Also known as specific reading disability, dyslexia is based in the brain and has at its core a low ability to process the sounds of language, also known as phonological awareness. This leads to difficulties in recognizing words, sounding out words, and spelling. Since reading individual words is so challenging, a person with dyslexia will have difficulty understanding what is read.

 According to the International Dyslexia Association, 15%-20% of the population has a language-based learning difference—about equally split among males and females, ethnic groups, and socio-economic groups. As common as dyslexia is, the great news is that people with dyslexia absolutely can learn to read—well! But it takes more than the usual school reading instruction. People of all ages who have a language-based learning difference can benefit from instruction that takes a multisensory approach—using visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile methods to teach language and reading skills.

 Here is a summary of the essentials of any intervention program for a child with dyslexia:

• Systematic and direct instruction in phonemic awareness—noticing, identifying, and manipulating the sounds of spoken language
• Phonics instruction—how letters and letter groups represent the sounds of spoken language
• Practice sounding out words (decoding)
• Spelling instruction and practice
  
• Reading sight words
• Explicit instruction in vocabulary and concepts
• Teaching reading comprehension strategies
• Practice in applying these skills in reading and in writing
• Fluency training (how to read with expression, emotion, and inflection)
• Enriched language experiences: listening to, talking about, and telling stories

The capstone of this direct and systematic instruction is the teaching of reading comprehension strategies, and plenty of opportunities to practice these strategies. An important skill to develop for its use in reading and enjoying reading, this component is especially important for your child's success in subjects other than reading—the first step in solving a math word problem is reading and understanding the questions, and instruction in subjects such as science and social studies becomes increasingly reading-based as students reach the upper elementary grades and beyond.

Framework Learning uses a research-proven program designed especially for children with dyslexia.  It features the essentials listed above, and includes writing instruction that is integrated with the new skills learned through reading instruction.  We also teach handwriting skills.  This sequence of instruction can be used with children of all ages, and frequent mastery checks give information about progress and skills gained.  If you are concerned that your child's reading problems might be due to dyslexia, or if your child has already been diagnosed with dyslexia, contact Framework Learning to learn more about how we will help your child to overcome dyslexia.