If motivation to read fails to develop, reading failure is the outcome. All of us have very delicately balanced neural systems for integrating incoming sensory inputs, evaluating their significance in the light of past experience, and storing the learning for future use. Autistic and hyperkinetic children apparently have unbalanced neurological systems. Neurotransmitters from neurons in the hypothalamus located at the base of the brain are important in excitation and inhibition of the nervous system. Different neurotransmitters from neurons in the hypothalamus work on and through the pituitary gland which releases eight hormones manufactured in the hypothalamus into the blood stream. To relate this to motivation, a model describing goal seeking behavior is used. Expectancies which are important in motivation are built into the sensory integration processing. Sommerhoff's theory of a lambda configuration as the basis for learning is presented and discussed as it applies to motivations and their patterns. Reinforcement and habituation are discussed. Reading teachers need to learn what to do to make reading both a challenge and a task at which students can succeed to utilize the motivation processes. (MKM)