Dyslexia-specific therapy can help kids with learning disabilities break the code of written language and become successful readers! Dyslexia is a learning disability that impacts reading, writing, and spelling at the word level. Students with dyslexia have trouble figuring out the words on the page. This often blocks their ability to comprehend what they read, but dyslexia is not a comprehension disability. If these same kids hear a text read aloud, they can comprehend fine.
Fortunately, dyslexia-specific therapy can turn struggling readers into thriving students. However, it is essential that kids with dyslexia receive a specialized instruction. Generalized reading intervention and reading tutoring will not be effective enough for students with dyslexia. What makes dyslexia-specific therapy special?
1. Focused learning targets
“Dyslexia-specific therapy hones in on the specific challenges that hinder reading success.”
Dyslexia-specific therapy concentrates on the root causes of reading difficulties—specifically, issues with word-level reading, writing, and spelling. In this therapy, a specialized curriculum targets essential skills such as phonics, word recognition, spelling, and reading fluency.
Through direct, explicit, and thorough instruction, dyslexia-specific therapy helps children understand the building blocks of literacy. While many students can pick up on patterns in the English language through general instruction, kids with dyslexia require in-depth explanations and ample opportunities to practice what they’ve learned. In fact, graduates of dyslexia-specific programs often possess a deeper understanding of the English language than their classroom teachers due to the extensive instruction they have received.
2. Building Language Skills
“Dyslexia therapy goes beyond just reading—it builds a complete language foundation.”
Reading, writing, and spelling are critical areas where students with dyslexia often struggle. However, these are not the only skills that need attention. A strong dyslexia-specific therapy program systematically addresses language comprehension as well. This means focusing on vocabulary, grammar, listening skills, and even written composition.
Dyslexia therapists are specially trained to infuse language enrichment into their lessons. For example, when decoding a simple word like “pit,” they might take the opportunity to discuss figurative language, saying, “This is the pits!” or exploring the multiple meanings of the word “pit,” like a hole in the ground versus a fit of anger. This enriched approach enhances language comprehension and makes learning engaging and relevant.
3. Intensity
“Students with dyslexia thrive on consistent, focused instruction.”
Kids with dyslexia require many more exposures to words to commit them to their long-term memory. They also need in-depth instruction in reading and spelling to achieve mastery. As a result, even the best classroom teachers, using the most effective curricula, may find it challenging to meet the needs of students with dyslexia within the confines of a traditional classroom..
This is where dyslexia-specific therapy shines. These programs provide the increased intensity of instruction that children with dyslexia require. This intensity is crucial for fostering progress and ensuring that students not only understand new concepts but also retain them.
4. Diagnostic and prescriptive.
“Every child with dyslexia is unique, and therapy should reflect that.”
Dyslexia-specific therapy places a strong emphasis on individualizing instruction. While all students with dyslexia share a common cluster of symptoms, each child’s experience is different. For example, some may find learning irregular “sight words,” like “said” and “does,” particularly challenging, while others may grasp them quickly because they encounter these words frequently.
Therapists assess each child’s strengths and weaknesses, allowing for personalized lesson plans that meet their specific needs. This individualized attention creates a supportive learning experience, where children can thrive without feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. Parents can feel confident knowing that their child is receiving tailored support that respects their unique learning needs.
5. Multisensory
“Making learning interactive enhances motivation and outcomes for students with dyslexia.”
Many children with dyslexia learn best through visual, hands-on, and auditory experiences. Therefore, dyslexia-specific therapy often incorporates multisensory techniques to engage multiple senses during learning. This approach not only makes lessons more dynamic but also helps students better master language concepts.
For instance, spelling lessons might involve using sand trays to form letters, while reading activities could include hopping from word to word in a playful manner. By tapping into different learning styles and engaging all the senses, dyslexia therapy fosters both motivation and effective learning. This interactive style of teaching encourages children to embrace their strengths, making the learning process enjoyable and effective.
In conclusion, dyslexia-specific therapy is a game-changer for students with dyslexia. By focusing on targeted skills, providing personalized instruction, and using multisensory techniques, these programs offer a comprehensive approach to helping children succeed. With increased intensity and a commitment to building confidence, dyslexia therapy not only addresses reading difficulties but also empowers students to embrace their unique learning styles.
Parents can rest assured that by choosing dyslexia-specific therapy, they are giving their children the tools they need to break through barriers and become confident, capable learners.
