How can neurodiversity affect reading skills?

As said by notable scientist and autism awareness activist, Dr. Temple Grandin, “The most interesting people you’ll find are ones that don’t fit into your average cardboard box. They’ll make what they need, they’ll make their own boxes.”

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in human brains, whereby each functions a little differently. This is part of the human spectrum of diversity, and by recognizing and acknowledging various conditions such as dyslexia, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder and other cognitive differences, we can better help students achieve academic success.

When it comes to reading skills, neurodiverse students often process information in a way that is not always supported by traditional curriculums. Reading is a complex skill that involves language processing, memory, focus, and sensory integration–making it an area where some students may experience challenges through no fault of their own.

Here, we delve a little deeper into how neurodiversity can affect reading skills.

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is one of the most well-known neurodiverse conditions that affects a person’s reading skills. It is characterized by having difficulties recognizing words accurately and fluently, which are challenges not related to intelligence or motivation, but rather are due to how the brain processes written language.

Students with dyslexia may find it difficult to match letters to sounds, blend sounds into words, or recognize familiar written words reliably. They are likely to read at a slower pace and may also struggle with comprehension as just decoding the words takes up so much of their cognitive energy.

That said, people with dyslexia often excel in creative thinking and problem-solving. With the right support, such as phonics-based learning and assistive technology, it’s possible for them to significantly boost their reading skills.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Many students with ADHD often find it difficult to sustain their attention on a singular task for extended periods. They may also find it harder to organize their thoughts and have lower impulse control than their neurotypical peers. This can affect their reading comprehension as they are likely to miss details or find their minds wandering, making it hard to follow the flow of a story or body of text.

ADHD can also affect the brain’s working memory function, making it more challenging to recall and retain information while reading. The key to helping a student with ADHD increase their reading skills is often to find text on a topic they find highly engaging, as such students tend to hyperfocus once something grasps their attention.

Students displaying signs of ADHD are often very creative and excel in storytelling once they overcome the initial struggles of learning to read. Educators can support them by tailoring reading assignments to their interests, breaking text into smaller chunks, and using movement-based learning strategies to supplement traditional teaching methods.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

ASD can present a wide variety of challenges (as well as strengths) to a student’s reading skills. While some people with this condition may demonstrate hyperlexia, an advanced ability to read words at an early age without necessarily comprehending the information, others may struggle with communication and language processing. The latter can make reading particularly difficult, especially when it comes to abstract concepts such as understanding metaphors or the perspective of characters in a story.

However, both children and young people with ASD tend to be brilliant with pattern recognition and attention to detail, which can be leveraged by a supportive tutor to help them improve their reading skills. Throughout their educational journey, it’s critical for neurodiverse students to learn and implement study strategies and skills which will help them boost reading comprehension and ability.

Embracing neurodiversity

Embracing neurodiversity within educational settings is essential to fostering an inclusive and nurturing environment, where all students can thrive. Understanding the needs of neurodiverse students and offering the right support is not only crucial to improving their reading skills but also to promote their overall wellbeing and confidence.

If you would like to support a young student on their reading journey, consider volunteering with Reading Partners. Just one tutoring session a week can make a huge difference in a student’s life.

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