Decoding, Reading, and Reading Disability

To clarify the role of decodingThe ability to translate a word from print to speech by using your knowledge of sound–symbol (letter) correspondences. in reading and reading disability, a simple model of reading is proposed, which holds that reading equals the product of decoding and comprehensionMaking meaning from something that is heard (oral comprehension) or from print (reading comprehension). . It follows that there must be three types of reading disability, resulting from an inability to decode, an inability to comprehend, or both. It is argued that the first is dyslexiaA language-based learning disability that affects reading. , the second hyperlexia, and the third common, or garden variety, reading disability.