Reading Comprehension (with AD/HD, Dyslexia & Autism)

Reading comprehension relates to how language is processed in the brain and the resulting understanding of the written word. For children and adults with focus issues and learning disorders, reading comprehension is often decreased significantly. Conditions such as attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and autism can contribute to reduced focus, all too often resulting in poor reading skills. This is why Mrs. Brennan created the Reading Focus Card.

The Reading Focus Card was developed as an effective solution for ADD, ADHD, as well as for autistic and dyslexic readers. This tool helps increase attention span in the case of ADD, ADHD, and with autism.  It helps filter out the other words on a page and improves ability to decode words for dyslexia and other challenges. Although this device benefits those with ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, autism and other disorders, it can also be helpful to many other readers without these issues.

Learning & Reading Disabilities

Reading comprehension can be affected by the following challenges:

• ADD – A neurological condition causing inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity   
• ADHD – Differentiated from ADD, this condition is due to the frequent exhibition of hyperactive behavior.
• Dyslexia – A learning disability that is neurological in nature; characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities.
• Autism – A disorder of neural development characterized by an abnormal absorption with the self, resulting in anti-social responses to people; it is marked by communication issues and a short attention span.

Comprehension problems are frequently related to ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, and autism. Reading comprehension requires sustained mental effort and attention. Understandably, an ADD, ADHD or an autistic reader by definition likely will struggle with these skills. Autism also is characterized by shortened attention spans. Dyslexia inhibits a reader to properly understand the text that is read because of the decoding issues involved.

Sometimes, ADHD and dyslexia co-exist. The task of reading comprehension is then much more difficult than having ADHD or dyslexia alone. This is a compounded problem because dyslexia does not necessarily respond to those interventions used for ADHD.

Autism & Reading Comprehension

Autism spectrum interventions often involve sensory input to enhance comprehension. Individuals with autism are very visual learners. The Reading Focus Card provides both visual and tactile stimulation that is not offensive to autistic readers and others with sensory issues. An autistic reader can have a short attention span, so reading comprehension can be very difficult. Helping an autistic individual stay involved in the reading is essential to improving comprehension.

To a person with autism, the “feel” of a tool can be a positive factor. Color is also essential for those with autism. Autistic readers simply need sensory stimulation, and the Reading Focus Card helps both through touch and sight to engage the student more with the reading.