Why A Dyslexia Specialist?

     Even the best classroom teacher cannot give your child with dyslexia the one thing that is needed: the combined individual time (4-5 hours/week) AND specialized expertise which is required to bridge some children from non-reader to independent, grade-level reader. There are currently only nine univeristy degree programs sanctioned by the International Dysleixa Association (IDA) to train dyslexia specialists (none in Virginia); most training is provided by IDA endorsed specialty programs.

    Would you expect your child to become a good tennis player by attending an aerobic class, or participating on a softball team (running and swinging arms is practiced, right)? Would you expect your pediatrician to do ENT surgery (they are both doctors, right)?  Should volunteers (anyone who wants to help, or teenagers who need service hours, or college kids who like to work with kids) deliver physical therapy so it won't cost so much?

    Scientific evidence collected since the 1990's has identified the most effective instructional methods which enable those with dyslexia to read and write effectively. Multisensory Structured Language instruction (often called "Orton-Gillingham," after the educational pioneers who first identified the effective methods) has been practiced for over 80 years. However only in the past 20 years has f-MRI technology enabled scientists to quantify the effectiveness of instructional methods, and clearly identify the right way to teach reading and writing to those with dyslexia.

    When students with dyslexia receive individual, intensive, Multisensory Structured Language therapy (recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Pediatrics March 2011) by a trained dyslexia specialist, they typically become on-grade-level readers within 12-36 months.  Students with dyslexia, reading "below bench mark," who do not receive such specialized instruction typically do not ever reach independence in reading.

    Ultimately, the least expensive and most effective instruction for students with dyslexia is individual, intensive Multisensory Structured Language therapy provided by an experienced dyslexia specialist. The younger students are when they begin this dyslexia-specific instruction, the quicker they can be working independently at grade-level.

    The harm of "waiting:" Dyslexia may not be evident in some until end of second grade, however most dyslexics can be identified before the end of Kindergarten.  Withholding the correct instructional method can cause learning disabilities, anxiety, behavioral and attention problems.

    Don't wait. Get your child the right instruction, right NOW. It is an investment that will pay off immediately, last a lifetime, and influence generations to come! For more information and helpful links, visit the Resources page at www.KeyToReading.com .