Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that affects reading, spelling, and writing. Students with dyslexia often struggle to decode words, read fluently, spell accurately, and write effectively. Recognizing the early signs of dyslexia and seeking the proper dyslexia support can help your child excel in school.
What Are the Early Signs of Dyslexia?
Signs of dyslexia can vary based on your child’s age. Children in grades Prek-1 might have difficulty with phonemic awareness skills (including rhyming), identifying the beginning and ending sounds in words, and blending sounds together orally to form words. They might also have trouble learning the names of the letters and their corresponding sounds. They may confuse letters, such as b and d or p and q, may read very slowly (if they are able to read), and might avoid books and reading in general.
Students in grades two and above may have difficulty decoding and spelling single and multi-syllabic words. Their writing may be messy, and they may insert random capital letters in the middle of words. They may struggle with punctuation, grammar, and writing organization. Their slow, labored reading might affect their ability to comprehend what they are reading.
Students with a family history of dyslexia may be at a higher risk of dyslexia than their neurotypical peers.
Common Signs Your Child May Have Dyslexia
Some common signs of dyslexia may include the following:
- Trouble learning the letter names and sounds
- Difficulty sounding out words
- Slow, laborious reading
- Challenges with spelling
- Avoiding reading
- Exhaustion from reading
How Is Dyslexia Diagnosed?
Dyslexia is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation performed by a professional such as a psychologist or neuropsychologist. As part of this process, the evaluator will typically review your child’s family, educational, and medical history, including learning about any family history of dyslexia. They will likely ask you about your child’s developmental milestones and ask you to describe their academic performance to date.
For the evaluation, the evaluator will likely test your child’s phonemic awareness, reading, spelling, writing, and math skills. They will also likely integrate cognitive testing, including assessing memory, attention, processing, and executive functioning skills, amongst other areas, and determine your child’s overall cognitive abilities. They may also include a social/emotional component in the evaluation.
Based on this testing and the overall information collected, the evaluator will determine if your child has dyslexia or other challenges.
Does My Child with Dyslexia Need an IEP?
If your child has dyslexia and struggles with reading, writing, or other academic areas, including math, they may qualify for an IEP. An IEP, or Individualized Educational Program, is a legal document that provides students with disabilities (including dyslexia) with the specific support and services they need to receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education. It typically includes the student’s levels, goals, accommodations, modifications, and specific services they may need, amongst other information.
How Orton Gillingham Tutoring Helps Students with Dyslexia
While your child should receive the support and services they need at school, sometimes it isn’t enough. Students with dyslexia typically respond well to Orton Gillingham tutoring, which may or may not be available at your child’s school. The Orton Gillingham method is a research-based, multi-sensory technique that helps students develop their reading and spelling skills. Even if your child receives Orton Gillingham instruction at school, they may need additional support outside of school through Orton Gillingham tutoring. This method can help them significantly improve their reading and writing skills.
What Should You Do If You Think Your Child May Have Dyslexia?
If you think your child may have dyslexia, you may want to:
- Speak to their teacher
- Request a formal evaluation
- Learn more about the Orton Gillingham approach and structured literacy instruction
- Seek specialized dyslexia tutoring
Dyslexia Tutoring in Boca Raton and Palm Beach County
If you are looking for one-on-one dyslexia tutoring in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, or other areas of Palm Beach or Broward Counties, Knowledge Plus Tutoring can help! We specialize in providing one-on-one in-home and virtual tutoring using multi-sensory techniques and the Orton Gillingham approach.
Help your child with dyslexia excel academically by having them evaluated early, seeking an IEP if appropriate, and making sure they receive the specialized support and services they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that affects a person’s ability to read, spell, and write effectively. Students with dyslexia often have difficulty learning letters and their corresponding sounds and blending sounds together to form words. They also often have challenges with spelling and writing.
Can children with dyslexia become stronger readers?
Yes! With individualized multi-sensory tutoring, such as instruction using the Orton Gillingham approach, students with dyslexia can develop much stronger reading skills.
What is the best type of tutoring for dyslexia?
The Orton Gillingham approach is the most ideal methodology for helping students with dyslexia develop their reading and spelling skills. It is research-based, multi-sensory, and individualized to the needs of each student. At Knowledge Plus Tutoring, we specialize in Orton Gillingham tutoring, and we accept Step Up funding for our one-on-one tutoring programs. We are an approved Step Up tutoring provider, so you may not have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses for your child’s tutoring!
Dr. Emily Levy, the executive director of Knowledge Plus Tutoring, holds her Doctorate in Education and has over twenty years of experience helping students with dyslexia develop stronger reading and writing skills through Orton Gillingham tutoring.
