phonological processing tests
  • Language comprehension evaluation by a speech-language pathologist
  • Review of academic performance
  • Feedback from teachers and parents

Early diagnosis—ideally in Grades K–2—leads to better long-term outcomes.

Best Treatment Approaches for SLD-R

Treatment should be individualized and multidisciplinary. At DrSensory, we work with therapists who use evidence-based approaches.

✅ Speech-Language Therapy (SLP)

  • Phonological awareness training
  • Structured literacy (e.g., Orton-Gillingham)
  • Vocabulary and reading comprehension support
  • Expressive and receptive language development

✅ Occupational Therapy (OT)

  • Visual-motor and visual-perceptual skills
  • Sensory integration to support attention and engagement
  • Handwriting and written expression strategies
  • Executive function coaching (organization, sequencing)

✅ Physical Therapy (PT)

  • Postural and motor control to support classroom readiness
  • Coordination and endurance for seated learning
  • Gross motor development for children with comorbid motor delays

Evidence-Based Reading Interventions

Therapies often integrate or support the following programs:

  • Orton-Gillingham
  • Wilson Reading System
  • Barton Reading and Spelling System
  • Lindamood-Bell
  • Read Naturally

Multisensory instruction helps children access language through sight, sound, movement, and touch—proven to be effective for struggling readers.

At-Home Support for Parents

  • Read aloud daily to build vocabulary and model fluency
  • Use audiobooks and read-along apps
  • Break reading into short, manageable segments
  • Practice phonics games
  • Use tools like highlighters, rulers, and colored overlays

Creating a low-stress, supportive reading environment is essential.

🧑‍⚕️ Find Therapists Who Treat SLD with Reading Impairment

DrSensory makes it easy to connect with professionals who specialize in reading disabilities:

✅ Search by zip code, specialty, or insurance

✅ Browse licensed SLPs, OTs, and PTs

✅ Explore teletherapy and in-person options

✅ View verified therapist profiles

👉 Find a Therapist Near You

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If you’re an SLP, OT, or PT helping children with SLD-R, join the DrSensory community!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is SLD with Impairment in Reading the same as dyslexia?

Not exactly. Dyslexia is a specific type of SLD-R, but the DSM-5 diagnosis is broader and may include other language-based reading difficulties.

Can SLD-R be treated?

While it can’t be “cured,” children can make significant gains with structured, consistent therapy and instruction.

What age can SLD-R be diagnosed?

Typically diagnosed between ages 6–9, when reading difficulties become clear, though risk factors may be identified earlier.

Can a speech therapist help with reading?

Yes. SLPs are trained in phonological and language processing, and are often essential to successful reading intervention.

This page provides general educational content and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a licensed provider for diagnosis and treatment.

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