A number of studies have been done on the relation between reading disability and complications of pregnancy and birth. The procedures and results of major studies are critically reviewed in this document, with attention given to issues of research design, test use, and statistical methods. Although none of the studies reviewed is free of methodological problems, the weight of the evidence supports the hypothesis that perinatal problems, especially low birth weight, are related to reading disability. Neonatal neurological damage is suggested as the major independent variable for investigators to pursue in the future. Included are an annotated list of references, an extensive table charting the findings of the major studies discussed in the document, and an appendix listing the reading and intelligence tests used in the major studies. (Author/JM)