Dyslexia and reading difficulties are common, with 80% of kids in special education having reading goals on their IEPs. Yet, dyslexia is often missed or improperly remediated. Ensuring accurate diagnosis and tailored interventions can make a significant difference in a child's educational journey. In today's episode, we'll delve deep into the challenges faced by children with dyslexia and the importance of proper diagnosis and intervention. We'll explore the psychologist's steps in remediating dyslexia, focusing on evidence-based strategies and approaches that make a meaningful difference.
Dyslexia treatment and remediation with a focus on Orton Gillingham methodology.
Understanding and addressing dyslexia can be challenging, especially when conventional educational tools like Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) fall short. Despite the common belief that having an IEP guarantees effective remediation, many dyslexic children with IEPs still struggle significantly with reading. This underscores the need for targeted and evidence-based interventions. The cornerstone of successful dyslexia remediation is structured, multisensory phonics instruction. Among the various methodologies available, the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach stands out as the most effective. This has a remarkable success rate of 95-97% when implemented correctly. The Orton-Gillingham approach, often referred to as the “gold standard” in dyslexia treatment, forms the basis of several other programs such as Wilson, Lindamood-Bell, and Seeing Stars. These programs are built upon the foundational principles of OG, emphasizing the importance of a systematic and multisensory approach to teaching reading. Effective remediation with the Orton-Gillingham approach requires consistency and fidelity.
Research suggests that OG-based instruction should be conducted at least four times a week, with each session lasting between 45 to 90 minutes. This frequency and duration are crucial to address the challenges dyslexic students face and to provide them with the necessary skills for reading proficiency. Drawing from my three decades of experience working with neurodivergent children, I've seen firsthand how vital the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach can be. My own child, who was identified with dyslexia at a young age, benefited greatly from OG-based instruction and made significant progress. This shows how, despite challenges, targeted interventions such as voice dictation can effectively complement reading instruction and create a positive learning experience.
Dyslexia identification and proper instruction for students.
Supporting dyslexic children involves more than just educational interventions; it extends into the home environment. As a parent, I've found that engaging in regular reading activities, maintaining open conversations about dyslexia, and providing emotional support greatly help. These efforts can significantly boost a child's confidence and help them navigate their learning challenges more comfortably. Moreover, addressing dyslexia openly and positively helps reduce stigma and fosters a supportive atmosphere.
Understanding educational and legal support is also key. It's important for parents to know the differences between a 504 Plan and an IEP to ensure their child receives the appropriate accommodations. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides essential rights and support for dyslexic students, and being informed about these provisions allows parents to advocate effectively for their child. Comprehensive testing is another critical aspect of dyslexia remediation. Accurate testing not only diagnoses dyslexia but also clarifies specific skill gaps. This detailed assessment enables tailored interventions that address individual needs, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the remediation process. From my experience, even educators often struggle to fully understand dyslexia due to its neurologically complex nature.
In fact, in my doctoral program, the Psychology of Reading class was notoriously difficult considering that the complexity of dyslexia involves more than just phonics and language; it includes eye movements and various other components. Many people don’t grasp this complexity, and they overlook crucial elements like sound-letter combinations and phonological awareness. In my advocacy work, I’ve seen the positive impact of proper identification and intervention firsthand.
I’ve had parents express their gratitude for the significant improvements in their children’s lives due to effective dyslexia treatment. Partnering with parents and navigating the complexities of dyslexia remediation is challenging, but with the right approach and support, it’s possible to make a profound difference.
Remediating dyslexia, importance of early identification and proper reading instruction.
One of the biggest mistakes I've seen with the Wilson reading program is that teachers often don't follow it correctly, even after attending training. This is something I frequently encountered in my work, where I'd find that teachers started students at the wrong level instead of ensuring mastery before moving forward. Unlike regular classrooms, where you can progress with partial understanding, Wilson requires full mastery before advancing.
Additionally, the program should be implemented with the recommended intensity – ideally four days a week, as research suggests. Unfortunately, if these protocols aren't followed, the effectiveness of the program diminishes. I’ve also observed that older students who have gone without proper instruction often develop social and emotional problems. Many smart dyslexic children recognize they're falling behind, leading to issues like depression and anxiety.
Identifying dyslexia early and providing the right reading instruction can prevent these problems and is critical for their well-being. It's important to remember that technology tools used in schools should support traditional teaching methods, not replace them. While my child uses voice-to-text technology to assist with his spelling, we haven't given up on remediation. Throughout his schooling, he received intensive reading instruction five to seven times a week because we understood what he needed. Parents must know their rights and navigate the system. Not every family has the resources or knowledge to provide this level of support, but every child is entitled to a Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE). Understanding the legal landscape is crucial, and I recommend getting books like “From Emotions to Advocacy” to help guide you.
It's important to be open and honest with your child, reminding them they're smart and that the right instruction is key to unlocking their potential. Providing emotional support and creating a supportive network is vital, especially when dyslexic children are often placed in lower track classes due to their difficulties with reading. Proper reading instruction is vital because reading is the foundation of learning. Without it, accessing knowledge becomes difficult and limits future opportunities. Consider working with an educational advocate who can guide you through what can be a challenging process. It's a worthwhile investment, and resources like state learning disability associations can be valuable allies.
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For more information, check out the following:
● Episode 137: Top 10 IEP Mistakes with Pete Wright Esq
● Episode 222: How to Identify Dyslexia and Get the Right Testing
● Kats Dyslexic Advantage from Diagnosis to Distinction
● 504 vs Iep
● 504 Plan for Students with Dyslexia
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