Reading difficulties

Reading is tough, even if it looks easy to many grown-ups. Most people learn to read without much trouble, but some have a hard time, and that’s okay. These problems usually start when you are learning to read, but they can continue as you grow older. You might find it hard to recognize sounds in language, break words into sounds, or even recognize letters or words.

These difficulties do not mean you are not smart or not trying hard in school. They also do not happen because of any physical handicap or emotional problem. These things can make reading harder, but they are not the cause. It does mean you may need more support.

What is typical?

Learning to read doesn’t happen all at once. You build your reading skills little by little over the years. Each new thing you learn helps you get ready to learn more. Typical reading skills include saying the alphabet, recognizing letters, matching letters to sounds, recognizing familiar words, and reading harder and harder stories.

As you get older, you are expected to read longer and more complex texts. For example, between ages 9 and 10, you start to read longer texts and understand them. From ages 13 to 15, you are expected to be able to read more complex texts from different subjects and understand most of the content.

If you take a long time to read, need to repeat things to understand, get tired quickly, or avoid reading out loud, this could be a sign of a reading difficulty. Everyone has their own pace, and the important thing is not to blame yourself and to look for strategies that can help you.

When should I be concerned?

Many people have trouble reading at some point. But there are signs that might show a bigger problem. These signs can be different based on your age. If you are not sure what to look for, ask a trusted adult or teacher for help.

When you were first learning to read:

• Talking later than other kids: You might have started speaking later than your peers.
• Trouble with rhymes: You found it hard to play rhyming games or remember nursery rhymes.
• Following directions: You often had trouble following simple instructions from adults.
• Reading short words: You struggled with reading short words and sometimes repeated or missed them.
• Left-right confusion: You had difficulty telling left from right.

When you are in school:

• Reading words: You have a hard time reading words and sounding out new ones.
• Spelling and writing: You struggle with spelling common words and taking notes or copying from the board.
• Reading comprehension: You find it difficult to understand the main idea or details of a story.
• Slow reading: You read slowly compared to your classmates.
• Avoiding reading aloud: You avoid reading out loud in class because you feel embarrassed.
• Feeling tired from reading: You get tired easily when reading and put in a lot of effort.

When you are outside school:

• Understanding signs: You have trouble understanding logos and signs.
• Learning game rules: You find it hard to learn and remember rules for games.
• Following multi-step directions: You struggle to remember and follow multi-step directions.
• Reading clocks: You have difficulty reading clocks or telling time.
• Learning new languages: You find it very hard to learn a new language.
• Frustration with reading: You get upset when you cannot read something and may have emotional outbursts.
• Sequencing events: You have trouble putting events in order or retelling stories.

Remember: Even though these signs are common, they don’t define who you are. Asking for help is the first step to better developing these skills.

What can I do if I (or a friend) struggle?

Dealing with reading difficulties can be hard and frustrating. Here are some things you might try to make it easier, with the help of a trusted adult and a teacher:

1. Ask for help from a trusted adult.Let a parent, caregiver, teacher, or another responsible adult know about your reading difficulties. They can assist you and help get more support.
2. Read things that interest you.Find books or articles about sports, games, fashion, music, or any other topic you like. This can make reading more fun.
3. Practice decoding words.Regular practice with flashcards or reading easy texts out loud can improve your ability.
4. Use other tools.Audiobooks, typing on a computer, or using apps can assist with reading and decoding.
5. Break tasks into smaller parts.This makes big assignments less overwhelming.
6. Give yourself enough time and take breaks.Tasks that involve reading may take longer, so plan for extra time and take small breaks.
7. Remove distractions.Turn off TVs, games, and phones to focus better.
8. Engage in activities you are good at.Join a sports team, play music, or try any activity you enjoy. Doing things you are good at can boost your confidence.

What kind of professional support can I seek out?

It is normal to feel bad about reading difficulties, but help is available. If you struggle with reading for weeks, ask a trusted adult or teacher for help. They can guide you to get an evaluation from a professional.

There are several types of professionals in schools that may be able to help, including special education teachers, learning specialists, and speech-language pathologists. These professionals, especially those who have

experience with students who learn differently, can provide effective support.

Public services are also available through the Unified Health System (SUS). You can find support at places like your local Basic Health Unit (UBS)or Child and Adolescent Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS i).

Asking a trusted adult for help isn’t a weakness—it’s a way of taking care of yourself. With support, you can understand what’s going on and find ways to feel better.