Dyslexia

Why Speech-Language Pathologists? 

Speech-language pathologists are uniquely trained to differentiate between dyslexia and other language disorders.

Dyslexia is fundamentally a language-based learning difference. Because reading is built on spoken language, speech therapists are uniquely qualified to evaluate the underlying language skills that impact literacy.

Speech-language pathologists are trained extensively in:

• Phonological processing and sound awareness

• Language development

• Letter-sound relationships (phonics) for reading and spelling

• Word structure, including prefixes, suffixes, and root meanings

• Reading comprehension and written language skills

Difficulties in one or more of these areas are often seen in patterns consistent with dyslexia or other language-based learning differences.

Comprehensive Dyslexia & Reading Evaluations 

2-3 sessions/Each typically 60-90 minutes

Detailed written report with results and recommendations

Parent feedback session

$1,200

Dyslexia is not identified by a single test. It is a pattern of strengths and weaknesses across language and literacy skills.

A Comprehensive Dyslexia Evaluation Includes:

• Parent intake and developmental history

• Review of student's most recent academic testing (e.g. school-based evaluations, IEPs, acamedic words samples, etc)

• Oral language assessment

• Standardized assessment: Test of Dyslexia (TOD)

• Speech and language assessment

• Written samples

• Detailed written report

• 45-60 minute parent feedback session with recommendations

Dyslexia cannot be diagnosed by one score alone. Instead, we examine patterns across multiple areas of language and literacy.

Areas Assessed May Include:

• Phonological awareness

• Rapid automatized naming

• Phonics knowledge

• Decoding skills

• Spelling

• Reading fluency

• Reading comprehension

• Expressive and receptive language skills

Dyslexia Intervention Services

Therapy Format

At Moxie Speech Therapy, we partner with families to develop an intervention schedule that works best for their child and daily life. Services are available virtually, in-person, or through a combination of both, allowing families in Denver to choose the format that feels most comfortable and effective.

Intervention is typically recommended as two or more 45-60-minute sessions per week. This frequency supports learning through:

• repetition 

• building mastery of new skills

• allowing for multisensory activities and skill integration

• steady progress and ongoing diagnostic teaching

• aligning with guidance from the International Dyslexia Association

Reading Intervention Is Most Effective When It Is:

• Systematic – skills are taught in a logical sequence

• Explicit – concepts are directly explained and modeled

• Diagnostic – instruction adjusts based on your child’s responses

• Cumulative – previously learned skills are continuously reviewed

This approach is known as Structured Literacy.

Structured Literacy Refers to Evidence-Based Reading Instruction That Teaches:

• Phonology (sound awareness)

• Sound-symbol relationships

• Syllable patterns

• Morphology (prefixes, suffixes, roots)

• Syntax

• Reading fluency and comprehension