Your child has a diagnosis, now what?
Intervention.
What is structured literacy?
Students with dyslexia learn best when taught using a structured literacy program. Structured literacy approaches emphasize highly explicit and systematic teaching of all important components of literacy. This includes foundational skills such as phonological awareness, print concepts, phonics, and fluency; as well as, higher-level literacy skills such as reading comprehension and written expression. Explicit teaching means that teachers clearly explain and model key skills. Students are not expected to infer these skills from exposure (i.e reading 20 minutes a day). When you reach out to different intervention locations they will tell you which structured literacy program they use. All are effective in teaching students with dyslexia to read. Email us to be connected to families that are attending or have completed any of these programs for more information.
Intensive Intervention or Long-Term Program?
Intensive Intervention means that your child would receive language services for approximately 3-5 hours a day for 6-9 weeks. This is sometimes combined with occupational therapy. Each treatment plan is individualized to the child and delivered in a one-on-one setting. There are many reasons why this might be the right option for your family, including the severity of dyslexia, the age of diagnosis, and daily reinforcement of lessons learned. After an intensive intervention, a transitional plan is recommended that includes weekly tutoring for a period and support transitioning back into school routines. Families should reach out to specific companies for prices, but a six-week program can cost as much as $15,000.
Long-term programs involve weekly tutoring sessions, emphasizing a multi-sensory systemic approach in a one-on-one setting. A minimum of two one-hour sessions per week is recommended. Companies typically conduct a mini-evaluation to tailor a learning plan to your child's needs. These programs span multiple years, making them suitable based on factors like age of diagnosis, dyslexia severity, and cost considerations. Contact specific companies for cost details; hourly rates typically start at $80, varying by location and tutor experience.
Every family considers various factors to decide what's best for their child, and we acknowledge that dyslexia intervention is a financial commitment. If you're weighing options for your family, we can connect you with individuals who have completed programs in the Phoenix area to learn more about their experiences.