Speech Pathologists play a key role in the assessment and treatment of dyslexia, a language-based learning disability that affects an individual’s ability to read, write, and spell. Dyslexia is characterised by difficulty with phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, and phonics skills, which are the building blocks of reading and spelling.
The role of the Speech Pathologist in dyslexia may involve:
- Conducting a comprehensive evaluation to assess the individual’s language skills, including phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
- Working with the individual to develop and implement a treatment plan that targets their specific language and literacy skills.
- Using a variety of evidence-based interventions, such as Sounds Write, phonics instruction, multisensory structured language education, and metacognitive strategies, to support the individual’s language and literacy development.
- Collaborating with other professionals, such as teachers, and psychologists, to provide a holistic approach to treatment.
- Providing support and education to the individual’s parents and caregivers to help them understand dyslexia and how to support their child’s language and literacy development at home.
- Helping your child find a love of reading and writing.
Overall, your Speech Pathologist’s goal in dyslexia is to help the individual improve their language and literacy skills in order to enjoy and succeed written language and reach their full potential as a reader and writer.
