Dyslexia & Literacy: How an SLP Can Help

What is Dyslexia?

It’s not "seeing letters backward." Reversals can happen, but they are not the core issue. Dyslexia is a language-based learning difference that affects how the brain processes the sounds of language and connects them to written words.

It’s common. It affects about 15-20% (about 1 in 5 people) and occurs in children of all intelligence levels.

The Core Challenge: Most people with dyslexia have trouble with the sounds of language and how those sounds connect to written letters.

Common Signs You Might See

• Difficulty Rhyming: Struggling to identify or create words that sound the same.

• Slow "Sounding Out": Difficulty blending individual sounds into a whole word (e.g., /b/ /a/ /t/ = bat).

• Spelling Struggles: Often missing sounds in words or using the wrong letter patterns.

• Avoiding Reading: Getting frustrated or tired quickly when asked to read aloud. Children may also have difficulty remembering sight words.

• Rapid Naming Difficulties: Being slow to name letters and colors

Why See a Speech Pathologist?

Speech-language pathologists are experts in spoken and written language and often support reading and writing development. We help by:

• Building Phonological Awareness: We "train the ear" to hear, move, and change sounds in words before they even touch a page.

• Strengthening the Sound-Letter Link: We use structured, multi-sensory techniques to help the brain map sounds to the correct letters.

• Improving Vocabulary: Since reading is about meaning, we help kids build a "word bank" so they understand what they are decoding.

• Support for the "Whole Child": We often work on the spoken language skills that provide the foundation for successful writing and reading comprehension.

  
  

What Does Therapy Look Like?

• Play & Movement: Using blocks, tiles, or movement to represent different sounds.

• Explicit Instruction: We don't wait for kids to "pick it up." We teach the rules of English using clear, structured, explicit, and systematic instruction.

• Building Confidence: We focus on strengths while giving kids the tools they need to unlock the "code" of reading.

  
  

How to Get Started

Early Intervention Matters: The earlier we start building these language foundations, the easier reading becomes.

Collaborative Care: We work alongside teachers and specialists to ensure your child has a consistent plan.

Ask Questions: If your child is struggling with literacy, a language evaluation is a great first step!

Reach out to me if you want to talk more about your concerns.

📍 Serving families in Winthrop & beyond.