Reading and Writing
Program

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Reading is a learned skill that depends on the integration of the central nervous system. It is not innate but developed through the wiring of neural pathways. While many effective programs exist to improve reading, the influence of the developing brain is an important consideration in attaining reading prowess.

Reading consists of two key components:

Decoding

This involves synchronizing eye movements, processing visual and vestibular information, awareness of the individual sounds within words, and matching sounds to letters within milliseconds. It requires precise coordination between the visual, vestibular, and auditory systems.

Comprehension

Effective comprehension relies on working memory, which integrates visual-spatial and verbal information. It also involves an evolving understanding of language, from basic vocabulary to the nuances of language and meaning. To effectively comprehend written language, individuals must not only understand the concrete information presented in the text but also be able to infer meaning by “reading between the lines.” When the process of decoding text is a challenge, requiring a lot of effort, it has direct negative impact on the ability to comprehend what is being read.

Written expression refers to the ability to communicate thoughts, ideas, and information clearly and effectively through writing. It involves various skills, including spelling, grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, organization of ideas, and the ability to convey a coherent message to the reader. Spelling requires strong foundational skills in phonemic awareness (the awareness of and ability to manipulate individual sounds within words). Good written expression requires both technical skills (like proper punctuation and word choice) and cognitive skills, such as planning, organizing, and revising thoughts before putting them into words.

In essence, written expression is not just about forming sentences, but about crafting meaningful, structured, and well-articulated content that communicates the intended message to the audience. It is an essential skill in both academic and professional contexts.

Key developmental skills for reading and written expression include:

  • Auditory processing speed for phonemic awareness and skill
  • Visual processing speed to support the left hemisphere’s high-speed pathways
  • Ocular motor skills for smooth left-to-right reading
  • Language skills for phonemic awareness, vocabulary, comprehension, organizing and sequencing thoughts and literacy
  • Timing coordination between the occipital (vision), temporal (auditory), and prefrontal cortex (comprehension) for decoding and spelling
  • Interhemispheric integration for synchronized decoding and comprehension to enhance fluency, accuracy, and meaning in reading
  • Praxis and motor planning skills for graphomotor legibility and speed

Our Unique Evaluation focuses on:

  • Combining Speech-Language assessments with Occupational Therapy assessments
  • Foundational Developmental Pathways®
  • Word-level skills, including phonemic awareness, decoding, and spelling
  • Sentence-discourse skills, including verbal sequencing of stories, following directions, and listening and reading comprehension
  • The role of the visual-vestibular system
  • The role of the auditory-vestibular system
  • Timing efficiency
  • Visual and auditory system synchronization
  • Interhemispheric organization and bilateral integration
  • Potential underlying dyspraxia
  • The connection between reading, spelling, and dysgraphia (handwriting and written expression)
  • Oral and written language expression

Our Unique Program:

  • Develops essential pathways for reading acquisition, including timing
  • Enhances working memory for decoding and comprehension
  • Starts with foundational skills, progressing to organization and executive reading functions
  • Focuses on how sensory input is processed by the brain’s pre-frontal cortex for language
  • Integrates Speech, Language, and Occupational therapy to address development and language proficiency
  • Includes intensive therapy blocks with consecutive days and weekly sessions
  • Available for home or center-based completion
  • Complements existing reading programs without interference; provides foundational support
  • Reduces the duration of reading struggles significantly
  • Suitable for individuals of all ages, from early readers to adults

Are you ready to learn more about our unique and specialized approach? Schedule a First Phone Consultation today!

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