Reading Comprehension: Assisting Children with Learning Difficulties

Abstract

This book discusses reading comprehension and associated learning difficulties. It seeks to outline and elaborate on what constitutes reading comprehension and also the types of learning difficulties that impact on reading comprehension outcomes. In doing so, it seeks to address and inform the reader about issues found in the literature on reading. It discusses the need for a consistent and integrated approach to reading comprehension.

The book details the complex nature of reading comprehension difficulties and the problems related to articulating clear definitions of various learning difficulties and the associated problems with assessment and diagnosis. It introduces a model for classifying reading comprehension based on the "Simple View of Reading." The book also focuses on recent conceptualisations of working memory and its function in regard to the complex task of reading and comprehension. It gives an explanation as to why reading comprehension is difficult for some children with a number of reading disabilities such as ADHD, autism, and language difficulties and dyslexia.

The book then discusses and develops an understanding of comprehension at the word and discourse levels. It details some evidence-based reading comprehension methods that have been identified as being effective for children with learning difficulties.