Is a “Specific Learning Disability in Reading” or “SLD in Reading” the Same as “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.

How Kids Up Reading Coaches Can Help

Kids Up Reading Coaches specializes in helping students in grades 1-12 catch up to their peers in reading and spelling in months, not years. Our program includes:

• 1-on-1, evidence-based, high-intensity instruction

• 45- or 60-minute sessions tailored to the specific skills your student needs

• Weekly progress updates so you always know what your student is learning

• The convenience of Zoom, so you don’t have to drive to a tutoring center or have a tutor in your house multiple evenings per week

Our Guarantee: Try it for a week. Love it, or it's on us!

If your student is struggling with reading, don’t wait. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your child or teen become a fluent reader, good speller, and confident student!