The cognitive-linguistic profile of students with reading difficulties was investigated by adding specific tests to a response to intervention model (early identification and intervention for reading disorders). Forty-five second graders of both sexes and mean age of 7 years were divided into control group (without reading difficulties, n = 32) and at-risk group (with reading difficulties, n = 13). Scores below the mean of the control group (SD > 1.65) for each test were considered as specific deficits. Whereas group analysis showed phonological impairments as the only risk factor, an individual analysis added inattention and rapid naming as independent causal factors. An extended response model to the intervention, which includes cognitive assessment, is proposed.
Assessment; learning; cognition; reading; writing