The Best Therapies to Treat Dyslexia in Children

The Best Therapies to Treat Dyslexia in Children

The best way to help child with dyslexia – early intervention can help!

Dyslexia is one of the most common learning disorders, affecting approximately 5–10% of the population. Characterized by difficulties in reading, writing, spelling, and sometimes speaking, dyslexia is not a reflection of intelligence or motivation—it is a neurobiological condition that requires tailored support and evidence-based interventions. Fortunately, with early diagnosis and the right therapies, children with dyslexia can thrive academically and socially.

In this blog, we will explore the most effective therapies to treat dyslexia in children, aiming to empower parents, teachers, and caregivers with the right tools and knowledge.

Understanding Dyslexia: A Quick Overview

Before diving into the therapies, it's important to understand that dyslexia:

• Is a lifelong condition
• Affects the brain’s ability to process phonological information (i.e., sounds of language)
• May co-exist with other conditions like ADHD, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia
• Can vary from mild to severe

The earlier it’s identified, the better the outcomes through intervention.

The best way to help child with dyslexia is:

1. Structured Literacy Programs

Structured Literacy is the gold standard in dyslexia intervention. These programs are explicit, systematic, and multisensory, teaching children how to decode and encode language step-by-step.

Examples

• Orton-Gillingham Approach
  One of the oldest and most trusted methods, it uses visual, auditory, and kinesthetic cues to teach letter-sound relationships.
• Wilson Reading System
  Derived from Orton-Gillingham, it's ideal for students with significant reading struggles.
• Barton Reading & Spelling System
  Parent-friendly and designed for home or school environments.
• SPIRE (Specialized Program Individualizing Reading Excellence)
  Combines phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

Why It Works

These programs break language down into manageable parts and build mastery through repetition and multisensory learning, which is essential for dyslexic learners.

2. Multisensory Instruction

Children with dyslexia benefit enormously from multisensory learning, where more than one sense is used to grasp concepts, like writing a word in sand while saying it aloud.

Techniques

• Tracing letters in the air
• Using colored tiles for spelling
• Singing rhymes that emphasize phonics
• Using apps that blend audio and visual cues

Benefits

Multisensory methods reinforce memory, support pattern recognition, and improve focus, enhancing both retention and recall.

3. Assistive Technology

Technology has become a game-changer in supporting dyslexic students.

Top Tools

• Text-to-Speech Software (e.g., Natural Reader)
• Speech-to-Text Tools (e.g., Google Voice Typing)
• Audiobooks and E-books
• Phonics and Reading Apps

How It Helps

These tools reduce the reading load, enhance independence, and help students focus on content rather than decoding errors.

4. Occupational Therapy

While not always directly linked to reading, occupational therapy helps children:

• Develop fine motor skills (important for writing)
• Improve visual-motor coordination
• Build posture and hand strength
• Manage sensory integration issues

For some children with dyslexia who also struggle with handwriting or organization, this therapy is a powerful complement.

5. Speech and Language Therapy

This therapy is particularly helpful for children whose dyslexia is accompanied by:

• Delayed language development
• Poor phonological awareness
• Trouble with sequencing or articulation

Focus Areas

• Phonemic awareness
• Vocabulary building
• Language comprehension
• Word retrieval

A speech-language pathologist can customize exercises that improve sound manipulation skills and language processing.

6. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Children with dyslexia often struggle with self-esteem, frustration, and anxiety due to repeated academic challenges.

CBT Helps

• Manage stress and emotional outbursts
• Build confidence and self-worth
• Develop problem-solving and coping strategies

While CBT doesn't address dyslexia directly, it improves a child's ability to engage with their learning more positively.

7. Educational Therapy

Educational therapy blends academic instruction with emotional support. It helps children:

• Develop executive functioning skills (planning, organizing)
• Build resilience
• Work through learning blocks with tailored strategies

Educational therapists design customized learning plans while also addressing the emotional impact of dyslexia.

8. Parental and Teacher Involvement

While therapy is essential, consistent support at home and school is equally important.

Tips

• Read aloud to your child daily
• Use simplified texts with visual support
• Celebrate small wins to boost morale
• Maintain open communication with educators
• Join support groups or advocacy organizations (e.g., International Dyslexia Association)

Conclusion: Early, Consistent, and Compassionate Support is Key

Dyslexia doesn’t disappear with age, but it can be successfully managed. The best therapies for treating dyslexia in children are not one-size-fits-all. Each child is unique and may respond differently to various interventions. A combination of structured literacy programs, multisensory approaches, assistive technology, and emotional support often delivers the best outcomes.