Is a “Specific Learning Disability in Reading” or “SLD in Reading” the Same as “Dyslexia”?
Updated: Aug 12
Why Do Schools Use the Term “SLD in Reading” Instead of Dyslexia?
Yes.
When schools identify a "specific learning disability in reading" or "SLD in reading," they're talking about dyslexia - just using different terminology. The good news? Your child or teen can absolutely learn to read successfully with the right support.
According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as the Nation’s Report Card, only 31% of 4th graders can read at a 4th-grade level. That means 69% of students are struggling with reading. For many of these children, the underlying issue is dyslexia, often referred to as a specific learning disability in reading. Schools in particular are often reluctant to use the term "dyslexia," and instead use the term "specific learning disability in reading" or “SLD in reading.”
Common Red Flags for Dyslexia
Dyslexia can manifest in many ways, but there are several red flags parents should watch for, including:
A history of speech delays or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds
Family history of struggling with reading and spelling
Trouble rhyming words
Memorizing words instead of sounding them out when reading
Spelling words with the correct letters in the wrong order, such as writing "was" as "saw"
Skipping sounds when spelling words, such as writing "slip" as "sip"
If you're seeing red flags, don't wait—act now. While teens can absolutely master reading even in middle and high school, early intervention protects your child's confidence. The longer reading challenges go unaddressed, the more their self-image takes a hit. Trust your instincts and secure support at the first signs of trouble.
The Best Solutions for Reading Difficulties
The best approach for dyslexia? It all depends on your child or teen’s phonological skills - their ability to identify and manipulate speech sounds. Whether the experts you’re talking to call that phonological awareness, phonological processing, phonemic awareness or phonemic processing doesn’t matter; understanding your student’s specific challenges in this area determines the most effective path forward.
If your student has strong phonological skills but struggles with decoding, they need Orton-Gillingham instruction—a structured, multisensory approach that teaches students the phonics patterns essential for reading and spelling.
If your student has weak or average phonological skills, they need a two-pronged approach: Orton-Gillingham phonics instruction plus explicit, systematic phonological training with a program like Kilpatrick or Heggerty.
Advocating for Your Child at School
You have the legal right to request that your child’s local public school test them for specific learning disabilities in reading and writing. A diagnosis unlocks access to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and specialized support.
When discussing an IEP with your school, ask this crucial question: "How many students with reading IEPs actually catch up to their peers and exit special education?" The answer will be revealing—most schools rarely achieve this outcome. If that’s the case at your school, you’ll want to get your student tutoring outside of school.
Choosing the Right Tutor
When seeking outside help, ensure your tutor is trained in the Science of Reading (or Structured Literacy). Many general reading tutors simply don't have the specialized knowledge needed for dyslexia.
A qualified tutor will explicitly use:
A proven phonological awareness program like Kilpatrick or Heggerty, and
Orton-Gillingham-based phonics instruction
The specific OG program doesn't matter as much as proper implementation. Ask to see their OG materials—look for blending boards, syllable houses, and other classic OG tools.
Remember: Orton-Gillingham alone isn't enough. Your child likely needs both phonological training and structured phonics to become a confident reader and speller.
About the Author
Daniela Feldhausen is the founder of Kids Up Reading Tutors. A former attorney with a master’s degree in special education, she has extensive training in Structured Literacy, the Science of Reading, and Orton-Gillingham–based instruction. Her team evaluates each student’s reading and spelling skills, creates an individualized Structured Literacy Plan, and provides the one-on-one tutoring needed to carry it out.
What sets Kids Up Reading Tutors apart?
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