What is dyslexia?

There is not one definition of dyslexia. Several dyslexia definitions are quoted below.

 

The International Dyslexia Association defines ‘dyslexia’ as:

“Dyslexia is a specific 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 reduce reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.”

(Adopted by the International Dyslexia Association Board of Directors, November 12, 2002)

 

TEXAS EDUCATION CODE, p.8 from the Revised 2014-The Dyslexia Handbook, states –[ “Dyslexia” means a disorder of constitutional origin manifested by a difficulty in learning to read, write or despite conventional instruction, adequate intelligence and sociocultural opportunity.”]

 

What is the best reading program to help my child read?

An evidence-based reading curriculum that is systematic, sequential, intensive, and comprehensive. This includes fidelity based instruction in the following areas: phonological awareness, sound-symbol association, syllabication, orthography, morphology, syntax, reading comprehension, and reading fluency.

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Hill Country Dyslexia Services employs research-validated programs as part of our therapy plan.  For example, the Orton-Gillingham approach will be used for reading instruction. In addition, other various programs include Basic Language Skills or the implementation of the Wilson program.

 

Is there one-on-one therapy?

Yes, therapy will be provided in a one-on-one setting with an instructor that is specially trained on structured literacy practices.  Providing individuals that have dyslexia with one-on-one support is recommended for individualized, multisensory instruction.  One-on-one therapy also provides clients many opportunities for structured practice as well as immediate, corrective feedback to develop automatic word recognition skills.

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Can our family come to your office before therapy starts?

Yes! We offer a Meet & Greet. This is a time to check the area that your child would be working. It is an opportunity to ask more questions as well. This is a free one (1) hour time.

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What do you charge?

We will discuss those options during our “Meet and Greet” time.

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Are the charges covered under insurance?

Unfortunately, not currently. If you have a Health Spending Account (HSA) the health provider might cover therapy under the terminology of Remedial Reading.

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Does Hill Country Dyslexia Services (HCDS) have any other tutoring/therapy available?

Yes, we do! We also provide reading tutoring/intervention as well.  AT HCDS, we can also support struggling readers and build their confidence and comprehension skills with our explicit, literacy-focused instruction. Through our reading intervention, we can help develop student literacy skills, identify skills gaps, and target specific goals with best practices and research-validated strategies that focus on the following key areas:

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• Phonemic Awareness

• Phonics

• Reading Fluency

• Vocabulary

• Reading Comprehension

• Math Tutoring

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Does Hill Country Dyslexia Services also provide writing tutoring?

Absolutely!  At HCDS, we also provide writing tutoring and can help your child develop stronger writing skills.  Does your child struggle to put their thoughts on paper? Do they have difficulty with sentence/compositional structure and grammar?  We have the solution to help your child gain confidence with his/her writing skills.

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It is important to note that developing strong writing skills has a number of benefits for students:

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• Improvement in in all coursework, not just language arts

• Preparation for standardized testing

• Thinking critically

• Becoming an better overall communicator

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At HCDS, we will work systematically through the writing process, by providing clients with engaging activities and immediate direct feedback, guiding them until they reach the point where they can write effectively and confidently. 

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Is Math tutoring available as well?

HCDS has math tutoring (elementary - 5th grade) available for your child.  Please contact us if your child has math needs.