Struggling Reader?
There’s Real Help — Beyond the School System.
The Orton-Gillingham Approach
The Orton-Gillingham Approach is a proven, personalized method for teaching reading that focuses on how your child learns best. It uses a step-by-step, hands-on approach to help kids with dyslexia build strong reading, writing, and spelling skills at their own pace.
Compare what happens when you take action — vs. when you don’t.
| Aspect | With a Dyslexia Therapist | School-Only (No Extra Help) |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Progress | Personalized strategies improve decoding, fluency, comprehension | General instruction often leaves dyslexic kids behind |
| Confidence | Gains in reading = self-esteem boost | Continued struggle = anxiety, frustration |
| Support | 1-on-1 attention from trained dyslexia specialist | Overworked teachers, large class sizes |
| Timeline | Early intervention = faster improvement | Waiting often delays progress |
| Long-Term Outcomes | Better academic performance, independence | Risk of academic failure, behavioral issues |
What to look for in a dyslexia therapist
Kids with dyslexia thrive with a special kind of reading instruction called Multisensory Structured Language Education (MSLE).
Most MSLE programs are built on the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach, designed to break reading down into simple, sound-based steps. OG programs teach kids the "rules of reading," connecting letters and sounds in a way that just clicks!
📈 Key Statistics
📊 1 in 5 students has dyslexia — yet the majority go undiagnosed or receive inadequate support in traditional school settings.
(Source: International Dyslexia Association)
⏰ Early intervention matters: Students who receive structured literacy therapy by 2nd grade are 90% more likely to read at grade level.
(Source: National Center for Learning Disabilities)
🏫 Only 5% of public schools offer programs that meet the research-based criteria for effective dyslexia instruction.
(Source: Learning Ally)
🧠 Dyslexia is neurological, not behavioral — yet over 40% of dyslexic students are misidentified as having ADHD or other issues.
(Source: Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity)
💡 With a certified dyslexia therapist, students can improve reading fluency by 1–2 grade levels within a year.
(Source: Academic Language Therapy Association)
QUIZ: Is Relying on School Enough for My Struggling Reader?
Take this 1-minute quiz to find out if your child may need more support than the school can provide.
Results
Based on your answers, your child may benefit from working with a dyslexia therapist. Early intervention leads to stronger reading skills — and happier kids.
Book a Free Consultation
BUILD
BUILD, an early intervention program for five- and six-year-old students showing early signs of dyslexia, this 100-lesson program by Scottish Rite for Children offers targeted support.
Dyslexia Programs Offered
Take Flight
Take Flight, an intervention program by Scottish Rite for Children, serves students from age seven through middle school. This two-year program provides students with dyslexia the tools they need to understand and master our language.
Wilson Reading System
The Wilson Reading System, created by Barbara Wilson, is an intervention program for ages seven to adult. This program provides students with dyslexia the tools they need to understand and master the English language.
Client
“After 6 months with a therapist, my daughter went from hating books to reading aloud in class. I wish we hadn’t waited.” — William”
Client
“We saw more progress in 3 months than in 3 years at school.”
For the best results, your child’s tutor should stick to the same MSLE or OG-based program used at school. They can also fill in any gaps the school hasn’t covered.
Teamwork is key! When the tutor and school stay in sync, the teacher can reinforce the tutor’s work, and the tutor can tie lessons back to what your child learns in class. It’s a win-win!
Learn more about how Orton–Gillingham works.