What is a significant risk factor for developmental reading disorders?

The significant risk factor for developmental reading disorders is that children with speech sound disorders (SSDs) are at increased risk of having a reading disorder. Research has demonstrated a strong correlation between speech sound disorders and difficulties in reading, particularly in phonological awareness, which is crucial for the development of reading skills. Children with SSDs often struggle with the sounds of language, which can impede their ability to decode written words and recognize the relationships between letters and sounds.

The underlying issue for this increased risk is that both SSDs and reading disorders involve phonological processing. Phonological processing is the skill involved in recognizing and manipulating the sounds in words, which is critical for successful reading. Children with SSDs may not develop adequate phonological awareness skills due to their speech difficulties, leading to later challenges in reading.

In contrast, the other options suggest misunderstandings about risk factors. The idea that there are no risk factors that an SLP can assess dismisses the importance of recognizing and addressing the connection between speech disorders and reading challenges. Stating that only those children with a family history of reading disorders are at risk overlooks other significant factors, such as speech disorders influencing literacy development. Lastly, suggesting that children with SSDs are only at risk if they do not receive speech