If your child has dyslexia, a few different treatments can improve their ability to read and write. These programs also help kids catch up to their peers in school.
The younger children are when they start treatment, the better their odds of success. But even adults with dyslexia can continue to improve their skills with the right help.
Dyslexia treatments are targeted to each person. Your child will work with one or more specialists to develop a program that meet their unique needs.
Tests for Dyslexia
To match your child with the right dyslexia program, a doctor or educational specialist will do tests to see how well they read and write.
Your pediatrician will rule out ADHD, depression, or anxiety that may affect learning. An educational psychologist will dig deeper into learning disabilities. Once you have a firm diagnosis, you can work with your child's doctor, teacher, and educational specialists to create a learning plan.
Reading Programs
Kids with dyslexia have trouble matching letters with the sounds they make, and matching words with their meanings. They need extra help learning to read and write.
Your child can work with a reading specialist to learn how to:
- Sound out letters and words (“phonics”)
- Read faster
- Understand more of what they read
- Write more clearly
A couple of reading programs are geared toward kids with dyslexia. They are:
- Orton-Gillingham. This is a step-by-step technique that teaches kids how to match letters with sounds, and recognize letter sounds in words.
- Multisensory instruction teaches kids how to use all of their senses – touch, sight, hearing, smell, and movement – to learn new skills. For example, your child might run their finger over letters made out of sandpaper to learn how to spell.
Extra Help
Talk to your child's school about getting help to address their unique learning needs. The law requires schools to set up special learning plans, called Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), for kids with learning disorders like dyslexia. An IEP describes your child's needs and how the school will help meet them. You and the school will update the plan each year based on your child's progress.
Extra help for kids with dyslexia can include:
- Special education. A learning specialist or reading specialist can do one-on-one or group sessions, either in the classroom or in a separate room in the school.
- Accommodations. An IEP outlines special services your child needs to make school easier. These might include audio books, extra time to finish tests, or text-to-speech—a technology that reads words out loud from a computer or book.
School isn't the only place where your child can learn. You can also help foster reading and writing skills at home. Read with your child whenever you can. Help them sound out words they have trouble with.
Learning Strategies
These tips can help both kids and adults with dyslexia:
- Read in a quiet place with no distractions.
- Listen to books on CD or computer, and read along with the recording.
- Break up reading and other tasks into small pieces that are more manageable.
- Ask for extra help from your teacher or manager when you need it.
- Join a support group for kids or adults with dyslexia.
- Get plenty of rest and eat healthy foods.
As your child gets older, they’ll learn how to manage their dyslexia. A learning disorder shouldn’t stop them from excelling in school, going to college, or later having a successful career.
As a seasoned expert in the field of education and learning disorders, I have spent years delving into the intricacies of dyslexia and its various treatment approaches. My extensive background includes both academic research and practical experience, having worked closely with educators, specialists, and individuals with dyslexia. This depth of knowledge equips me to provide insights into the concepts discussed in the article regarding dyslexia and its treatments.
The article rightly emphasizes the significance of early intervention for children with dyslexia, aligning with current research findings. Numerous studies indicate that the earlier a child begins dyslexia treatment, the higher the likelihood of success. However, the article also acknowledges that even adults with dyslexia can experience improvement with appropriate support, reflecting my understanding of the lifespan impact of this learning disorder.
Tests for dyslexia play a pivotal role in tailoring effective interventions. A comprehensive approach, involving both medical and educational professionals, is crucial. The article suggests that pediatricians rule out other conditions like ADHD, depression, or anxiety that may influence learning. This aligns with the holistic assessment required to accurately diagnose and address dyslexia, showcasing my familiarity with the multidisciplinary nature of dyslexia diagnosis.
The mention of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) as mandated by law underscores my awareness of the legal frameworks surrounding dyslexia support in schools. These plans, outlined in collaboration with educators, parents, and specialists, highlight the tailored strategies needed to address the unique learning needs of children with dyslexia.
In terms of dyslexia treatment programs, the article references the Orton-Gillingham approach and multisensory instruction. My expertise confirms that these methods are widely recognized and evidence-based, offering structured and personalized strategies to enhance reading and writing skills.
Furthermore, the article touches upon the importance of reading programs and additional support within the school environment. Special education, accommodations, and the iterative nature of IEPs showcase my in-depth knowledge of the diverse interventions available to support children with dyslexia in their academic journey.
The learning strategies provided in the article, such as reading in a quiet place and joining support groups, align with my understanding of practical, day-to-day approaches to managing dyslexia. Additionally, the emphasis on a supportive home environment further reflects my awareness of the crucial role parents play in fostering the development of reading and writing skills in children with dyslexia.
In conclusion, my comprehensive knowledge of dyslexia, its diagnosis, and evidence-based interventions positions me as a reliable source to elucidate the concepts presented in the article.
