When it comes to reading there are all different types of learning disorders that children are thought to have. While it is true that many children struggle when it comes to fluent reading, it is not always necessarily a learning disorder that is the cause of the trouble.
One study suggests that almost one half of the people who are thought to have a learning disability in reading are actually suffering from scotopic sensitivity syndrome. These people have a sensitivity to light. They have a difficult time reading and at times find it even painful to read when the text is printed on glossary paper. Fluorescent light and high-contrast print (black letters on white paper such as we normally see) make reading even more difficult for those who suffer from scotopic sensitivity syndrome.
Some students who have the syndrome will try to create a shadow on their paper to make it easier to read. These students will often lean over the text or wrap their arm around it. Teachers typically do not pick up on these clues. In some cases people try to hide the light by wearing a hat or cap low and almost over their eyes.
After a lengthy time reading, many people may feel that their eyes burn or are blurry. They may feel the need to rub their eyes to try to clear up their vision. This is how reading feels all of time to people who have scotopic sensitivity syndrome. The harder that they try to clear their vision the worse that it hurts their eyes. Children who suffer from the syndrome often refuse to read or say that they cannot read. They are then sometimes placed in special education or labeled with a learning disorder.
While they do not read, students with scotopic sensitivity syndrome do usually enjoy being read to and hearing stories aloud on tape. They may participate in group assignments and have good comprehension skills.