According to the National Reading Panel, what is the strongest indication of a reading disability?

The strongest indication of a reading disability, as identified by the National Reading Panel, is a deficit in phonology. Phonological awareness is critical for learning to read, as it involves recognizing and manipulating the sound structures in language, such as syllables and phonemes. A deficit in this area can significantly hinder a child's ability to decode words, which is foundational for reading.

When children struggle with phonology, they often have difficulties in segmenting words into individual sounds and blending those sounds to form words, leading to challenges in reading progression. This foundational skill is essential for the development of other reading abilities, including comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency. Cumulatively, this makes phonological deficits a more primary and telling indicator of reading disabilities compared to the other deficits listed.