Dyslexia and the Wilson Reading System
Dyslexia and Language-Based Learning Disabilities may prove as an obstacle for your child as they start to learn how to read and communicate. Although there is no cure for dyslexia, and even the cause behind it isn’t fully understood, it can be addressed through structured, multisensory learning programs. The Wilson Reading System is a great option, especially for those who have not found success with other interventions, or thrive with more intensive teaching.
Dyslexia and Language-Based Learning Disabilities
The International Dyslexia Association defines dyslexia as “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. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.”
Dyslexia is typically diagnosed by a licensed educational psychologist. A SLP (Speech Language Psychologist) can’t diagnose dyslexia due to its neurobiological nature.
There are many language-based learning disabilities (LBLD), and dyslexia is one of the most common. Language-based learning disabilities can manifest in many forms, and each individual can be affected differently. Those with LBLD may have issues with communication (written and oral) and comprehension due to a difficulty in identifying and combining speech sounds and how they correspond with letters.
It’s important to remember that dyslexia is not a reflection of intelligence. It is a difference in the way the brain processes, develops, and functions information. Like with most language-based learning disabilities, it requires a different approach to learning to accommodate in the differences of how the brain processes information.
Wilson Reading System
The Wilson Reading System is an intensive remedial program targeted to those individuals with dyslexia. Ultimately, the techniques used in this program can be used for all readers.
The Wilson Language Site describes the program as a research-based, multisensory reading and spelling program based on the Orton-Gillingham Approach, or “a method of instruction that simultaneously incorporates the visual, auditory, and tactile (kinesthetic) senses to help students with dyslexia understand the structure of the English language in a highly systematic way.” The Orton-Gillingham Approach, also known as Multisensory Structured Language (MSL) instruction, is a highly effective approach towards teaching those with LBLD.
All of Wilson’s programs (Wilson Reading System®, Just Words®, and Fundations®) are MSL programs that are focused on prevention and intervention.
Early intervention allows for the necessary support and development to prevent literacy deficits in the future. It also provides children with the proper tools to approach reading and comprehension in a way that is beneficial to them.
The Wilson Reading System in particular is for children grades 2-12 and adults who require more intensive intervention. A great candidate for the program is someone who isn’t showing improvement with other reading programs or strategies.
Program Requirements
The Wilson Reading System is classified as a Tier 3 program, meaning that it is an intensive intervention program for those that have not seen results with other interventions. The program is 12 steps, and each lesson consists of 3 blocks of instruction. Each block is 30 minutes, making each lesson about 90 minutes long. To see results, it is recommended that each student has a minimum of 2 lessons per week.
Each lesson will work on word study, foundational reading skills, spelling, foundational writing skills, fluency, and comprehension. To see a detailed breakdown of the curriculum and more information on what the Wilson program will teach, visit the Wilson Language Site.
Overall, the program can take 2-3 years to complete depending on the frequency of lessons. This program has shown to be extremely effective in teaching reading and comprehension, especially in those who struggle with LBLD. However, due to how intensive this program is, it requires a huge commitment by all those involved.
How to get started
If you’re interested in the program, the first step is to ask for an evaluation. The evaluation will look at your child’s reading, spelling, vocabulary, and comprehension skills to see at what level they are performing at. The evaluation will also take into consideration any diagnoses that might affect your child’s literacy and comprehension, such as dyslexia.
If after the evaluation your child is found to be a good fit for the program, it’s important to find a properly licensed practitioner. The lessons must be administered by either a Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner (W.D.P) or a Wilson Dyslexia Therapist (W.D.T.). A W.D.P is WRS Level I certified, while a W.D.T is Level II certified. All Wilson practitioners are required to have an in-depth understanding of the English language, including phonology, morphology, and orthography.
Typically, the program can be offered through schools or private settings such as clinics. EJ Therapy offers the first 6 steps of the Wilson Program. The lessons are administered by Julie Mortellaro, SLP, W.D.P. If you’d like to find out more about the program and what our clinic offers, feel free to contact one of our clinics.