Individuals with weak comprehension skills do not accurately visualize the information they read or hear. Some people image only bits and pieces of language, or try to recall each word and its definition from memory rather than making an overall image. This causes the student to struggle to remember information he/she reads or hears.  It leads to secondary difficulties in analyzing and processing information, determining the main idea, drawing conclusions, making predictions, deriving inferences, and forming and justifying opinions. Many students with poor comprehension are not diagnosed by the school, since they may read and spell with ease.

As students progress in school, a comprehension difficulty can lead to significant gaps in information.  Students may struggle to express themselves orally and in writing.  Peer and family relationships may suffer, since the student has difficulty understanding others, predicting consequences, following directions, and communicating.  

Northwest Reading Clinic instructors first teach students how to create detailed mental images from oral and written material, and then teach them how to use those pictures to answer questions and summarize information.  Many clients also require vocabulary development, as difficulty with comprehension often occurs in conjunction with weak vocabulary skills.  Students begin treatment at the single word level and eventually students make the transition into grade level textbooks and homework.

*Poor oral and written expression

*Difficulty comprehending oral and written material

*Weak sense of humor

*Difficulty following oral or written directions

*Struggles within peer or family relationships

*Difficulty understanding abstract or advanced concepts, such as cause and effect

*Unclear, vague writing samples or oral speeches

"When I first started your program, I didn't have much enthusiasm. I had many self-esteem problems related to my not understanding what I was reading. Now that I have reached my goal, I am so much happier. It is really neat to read a book and actually know what is going on. I get the funniest pictures in my head and can remember much better than before. I can't wait to try the imagery in college in a few weeks."

"It has been a little over a year since our daughter completed her program at the clinic. Today we met with her special education teachers for her regular three year evaluation. After testing, we were informed that she had successfully demonstrated her reading and comprehension skills to a point that she no longer qualifies as a special education student. Words cannot express the feeling of accomplishment. We want to thank you for all you have done for our daughter.”