What is Dyslexia Treatment?
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that affects reading and related language-based processing skills. It is a neurologically-based, often familial disorder which typically makes reading, spelling, writing, and sometimes oral language unexpectedly difficult and inefficient despite adequate intelligence, motivation and education. The exact cause of dyslexia is unclear, but research suggests it is probably due to differences in how the brain processes written and spoken language.
Signs and Symptoms of Dyslexia
Some common signs of dyslexia include difficulty with phonological awareness (sounds in words), phonological decoding (sounding out words), orthographic processing (spelling), rapid visual-verbal responding, and verbal and working memory. Individuals with Dyslexia Treatment typically have problems with fluency (speed and accuracy of reading), reading comprehension, spelling, written expression, and paying attention or concentrating while reading.
Causes and Risk Factors for Dyslexia
While the exact cause is unknown, dyslexia is thought to be neurological in origin and likely runs in families. Dyslexia is often co-morbid with other learning disabilities and language disorders like ADHD, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, etc. Risk factors include a family history of dyslexia, premature birth or low birth weight, vision or hearing problems, and seizures or head injuries. Dyslexia occurs across all socioeconomic levels and levels of intelligence.
Screening and Diagnosis of Dyslexia
Dyslexia screening allows identification of early indicators of at-risk students while diagnostic evaluation assesses the severity of reading and language weaknesses. Screening is typically done in early elementary grades to identify skills deficits before reading problems develop. A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation by a licensed professional like a psychologist or learning specialist is needed for a formal diagnosis. Testing assesses reading ability, reading component skills, oral language, written language, phonological processing, etc. to determine strengths and weaknesses consistent with dyslexia.
Dyslexia Treatment
There is no cure for dyslexia, but early identification and evidence-based intervention can significantly improve reading, writing, and spelling skills. Treatment should be tailored to individual needs and continue through school years. Some proven approaches include:
Structured Literacy Instruction- Focuses on the structures of language like phonology, sound-symbol association, syllable types, morphology, syntax and semantics. Teaches systematic and explicit phonics. Programs include Orton-Gillingham and Wilson Reading.
Multisensory Structured Language - Uses a variety of physical pathways like auditory, visual, kinesthetic and tactile simultaneously for enhanced memory and learning. Programs include Barton, Spell-Read and Math-U-See.
Reading Accommodations - May include extra time, audio books, voice typing software, note-taking assistance.
Assistive Technology - Text-to-speech, speech-to-text, reading pen or magnifier aids access. Programs like Kurzweil, Read and Write Gold help overcome reading barriers.
Cognitive/Behavioral Therapy - Focuses on metacognition, executive functioning, mindfulness, coping and study skills to manage dyslexia challenges.
Parent/Teacher Training - Educates on dyslexia, signs, traits and teaching strategies for home and classroom support.
Medications - May help with co-occuring conditions like ADHD that interfere with learning by improving focus, concentration, behavioral symptoms.
With appropriate, tailored interventions dyslexia outcomes can dramatically improve. Early identification and consistent, systematic instruction based on proven structured literacy methods can help individuals achieve their reading potential. Combining evidence-based programs, accommodations, assistive tech and related supports provides the best outcomes for reading success with dyslexia.
Effective Structured Literacy Programs for Dyslexia
Orton-Gillingham Approach
One of the oldest and most scientifically-validated methods for dyslexia, the Orton-Gillingham Approach explicitly teaches the rules of phonics, syllabication, and morphology using multisensory techniques. Lessons are sequential, cumulative and individualized to need. It incorporates visual, auditory and kinesthetic-tactile pathways for enhanced learning and memory. The OG approach shows superior results when implemented by a trained, skilled instructor.
Wilson Reading System
Following similar multisensory structured literacy principles as Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading is also well-researched and effective. It emphasizes the phonological rules, sounds and structure of language through direct instruction, repetition and feedback. Lessons are logically sequenced, move gradually from simpler to more complex concepts, and taught at the child's pace. Schools, tutors and parents use Wilson to systematically and explicitly remediate dyslexic students from pre-K through high school.
SpellRead
Another multisensory approach, SpellRead breaks down words into syllables for sound-by-sound blending. Instruction integrates visualization, touch, movement, phonics and spelling patterns to help retain information in memory. It shows early gains in decoding, comprehension and spelling for students with dyslexia from kindergarten through adulthood. SpellRead has proven effective in both one-on-one and small group settings when applied consistently.
Barton Reading & Spelling System
Barton utilizes multisensory techniques to teach phonics, decoding, spelling rules and dictionary skills sequentially. It emphasizes visual skills, auditory training, tactile-kinesthetic memory and phonological processing. Lessons are highly-structured yet flexible for individual needs through multilingual translations. Combined with practice, Barton explicitly bridges the gap between sounds and letters for dyslexic individuals from preschool to adulthood.
with robust scientific evidence behind their structured, multisensory design, programs like Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading, SpellRead and Barton address the core deficits associated with dyslexia. When delivered consistently by properly-trained professionals or parents, these proven methods empower struggling readers to achieve their potential through mastery of literacy fundamentals.
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