Better Hearing and Speech Month is the perfect opportunity to explain that Speech Pathologists do more than treat stuttering and lisps.  We can diagnose and treat a variety of speech, language, and developmental delays, and some learning disorders as well.  Did you know we even can diagnose and treat dyslexia?  At Speech For Life, we are equipped with test batteries, training, and experience to identify, diagnose, and treat dyslexia.

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects a person's ability to read, write, and spell. It is a common condition that affects around 5-17% of the population, and it is more prevalent in males than females. It also has a genetic component which can be a strong red flag for additional testing. Dyslexia is a word that most people have heard, but cannot fully define or describe. It is most commonly associated with backwards letters/numbers, but can be characterized in many different ways. Each person with dyslexia presents with different strengths and weaknesses, so it is important to seek out professional evaluations and interventions to tailor to the individual’s needs. As a speech pathologist with years of experience treating pediatric patients, I have seen firsthand the impact that dyslexia can have on a child's education, self-esteem, and increased frustrations in the classroom. In this blog post, I will share some tips for screening for dyslexia in children.

➡️Look for red flags:  Children with dyslexia may have difficulty with basic reading skills. This could translate into anxiety around reading. You may be aware of frustrations around books, lengthier reading passages, and writing tasks. Children with dyslexia often have high cognitive abilities and they develop strong compensatory strategies to reduce their load on reading. This could be characterized by memorizing read-aloud books or being able to memorize sight words. It is important to note that memorization is not equivalent to reading success and often overloads the child’s ability to retain grade-level information. This may also lead to difficulty, naming days of the week or reciting the alphabet. Children also may demonstrate a lack of phonological awareness as evidenced by difficulty rhyming or identifying words that begin with the same sounds (baby/bird). With areas of weakness in decoding, phonological awareness, and fluency, it is important to make note of any academic difficulties and see if there could be a common link. If a child is consistently struggling with any of these skills, it may be time to consider a dyslexia evaluation.

➡️Use standardized testing: We use an extensive battery of standardized tests to measure strengths, weaknesses, diagnose severity, and develop therapy goals. Depending on your concerns and observations of your child, the trained speech pathologist will adjust the testing resources as needed. Keep in mind that receiving a diagnosis of dyslexia can be a lengthy process with many hours of assessment. To keep your child motivated, Speech For Life ensures ample breaks, divided evaluation sessions and rapport building to accommodate every child’s needs to get an accurate student profile. We will also assess their oral (Gray Oral Reading Test) and silent (Gray Silent Reading test) reading abilities, phonological awareness skills and spelling abilities. Please keep in mind that standardized testing give us data to compare with norm-referenced peers, but it takes a trained professional to analyze the results, pinpoint the most prevalent strengths and weaknesses and paint an accurate outline of each student. With more comprehensive testing materials it allows us to identify specific areas of weakness that may indicate dyslexia and determine an appropriate plan of care. 

A child with dyslexia may have difficulty with tracking, may read words in isolation, or may have difficulty with comprehension.

➡️Observe the child: Observing a child while they read or write can provide valuable information about their strengths and weaknesses. A child with dyslexia may have difficulty with tracking, reading words in isolation, or difficulty with comprehension. To begin, start with having your child read aloud. Note if your child skips words, fills in words that they think will fit in the story, even if another word is printed, or reverses word order. See if your child benefits from tracking using their finger for each page or reduce the visual load by only showing one line at a time. When your child is reading, do they have a more accurate comprehension due to the pictures provided? If you cover the pictures with a post it note, how does the comprehension fluctuate? Ensure that during your observations, you are providing a varied amount of materials including familiar and unfamiliar books to get a clear look on their new learning versus support of memory and pictures. 

➡️Get a referral from a teacher: Teachers spend a lot of time with children and may notice signs of dyslexia that parents or other caregivers may not. Teachers also see a child’s performance across all subjects and experience with a strong knowledge of  typical academic growth. If a teacher expresses concern about a child's reading or writing skills, it may be time to dive deeper into addressing deficits. Teachers can also be an ally during this process. Effective and applicable classroom modifications can assist your students in this process. This may include, but is not limited to, clarifying or simplifying written instructions, breaking up large tasks into smaller projects, text to speech/speech to text modifications, and highlighting pertinent tasks for students to prioritize.

➡️Get a multidisciplinary evaluation: A multidisciplinary evaluation that includes a speech pathologist, a psychologist, and an educational specialist can provide a more comprehensive understanding of a child's strengths and weaknesses. Although you can receive a diagnosis from one provider, it is also recommended to receive input from professionals in all aspects of education/learning. Screening for dyslexia is important because early intervention can make a significant difference in your child’s progress, confidence and academic success.  If you suspect that a child may have dyslexia, don't hesitate to seek out a professional evaluation. We do offer diagnostic evaluations at Speech For Life.  With the right support, children with dyslexia can achieve their full potential!

As a speech pathologist with years of pediatric experience, I have worked with many children and families who have received a dyslexia diagnosis. A dyslexia diagnosis can be overwhelming for parents, but it is important to remember that it is just the first step in getting the support and services your child needs to succeed. When unpacking such a broad diagnosis, you should first be proud of the decision to help your child! Although the diagnosis is not a label, it can help guide other professionals in modifying and meeting your child where they are in their journey. In this blog post, I will explain what to expect with a dyslexia diagnosis and how to move forward.

1. Understand the diagnosis: Per the International Dyslexia Association, “Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities.” It is challenging to fully explain the diagnosis as an overall definition as it presents differently in all who have this diagnosis. Overall, dyslexia impacts a person’s ability to read, write, and spell. This means that a person with dyslexia may process information, specifically language, differently and could benefit from alternative methods of instruction by trained professionals. This diagnosis has no impact on intelligence.

2. Get a comprehensive evaluation: A comprehensive evaluation by a speech pathologist, educational specialist, and psychologist can provide a detailed understanding of your child's strengths and weaknesses. This information can be used to develop an individualized education plan (IEP) that addresses your child's specific needs or an accommodation plan at a private school.

3. Identify specific areas of difficulty: Children with dyslexia often have difficulty with phonological awareness, decoding, and fluency. They may also have difficulty with spelling, writing, and math. Identifying these specific areas of difficulty can help to target interventions that will be most beneficial for your child.

4. Learn about evidence-based interventions: Research has shown that specific interventions, such as the Fast ForWord, Lindamood Bell LiPS approach, Seeing Starts, Lively Letters and Orton-Gillingham based program are effective in helping children with dyslexia to improve their reading and writing skills. Other interventions such as multisensory structured language education, and assistive technology can also be helpful.

5. Find support: There are many resources and support groups for families of children with dyslexia. Joining a support group can provide a valuable opportunity for parents to connect with other families who are going through similar experiences.

A dyslexia diagnosis can be overwhelming, but it is important to remember that it is just the first step in getting the support and services your child needs to succeed. With the right support, children with dyslexia can achieve their full potential. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to a speech pathologist or other professional for an evaluation or follow-up treatment plan.

As Fast ForWord providers, evaluators, and interventionists for dyslexia, it is our job to help children with reading difficulties improve their literacy skills. One of the most effective ways to do this is through systematic and explicit literacy interventions. In this blog post, I will explain what these interventions look like and how they can help children with reading difficulties improve their literacy skills.

1. Systematic: A systematic literacy intervention is structured and follows a logical sequence. It is designed to teach the building blocks of reading and writing in a specific order, starting with the most basic skills, and building up to more complex skills. For example, a systematic intervention for teaching phonics would start by teaching the sounds of individual letters and move on to teaching blends and digraphs.

2. Explicit: An explicit literacy intervention is direct and clear. It is designed to teach the skills directly needed for reading and writing. For example, explicit phonics instruction would involve the SLP directly teaching the sounds of letters and the rules for blending them to make words.

3. Multisensory: A multisensory literacy intervention uses a combination of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic methods to teach reading and writing skills. For example, a multisensory approach to teaching phonics might involve the teacher using flashcards to present letters and their corresponding sounds, having the student say the sounds out loud, and writing the letters on a whiteboard.  Our LiPS based protocol involves feeling how the air and articulators for different sounds feel to make each letter/phoneme.

4. Evidence-based: An evidence-based literacy intervention is supported by research. It has been proven to be effective in helping children with reading difficulties improve their literacy skills. Examples of evidence-based interventions include the Fast ForWord Program, Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program (LiPS), Seeing Stars Program by Nancie Bell, Lively Letters- an Orton-Gillingham based program, multisensory structured language education, and interventions that target phonological awareness and decoding.

5. Targeted: A targeted literacy intervention is tailored to the specific needs of the child. This is how our approach is different from tutoring.  We evaluate the student’s specific areas of reading and writing foundations, and then create the goals, and then apply the program at the rate of the individual student.  It is designed to address the specific areas of difficulty that have been identified through a comprehensive assessment. For example, a child who struggles with phonological awareness might benefit from an intervention that focuses on teaching them how to segment and blend sounds in words.

Systematic and explicit literacy interventions are essential for helping children with reading difficulties improve their literacy skills. These interventions are structured, direct, multisensory, evidence-based, and tailored to the specific needs of the child. 

If your child is struggling with reading, a Fast Forword provider can help you to develop an intervention that is tailored to their specific needs.

As a speech-language pathologist, I've worked with many children who have dyslexia and dysgraphia. I've found that using alternative and augmentative devices and accommodations can really help these children. These tools level the playing field, allowing them to access the same information and opportunities as their peers. 

Let's explore some of the most effective options:

1. Text-to-speech software: This software reads text aloud, helping children better understand what they're reading. 

2. Speech-to-text software: This software lets children speak into a microphone and converts their words into written text. It's especially helpful for those who struggle with handwriting. It's also great for kids with dysgraphia, as they can dictate their ideas and have the software transcribe their thoughts.

3. Audiobooks: Audiobooks are a fantastic resource for children with dyslexia and dysgraphia. They allow kids to access information in an auditory format. 

4. Highlighters and colored overlays: These tools help children with dyslexia focus on the text they're reading, though it does not improve decoding, it does increase attention to the text. Colored overlays can also reduce glare and increase contrast, making letters more clear.

5. Adaptive technology for writing: Ergonomic writing instruments, slant boards, and adapted keyboards and mouse are great tools to reduce physical strain while writing. They make the writing process more comfortable and enjoyable.

6. Assistive technology for organization and time management: Calendars, alarms, and reminders are essential tools for children with dyslexia and dysgraphia. They help kids stay organized and on track with their tasks and assignments.

As a speech-language pathologist, I can help you identify the devices and accommodations that will be most beneficial for your child. I'll also provide guidance on how to use them effectively. Together, we can empower your child to succeed and thrive in their academic journey.

Click here to schedule a complimentary consultation today! 

If you're the parent of a picky eater, you know that mealtime can feel like a battleground. You're not alone! Picky eating is a common phase that many children go through, but it can lead to frustration and concern. The good news? With some creativity and patience, you can help your child become a more adventurous eater. 

Picky Eating: More Than Just Frustration

As frustrating as it can be to watch your child turn up their nose at a plate of lovingly-prepared food, there are real risks associated with picky eating. These may include nutritional deficiencies, imbalances in growth and development, and even problems with social interactions during meals. We're here to help you navigate the journey to better eating habits. 

Tips for Managing Picky Eating

 1. Keep Mealtime Stress-Free: Keep the atmosphere at mealtime relaxed and positive. Avoid turning meals into a power struggle or forcing your child to eat. 

 2. Watch the Clock: Aim to wrap up mealtimes within 35-45 minutes. Longer meals can lead to increased frustration for everyone involved. 

 3. Remove Distractions: Make mealtime a focused activity by turning off the TV, putting away toys, and minimizing other distractions. 

 4. Strike a Balance with Choices: Empower your child by giving them options, but don't give them complete control. For instance, ask them whether they'd prefer to drink from an open cup or a straw, instead of asking an open-ended question like, "What do you want to drink?" 

 5. Serve Small Portions: Large portions can be overwhelming. Start with a small amount and let your child ask for more if they're still hungry.  

6. Get Them Involved in the Kitchen: Kids are more likely to try new foods when they've had a hand in making them. Let your child help with simple tasks like washing vegetables, stirring, or setting the table. 

Remember, every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another. The most important thing is to be patient and persistent. 

 Ready for More Help?

 If you're struggling with your child's picky eating, we're here to help. Schedule a consultation today to get personalized advice and support for your family's unique needs. Let's work together to make mealtime more enjoyable and nutritious for your child.