Resources to Overcome Challenging
Reading and Writing Disorders

Winston Center is a trusted resource for children and adults with written language disorders like dyslexia and dysgraphia. We know these children work harder than many of their peers yet struggle to keep up because they have a learning difference. With proper treatment and instruction, they can succeed in academia and lead rewarding careers.

We provide a warm and empathetic environment, offering tools to overcome challenging obstacles while uncovering talents, building confidence and instilling hope.

Resources to Overcome Challenging Reading and Writing Disorders

Winston Center is a trusted resource for children and adults with written language disorders like dyslexia and dysgraphia. We know these children work harder than many of their peers yet struggle to keep up because they have a learning difference. With proper treatment and instruction, they can succeed in academia and lead rewarding careers.

We provide a warm and empathetic environment, offering tools to overcome challenging obstacles while uncovering talents, building confidence and instilling hope.

A Place to Start: Thorough Reading Evaluation

Our two-part evaluation can identify potential reading and writing issues early and outline next steps. Early intervention is highly beneficial for those with reading challenges, though it’s never too late to seek help.

Part 1: During your first appointment, you’ll receive a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s condition and circumstances.

  • Your child’s history, including parental insights, previous testing and any past or current prescriptions.
  • An overview of communication skills or learning disabilities.
  • Thorough evaluation with a speech therapist to assess oral, reading and written skills.

Part 2: This session includes a more in-depth discussion about your child’s diagnosis and treatment opportunities.

  • A review of the diagnostic report and outcomes from the first meeting’s assessment.
  • An introduction to a treatment or care plan moving forward.
  • Any additional information the parent or child requests.

If you’re concerned that your child may have a reading or writing disorder, this evaluation is an ideal place to start.

What is Dyslexia?

  • Dyslexia is a neurological condition featuring difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition as well as poor spelling and decoding abilities.
  • Secondary consequences of dyslexia can include reading comprehension problems or impediments to vocabulary and background knowledge.
  • Dyslexia symptoms can be difficult to recognize before your child enters school. Symptoms may become more apparent as a child learns to read.

What is Dysgraphia?

  • Dysgraphia is a neurological condition impairing letter writing. It may interfere with spelling, writing and the speed of writing text.
  • Rather than a developmental motor disorder, dysgraphia is related to orthographic coding in working memory (the ability to store written words in memory, while the letters in the word are analyzed and linked to their pronunciation and meaning).
  • Dysgraphia is related to dyslexia and they often occur together.

How We Address Reading & Writing Challenges

Symptoms of dyslexia and dysgraphia may evolve with age. Toddlers may have difficulties learning words or nursery rhymes. As they reach school age, they might have trouble spelling, comprehending rapid direction or may read well below their grade level. Teens and adults can have issues with math problems, reading aloud or memorization. It can make accomplishing day-to-day tasks frustrating.

Our highly trained speech language pathologists guide precise care based on the complex nature of dyslexia and coexisting conditions, including attention and memory impairments. They integrate an extensive understanding of the neurological origins for reading, writing, memory and multi-level processing, and how these may affect executive functioning.

Dyslexia and dysgraphia often occur with other learning, communication or attention challenges, requiring a multi-faceted approach. Our speech language pathologists identify the specific need level per individual client and create a specialized program based on the condition as well as any memory or language impairments.

The Orton-Gillingham Treatment Model Supports Any Reader at Any Level
Validated by more than 80 years of research and application, the Orton-Gillingham treatment model is language-based, multi-sensory and highly personalized. Shown to provide superior results for both children and adults with dyslexia, this treatment model is associated with one-on-one instruction, focusing on the specific needs of the individual student. Rather than insisting patients read at a certain level, it paces instruction based on strengths and weaknesses, building a strong foundation from which to grow.

Reading and Writing Services

Treatment generally lasts between 1.5 and 3 years, depending on the severity of symptoms and client goals.

Reading and Writing Services

Who Were Orton and Gillingham?

This approach is named for Samuel T. Orton (1879 – 1948) and Anna Gillingham (1878 – 1963). Orton was a pioneering neuropsychiatrist and pathologist who identified dyslexia as an educational problem as early as 1925. Gillingham was a talented educator and psychologist who published the first instructional materials according to the approach.

Reading and Writing Services

Who Were Orton and Gillingham?

This approach is named for Samuel T. Orton (1879 – 1948) and Anna Gillingham (1878 – 1963). Orton was a pioneering neuropsychiatrist and pathologist who identified dyslexia as an educational problem as early as 1925. Gillingham was a talented educator and psychologist who published the first instructional materials according to the approach.

Discover Our Mindful Learners Academic Program

A place to build skills and confidence to thrive, our Mindful Learners program provides more personalized academic instruction for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia and related challenges.

Building upon our approach to treating reading and writing challenges, students are welcomed into small groups according to age and academic level and receive the one-on-one guidance attuned to their unique needs. Mikaela Orozco, an Orton-Gillingham-trained special education teacher, leads these sessions.

We’re committed to bringing the joy back into learning and accelerating your child’s progress. Accepting applications now!

Discover Our Mindful Learners Academic Program

A place to build skills and confidence to thrive, our Mindful Learners program provides more personalized academic instruction for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia and related challenges.

Building upon our approach to treating reading and writing challenges, students are welcomed into small groups according to age and academic level and receive the one-on-one guidance attuned to their unique needs. Mikaela Orozco, an Orton-Gillingham-trained special education teacher, leads these sessions.

We’re committed to bringing the joy back into learning and accelerating your child’s progress. Accepting applications now!

More Intervention Programs to Establish
Foundation and Nurture Growth

More Intervention Programs to Establish Foundation and Nurture Growth

Beyond Orton-Gillingham, there are numerous options to address dyslexia, dysgraphia, reading fluency and reading comprehension based on individual needs and severity of symptoms.