Literacy Therapy Services
Dyslexia | Dysgraphia | Reading Comprehension | Written Expression
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Dyslexia | Dysgraphia | Reading Comprehension | Written Expression
Key Principles of Structured Linguistic Phonics
Sounds-First Approach
Integrated Skills: Reading, writing and spelling are taught simultaneously, reinforcing each other.
Pattern Recognition: Instead of teaching rigid rules, students learn flexible spelling patterns that can be applied to many wrods.
Contextual Learning: Sounds are taught in the context of words, not in isolation.
Orthographic Mapping: From the first lesson, clients learn to connect sthe sounds in words (phonemes) to their spellings (graphemes) facilitating automatic word recogntition.
Linguistic Phonics also places significantly less demands on an idividuals working memory. For neurodiverse learners (Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, Developmental Language Disorder or Down Syndrom), this can be a key difference needed when Orton-Gillingham approaches have been unsuccessful.
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are uniquely equipped to address reading and writing disorders due to their specialized knowledge and training in language development, cognitive processes, and communication disorders. Here are a few key reasons why SLPs are well-suited for this work.
Speech therapists have an in-depth understanding of language structure, including phonology (sounds), morphology (word formation), syntax (sentence structure), semantics (word meaning), and pragmatics (social use of language). This knowledge enables us to identify specific language difficulties that may impact decoding, reading comprehension, spelling and written language.
Speech therapists are experts in phonological awareness, which refers to the ability to recognize and manipulate the sounds in language. Strong phonological awareness skills are essential for developing reading and writing abilities.
Speech therapists are trained to assess and treat speech sound disorders. These skills are closely related to the development of phonemic awareness and phonics skills, which are crucial for reading and spelling success.
Reading and writing require deep understanding of language comprehension and expression. Speech therapists are skilled in assessing and treating various language disorders, including difficulties with vocabulary, grammar, narrative skills, all of which can impact reading and writing proficiency.
Speech therapists have knowledge of cognitive processes such as attention, memory, executive function, and processing speed, which also play significant roles in reading and writing.
Speech therapists often work collaboratively with educators, psychologists, and other professionals to provide comprehensive support for individuals with reading and writing disorders. This interdisciplinary approach allows us to address the multiple factors that contribute to reading and writing difficulties.