Neuropsychological Assessment of Difficulties in Reading Spanish: A Cultural-Historical Approach

BACKGROUND: This paper argues that Cultural-Historical neuropsychology provides a solid theoretical framework for the assessment of reading difficulties. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the paper is to discuss how reading process and reading difficulties are perceived through the prism of Cultural-Historical neuropsychology. DESIGN: This paper is of a theoretical and methodological nature, directed to practice and research in the field of neuropsychology. RESULTS: This paper provides an outline of the fundamental concepts and principles of Cultural–Historical theory that are relevant to the assessment of reading difficulties. It provides a blueprint for the assessment of difficulties in reading Spanish via a presentation of data on common mistakes and their relationship to neuropsychological factors. CONCLUSION: The crucial role of in-school teaching in facilitating students to avoid developing reading difficulties, or to overcome them, is highlighted.