Dyslexia Support
Dyslexia is a language-based difficulty with accurate, fluent word reading and spelling. It is not a vision problem and it is not related to intelligence. It responds to structured literacy instruction: explicit, systematic, cumulative teaching of how sounds map to letters — which is squarely within a speech-language pathologist's training, because reading is built on spoken language.
Who this is for
Students who read slowly and effortfully, guess at words from the first letter, spell the same word three different ways on one page, avoid reading aloud, or are bright in conversation and far behind on the page. Family history of reading difficulty is a meaningful signal.
Structured literacy, not more reading practice
Students with dyslexia do not close the gap by reading more of what they already cannot decode. They need the code taught directly and in order, with enough repetition to make it automatic.
- Explicit phonics taught in a planned sequence, each step building on the last
- Phonemic awareness work underneath the print, where the difficulty usually starts
- Spelling and decoding taught together — they are the same knowledge in two directions
- Fluency practice at the level the student can actually read accurately
Working with the classroom
Reading intervention that contradicts what happens the other five hours of the school day does not stick. We coordinate with classroom teachers and, where relevant, with the accommodations written into a 504 plan or IEP.
Lindamood-Bell® training
Our instruction is informed by Lindamood-Bell® programs, which develop the sensory-cognitive processes underlying decoding and comprehension. See our Lindamood-Bell® instruction page for what that involves.
Questions about dyslexia support
Can a speech-language pathologist diagnose dyslexia?
SLPs assess and treat the language and phonological skills that underlie reading, and our evaluations identify the profile clearly. A formal dyslexia diagnosis is typically made by a psychologist or neuropsychologist through a broader assessment. We will tell you plainly which one you need and can coordinate with either.
Is it too late if my child is already in middle school?
No. Earlier is easier, but structured literacy instruction works for older students too — the sequence is the same, the materials are age-appropriate, and the motivation conversation is different. We have worked with students through high school.
More questions about getting started, payment, and locations
Related services
Speech-Language Therapy
Based on individual needs, speech-language therapy with a licensed speech-language pathologist can target the underlying skills to reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Articulation & Articulation Disorders
Individualized therapy for speech sound production — helping students say sounds clearly and confidently so they can be understood by teachers, friends, and family.
Language
Support for understanding and using language — vocabulary, grammar, following directions, telling stories, and expressing ideas clearly.