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The Review Course in Family Medicine

GUIDELINE ALERT: "My child can't read" - These 2 steps help 95% of the Time

Subheading: New CPS Position Statement

Two bowls full of cranberries on a grey cement like surface.

What if a parent comes to see you in clinic tomorrow and says "My child is having difficulty reading." Did you know that your next steps are crucial?


Over 95% of reading difficulties can be prevented or resolved with appropriate classroom instruction if primary & pediatric care providers:

  • Identify early

  • Promptly implement appropriate intervention & support


The Canadian Pediatric Society has released a Position Statement that recommends the following:

  1. Screen children aged 4-7

    - Ask, "Is your child having trouble recognizing letters of the alphabet?"

    - Use the 2-3 minute DIBELS tools: Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills


  2. Diagnose learning disorders

    - Referral to pediatrics can be useful, and also psychoeducational assessment can be helpful especially in children beyond grade 1 who are not improving in class (kindergarten and grade 1 might be too early).

    - This can be expensive but some extended benefit plans cover it. Also, consider a free submission to the Canadian Government Jordan's Principle for an Indigenous child - they don't need First Nations status to qualify.


  3. Assess for other causes

    - Look for other diagnoses including medical and psychiatric, such as ADHD and developmental coordination disorder.


  4. Provide resources

    - Encourage parents and caregivers to speak, read, and sing with infants and young children

    - Abracadabra

    - Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation



*See more screening questions, tools, and resources in the CPS Practice Point.

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