There is not a cure for dyslexia, but there are rehabilitation therapy for dyslexia programs that have been proven to increase the ability to read and write for people with this disorder. These therapies help people with dyslexia see letters and letter patterns more easily. There are also therapeutic programs that help overcome the problem of reversing letters or words when writing.
Speech therapy is usually part of therapy for dyslexia for children with learning disabilities. Speech therapists work on speech problems associated with reading, such as difficulty distinguishing sounds within a word. They also help build a student’s self-esteem and ability to hear differences between similar sounding words such as ‘pen’ and ‘pin.’
Rehabilitation or remedial education for adults with dyslexia is similar to that for children. The teaching methods are often based on those used in schools. Although the teaching styles vary, most programs include one-on-one tutoring, daily reading and writing exercises, and customized textbooks.
Some children with dyslexia make progress using specially designed computer programs. Computer software can help the student learn to read and spell better through a multisensory approach that combines visual clues and auditory feedback.
There are several different types of computer-assisted instruction software. The goal of the software is to help students learn to read, spell, and pronounce words correctly by associating an image with every letter or syllable in a word. Another sort of software uses the repeated reading method, where short words are shown one by one on a computer screen. The instructor can control how long the word is displayed, which letters are emphasized, and if it is played forward or backward.
Computer software is beneficial to some students with dyslexia because it allows students to learn at their own pace. Some students also find that working with software gives them the opportunity to learn at a time and pace that is comfortable for them.
Other kinds of rehabilitation programs may include work with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and/or counselors. These therapies help the person with dyslexia develop skills necessary for better reading and writing. A physical therapist can teach exercises and techniques to improve motor skills needed to write and type. An occupational therapist can help a person develop and improve organizational skills, concentration, and memory.
A counselor is a person who keeps track of a student’s academic progress and uses assessment information to determine what areas need special attention. The counselor works with the student in identifying problems related to reading or writing and sets goals for improvement.
