Understanding Word Reading Difficulties in Children With SLI.

Children with specific language impairment (SLI) often show considerable reading difficulties. Research has revealed two primary reading profiles among children with SLI: (a) one of poor word reading and decoding skills and associated reading comprehension difficulties, and (b) one involving relatively strong word reading skills but poor comprehension. This article reviews studies characterizing these two subtypes of SLI, discusses their current clinical implications, and suggests important directions for future study.