A Reading Program is NOT Enough: A Deep Dive into the Dyslexia Diagnosis

This 45 slide presentation discusses the importance appropriate language and literacy testing plays in the remediation of reading-based disabilities. It reviews current controversies with respect to the dyslexia diagnosis, as well as describes the role of language as a contributing factor to reading and writing deficits. The limitations of popularly recommended reading approaches/programs for struggling readers (e.g., Orton Gillingham, Wilson, Lindamood Bell, Barton, etc.) are discussed with respect to the exclusivity of use. Finally, the process leading up to the appropriate treatment goal recommendations is outlined.

Objectives:

• At the end of this presentation learners will be able to

1. Discuss the connection between language and literacy
2. Summarize current debates as pertaining to the dyslexia diagnosis
3. Discuss strengths and limitations of popular reading programs and approaches
4. Describe appropriate goal target selection with respect to the remediation of reading deficits

Slide Content:

• Hierarchy of Oral Language Development
• It Begins with Language Deficits
• What Happens When Language Learning is Impaired?
• Types of Oral Language Deficits Affecting Literacy Abilities
• Social vs Academic Language Acquisition
•  Academic Language Areas Strongly Associated with Literacy
• Dyslexia as a Language-Based Disorder
• Dyslexia Controversy
• Language  Deficits Affect Academic Achievement
• Language Disorder or Learning Disability?
• Implications for Assessment
• Reading Program Recommendations Without Targeted Assessments
• Research-Based vs. Evidence-Based
• Orton Gillingham
• Orton Gillingham Unbranded Approaches
• Is Multisensory Reading Instruction EBP?
• Evidence-Based Multisensory Instruction
• Orton Gillingham Select Branded Approaches
  • Fundations®
    • Fundations® Efficacy
  • Wilson Reading System®
    • Wilson Reading System® Efficacy
  • Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing® (LiPS®)
    • Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing® (LiPS®) Efficacy
  • Barton Reading & Spelling System®
    • Barton Reading & Spelling System®
      Efficacy
• Skills Important to Reading Success
• Assessments  are  Mandatory 
• Limitations of Comprehensive Educational Assessments
• Common Assessment Pitfalls
• Assessment Starting Point
• Literacy Checklists
• Sample Literacy Assessment Tasks and What They Measure
• Assessing Subtle Deficits
• Goal Target Selection
  • Targeted Goal Formulation: Phonics
  • Targeted Goal Formulation: Reading Comprehension
  • Conclusion
  • CEUs and SOR Certificate Information
  • Helpful Related Smart Speech Therapy Materials