When parents begin looking for reading or dyslexia help, they often encounter a variety of programs that sound similar on the surface but differ significantly in how they help students improve. Understanding these differences can make it easier to choose the right intervention for your child.
Approaches to Reading Challenges
Many structured literacy programs—especially those based on the Orton-Gillingham methodology—focus primarily on reading instruction itself. These approaches focus on:
- Teaching phonemic awareness and phonics
- Using multisensory techniques that engage visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning
- Individualizing lessons to match each student’s needs
These elements can be helpful for students who need direct instruction in decoding and reading mechanics.
Addressing the Skills Behind Reading
While structured literacy focuses on reading skills directly, the LearningRx approach emphasizes strengthening the cognitive skills that make reading possible. These include:
- Memory
- Attention
- Processing speed
- Auditory processing
- Visual Processing
- Reasoning and problem-solving
Through intensive one-on-one training using targeted exercises and brain-training activities, students work on the underlying skills that affect how they learn, think, and read. Strengthening these foundational abilities can make reading, comprehension, and learning in general easier and more efficient.
A Combined Strategy
One of the key differences is that LearningRx reading programs integrate:
- Structured literacy and multisensory techniques, and
- Cognitive skills training designed to address the root causes of reading struggles
This combined strategy has benefitted students who have been diagnosed with dyslexia as well as those who simply struggle with reading, attention, or reading comprehension but do not have a formal diagnosis.
What Research Shows
Peer-reviewed research on LearningRx reading training has demonstrated measurable improvements in both reading and cognitive skills. In one large study of more than 3,500 struggling readers who completed 24 weeks of training:
- Students improved an average of 4.1 years across five reading skills
- Phonological awareness improved by nearly 6 years
- Phonetic coding improved by 5.5 years
- Spelling improved by 2.2 years
- Word Attack skills improved by 2.9 years
These results highlight how strengthening foundational cognitive skills can translate into meaningful reading gains.
Choosing the Right Intervention
If you’re exploring options for reading or dyslexia support, it’s wise to look closely at the research and outcomes behind each program. Ask questions such as:
- Is the research peer-reviewed?
- Is the research specific to the exact program being offered?
- Are the results based on real students in structured programs, not just general theory?
Programs can vary widely, and doing this due diligence can help you make a confident decision.
Learn More
If you’d like to learn how LearningRx training compares to tutoring or other reading interventions, contact LearningRx Eagan. A conversation can help you understand how cognitive training works and whether it may be a good fit for you or a loved one struggling with reading or dyslexia.
Results are from past clients. You or your loved ones may or may not achieve the same outcomes, but you can learn more about our research and results here.