Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my child have trouble reading? A variety of learning and attention issues can affect a child's reading, however, dyslexia is the most common cause of reading, writing, and spelling difficulties.

What is dyslexia? Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that is neurological 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. - Adopted by the IDA Board of Directors, Nov. 12, 2002. This Definition is also used by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). For more information visit: https://dyslexiaida.org

How is dyslexia diagnosed? When evaluating dyslexia, a variety of tests are administered in order to gather information about the student's skills, cognition, and areas of strength and weakness. Typically a neurologist or other licensed professional would provide a formal diagnosis. For more information visit: https://dyslexiaida.org/testing-and-evaluation/

What is the difference between a dyslexia evaluation and a dyslexia screening? Dyslexia screenings are designed to help educators determine if there are indications of dyslexia that may warrant further testing. They typically assess the areas of phonological awareness and rapid letter naming. A dyslexia evaluation, however, is more extensive and includes a variety of norm-referenced tests administered by a neurologist or other licensed professional. At R.E.A.D. Intervention, we use a combination of norm-referenced testing and screeners. Based on the assessments, we provide parents with specific information about the likely root causes of their child’s reading difficultly and create a plan of intervention to target those areas. However, we do not formally diagnose students with dyslexia. Most public schools use the discrepancy model for special education eligibility and that requires cognitive testing we do not administer. If parents seek a formal diagnoses of dyslexia, we can refer them to a professional who performs this kind of testing.

What is Orton-Gillingham? The Orton-Gillingham approach has been in use since the 1930’s and was developed by neurologist Dr. Samuel T. Orton and educator, psychologist Anna Gillingham. This theory combines multi-sensory techniques along with the structure of the English language. Multi-sensory education incorporates auditory, kinesthetic, tactile, and visual learning pathways.Items taught include: phoneme/grapheme relationship, phonemic awareness, syllable types, affixes, roots, cutting patterns, non-phonetic sight words, and common spelling rules. This method is endorsed by the International Dyslexia Association and is the most commonly used intervention for dyslexia. For more information visit: https://www.ortonacademy.org/ https://dyslexiaida.org/ida-dyslexia-handbook/
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What qualifies you to provide intervention for dyslexia? I am a certified Orton-Gillingham Teacher which means I can assess areas of strength and weakness in phonological awareness, phonics, and comprehension in order to provide intervention through the Orton-Gillingham method. To receive this certification, I completed graduate courses in multi-sensory phonics instruction and 100 hours of tutoring dyslexic students under the supervision of Fairleigh Dickinson University Orton-Gillingham trainers. In order to maintain my certification, I take a minimum of 30 hours in dyslexia related coursework every three years.

What can I do while my child is having a session? There is a small waiting area outside the office, but parents are not required to say in the building during sessions. The office is conveniently located in the center of Bedminster TWP between the Hills Shopping Center and The Fresh Market. It is surrounded by numerous stores, restaurants, and salons, so feel free to drop off your child and run errands.

What if we have to cancel a session? Sometimes last minute issues can arise, however please make every effort to text (973-886-2351) 24 hours ahead of time to cancel an appointment.

How can I support my child’s reading at home? Read, read, read! Make reading a daily habit, even if it’s only for 10-15 minutes a night. Reading aloud books your child finds interesting but can’t yet read independently, will expose your child to new concepts and vocabulary. Practice word lists that are sent home after sessions, and encourage your child to use the strategies learned during sessions, such as “trace and say” or removing a suffix.

What forms of payment do you accept? cash, check, Venmo

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