Finding the Best Reading Program for Students with Dyslexia

If you are helping a struggling reader and looking for reading or dyslexia programs, sifting through the multitude of options can be overwhelming. Many approaches focus on the well-researched, direct-instruction Orton-Gillingham method; however, each program offers its own materials and aims, and addresses a variety of age groups. If you have already tried other phonemic awareness-based reading instruction and want to consider other reading programs, this blog will help you uncover some other great options.

Finding the best reading program for struggling readers and students with dyslexia

Searching for Great Reading Programs/Dyslexia Programs

If you are helping a struggling reader and looking for a structured literacy reading program, sifting through the multitude of options can be overwhelming. Many approaches focus on the well-researched, direct-instruction Orton-Gillingham method; however, each program offers its own aims and materials for struggling readers and addresses a variety of age groups.

What is the Orton-Gillingham Approach to Reading?

The Orton-Gillingham method or approach to reading was named after Samuel Torrey Orton (1879-1948) and Anna Gillingham (1878-1963), who gathered and published a detailed instructional manual in the 1930s. They created a structured, multisensory, step-by-step approach to teaching reading, writing, and spelling that incorporated the explicit and systematic teaching of phonemic awareness, syllabication, and word morphology for children with learning differences. There has been extensive research on this approach to reading, and it is known to be an excellent option for students with dyslexia.

So, How Can I Find the Best Program?

I've attached the following table to help make the search for your ideal reading instruction approach more manageable. I don't have experience with all the programs, but I am familiar with and have used components of the ones that are starred in my own practice. Also, please note that some of the proven programs are for in-person sessions, while others are online or on a computer program, and some teach students from preschool through elementary, while others also address the needs of older students. Some of these reading programs also offer multisensory learning, reading practice, spelling rules, reading comprehension, and basic writing skills.

Program	Grades K-6	Grades 7-9	Grades 10-12	Grades Adults	Software-based?
ABeCeDarian
Academy of Reading					✔
All About Reading
Alphabetic Phonics
Association Method
Barton Reading
Fast Forward
Fast Track
High Point
Jolly Phonics
Language!
Lexercise
Lexia-Herman
* Lexia Reading					✔
* Lindamood-Bell
Mind Play					✔
* Nessy Reading					✔
Open Court Reading
Orton-Gillingham Approach
Orton Gillingham Online Academy
Phonics First
Project Read
Rave-O
Read Naturally
Read Well
Reading Horizons					✔
Reading Mastery
Really Great Reading
Simultaneous Multisensory Teaching
Slingerland
Sonday System
Sounds in Syllable
Spalding Method
SpellRead
SRA Early Intervention
Starting Over
Read, Write & Type Learning System
Spire
Take Flight
Trass
* Wilson Reading System

Created by Michael Bates and Dr. Erica Warren

Do I Use a Reading Program in my Private Practice?

Personally, I don't use a reading program. Although I was trained in a number of Orton-Gillingham-based programs, I chose to study the comprehensive and extensive source: The Gillingham Manual. Then I created my own supplemental games and multisensory activities to make the approach more engaging and enjoyable for students.

I hope you found this blog helpful and that the information will assist you in making the best decision for your particular situation.

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Cheers, Erica

Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator, and publisher of multisensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning. She is also the director of Learning to Learn and Learning Specialist Courses.