What are Decoding Difficulties?
Decoding difficulties refer to challenges that children face in the process of translating written words into spoken words. This is a common issue in
pediatrics and often affects children's ability to read fluently and accurately. It is a critical component of
reading development, and difficulties here can lead to broader
learning disabilities.
Frequent pauses and hesitations while reading
Difficulty recognizing common words
Substituting words that look similar
Reading at a slower pace than peers
Struggling with
phonics and sound-letter correspondence
Observation: Teachers and parents might notice signs of reading issues.
Screening Tests: Initial assessments to identify potential problems.
Formal Evaluation: Comprehensive tests conducted by educational psychologists or specialized reading specialists.
Academic Performance: Struggles in reading can affect overall school performance.
Self-Esteem: Persistent difficulties can lead to frustration and low self-confidence.
Social Skills: Children may avoid reading aloud or participating in class discussions.