Reading Struggles
Why Reading Is So Hard
Reading isn't just about phonics. It requires over 17 visual and cognitive skills working together — and if any are underdeveloped, reading breaks down.
Most reading interventions focus on phonics, fluency drills, and more practice. But if the underlying visual and neurological systems aren't ready, more practice just means more frustration.
At Superpowers For Good, we identify which of your child's foundational systems need strengthening — and we build them up so reading becomes possible, not painful.
Three Types of Struggling Readers
Which one sounds like your child?
The Word Caller
Can decode words but doesn't comprehend what they read. They sound fluent but can't tell you what the paragraph was about.
- Reads aloud accurately but can't answer comprehension questions
- Struggles to summarize or retell stories
- May read the same page multiple times without understanding
- Often described as "reading but not reading"
Root cause: Weak visual imagery — the brain isn't creating pictures from words.
The Struggler
Fights through every word. Reading is slow, laborious, and exhausting. Often avoids reading entirely.
- Reads very slowly, word by word
- Skips lines or loses their place frequently
- Reverses letters (b/d, p/q) past the typical age
- Complains of headaches or tired eyes when reading
Root cause: Underdeveloped eye tracking and visual processing systems.
The Avoider
Has learned that reading means failure, so they avoid it at all costs. May act out, get "sick," or simply refuse.
- Gets angry or emotional when asked to read
- Makes excuses to avoid reading time
- May have behavioral outbursts during reading activities
- Self-esteem and confidence are significantly affected
Root cause: Accumulated frustration from unaddressed developmental delays.
How DVL Helps Struggling Readers
Developmental Visual Learning addresses reading struggles at the source — the neurological systems that make reading possible in the first place.
- Strengthen eye tracking so the eyes can move smoothly across a line of text
- Build visual memory so words and patterns are retained
- Develop visual imagery so the brain creates pictures from words
- Integrate the visual and auditory systems so phonics instruction can stick
- Address retained primitive reflexes that interfere with eye movement
Ready to find out why your child struggles with reading?
Schedule a Consultation →