Literacy refers to the ability to read, write, and spell. Our reading therapy helps children ages 4 to 18 at our Ocean Beach clinic in San Diego. A child may benefit from literacy services if they are:
- Reading below the expected level
- Failing to understand the information they are reading
- Having difficulty writing complete, meaningful sentences
- Struggling to spell age-appropriate words correctly
- Showing signs of dyslexia, such as trouble learning letter sounds or sounding out words
Reading Difficulties Are Language Based
Reading and spelling are built on spoken language. Children need to hear and work with the sounds in words, connect those sounds to letters, and understand the words and sentences they read. That is why reading disabilities, including dyslexia, are language-based disorders, and why speech-language pathologists are trained to treat them. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) includes reading and writing in the SLP scope of practice.
Our Structured Literacy Approach
We use a structured literacy approach: explicit, systematic teaching of the skills strong readers rely on. Each skill is taught directly, in a planned order, and practiced until it becomes automatic.
- Phonological awareness: hearing, blending, and breaking apart the sounds in words
- Phonics: connecting sounds to letters and letter patterns
- Decoding and spelling: sounding out and spelling words, from short words to multisyllable words
- Morphology: prefixes, suffixes, and word roots that carry meaning
- Comprehension and writing: understanding what they read and writing clear, complete sentences
Dyslexia Support
We work with children who have dyslexia and children showing early signs of it, such as difficulty with rhyming, learning letter sounds, or sounding out new words. Structured literacy is the approach recommended by the International Dyslexia Association for students with dyslexia.
Is Reading Therapy Covered by Insurance?
It can be. Because reading disabilities are language-based, reading therapy may be covered by insurance as treatment for a language disorder, consistent with ASHA guidance. We are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and TRICARE, and every plan is different, so contact your insurance company to verify coverage. See our FAQ for more on insurance and private pay.
We also offer language therapy and speech production therapy. Questions about insurance, scheduling, or what to expect? See our FAQ.
Concerned about your child’s reading, writing, or spelling? Book a free consultation or call us at (619) 560-1270.
Insurance: In-Network with Blue Cross Blue Shield & TRICARE
Payment: Insurance & private pay accepted
Credentials: 6 Certified SLPs (CCC-SLP) · ASHA Members
Ready to Help Your Child?
Book a free consultation today. No commitment required — just a conversation about your child’s needs with a certified SLP.