Final answer:
Students who can read and spell accurately but struggle with reading comprehension typically have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as ADHD can affect the ability to maintain attention and process information necessary for understanding text.
Step-by-step explanation:
Students who can decode and read individual words quickly and well, and can spell accurately, yet struggle to comprehend the meanings of passages, typically exhibit a profile that is characteristic of students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This is because despite their ability to process the mechanics of reading, the challenges associated with ADHD can interfere with their ability to maintain attention and engage in necessary mental processes that contribute to reading comprehension.
While mood disorders like anxiety and depression, and speech articulation disorders can also impact learning, they do not typically manifest this specific profile. Autism spectrum disorders may result in difficulties with social interaction and communication, which can affect language skills broadly, but not typically in the discrepancy seen between decoding and comprehension as stated in the question.
ADHD often coexists with various learning disabilities, with research indicating that a significant percentage of individuals diagnosed with ADHD also present with some sort of learning disability. For instance, dyslexia, a common learning disability, can result in difficulties with reading, writing, and spelling, but it generally involves a difficulty in processing letters and sounds rather than the comprehension issues separate from accurate decoding and spelling noted in the student's profile described in the question. It is crucial to provide appropriate support and interventions for students with ADHD to help them succeed academically.