Dr. Forgan’s insight on dyslexia

The Dyslexia Remedy: Why Orton Gillingham Instruction Works

/in /by

The Orton-Gillingham (OG) methodology is effective for students with dyslexia because it was designed by Drs. Sam Orton and Anna Gillingham who were expert  researchers and educators. They developed an instructional reading method to help even the most challenged individual (who is not intellectually disabled or severely autistic) learn to read. People with dyslexia have average range IQ scores but difficulties with phonological processing, reading fluency, spelling, and decoding. OG is specifically designed to target these challenges through a structured, multisensory approach. The Barton Reading and Spelling System is an excellent evidenced based OG based reading program. Click on the link and watch “What is it?” for an easy to understand video. In addition to my school neuropsychology diplomate, I am also a Barton Certified Dyslexia Testing Specialist.

Here are 7 key reasons why OG instruction works:

  1. Multisensory Instruction

  • What it means: OG instruction engages multiple senses simultaneously—visual (seeing), auditory (hearing), and kinesthetic-tactile (touching/moving).
  • Why it helps dyslexic students: It strengthens neural pathways by reinforcing learning through different channels, helping students connect sounds to letters more effectively.

  1. Explicit and Systematic Phonics Instruction

  • What it means: Teachers teach the language rules clearly and in a logical, step-by-step sequence that allows for ample practice of what your child learns in that lesson.
  • Why it helps dyslexic students: Dyslexic learners benefit from not having to infer rules—they need to be taught directly and explicitly how language works (e.g., syllable types, spelling patterns). It takes the guess work out of learning.

  1. Structured and Sequential Instruction

  • What it means: Concepts are taught in a deliberate order, building from simple to more complex. Students learn the six most common syllable types.
  • Why it helps dyslexic students: They often need more repetition and a clear roadmap for understanding the building blocks of language.

  1. Cumulative and Repetitive Instruction

  • What it means: Each lesson builds on previous material, and key concepts are reviewed frequently until they are mastered.
  • Why it helps dyslexic students: Retention and mastery require constant reinforcement, especially when memory for language-based tasks is weak.

  1. Diagnostic and Prescriptive Instruction

  • What it means: Instruction is tailored based on ongoing assessment and observation of student needs. The teacher diagnoses the problem and prescribes the OG treatment.
  • Why it helps dyslexic students: One-size-fits-all approaches don’t work. OG allows teachers to adapt pace and content based on student progress.

  1. Language-Based Instruction

  • What it means: Focuses deeply on the structure of English—phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics.
  • Why it helps dyslexic students: It demystifies language and gives students tools to decode and spell words logically, rather than relying on memorization.

  1. Builds Self-Esteem

  • What it means: Encourages a positive, success-based learning environment.
  • Why it helps dyslexic students: Many struggle with confidence due to past academic failures. OG helps rebuild self-esteem through achievable, well-supported steps.

The Orton-Gillingham approach is effective for students with dyslexia because it is individualized, multisensory, structured, and grounded in the science of how the brain learns to read. It helps students make meaningful connections and develop lasting reading and spelling skills that last a lifetime.

Contact me if you would like to discuss your dyslexia concerns and your child’s reading performance. (561) 625 4125

When Kids Hate Themselves

/in /by

My first grader can’t read and has recently said, ” I hate myself” because she doesn’t feel smart. She says things are too hard and I can see her getting discouraged. She has trouble remembering letters, sounds, some numbers. She can’t keep up with everyone. Her teacher says she is the lowest one in her class.”

What to Do?

This concerned parent’s description of her child cried out for help and understanding. It is highly unusual for a young student to make statements such as they hate themself, they feel dumb, or they want to die.  No student wants to go to school and repeatedly fail. Furthermore, it is a giant red flag when your child’s teacher says your child is the lowest one in the class.  Given these challenges, this young child’s self-esteem is at risk of long-term damage.

As a concerned parent, you can provide your child with support and understanding. If you suspect an underlying learning disability like dyslexia, our school neuropsychological testing provides answers.  We also test for processing problems such as a weakness in phonics development and memory. Once you understand the specific problem you can then provide the right treatment to help.

Individual Testing

The testing revealed this child had phonological dyslexia with anxiety.  Her mom followed up with one of the specialized tutors and started three times a week tutoring.  Once she received our written report, the teacher helped get the child an IEP for school support. The IEP allowed the school’s special education teacher to work with her in addition to her private tutoring. Parents used children’s books to help with her anxiety of being embarrassed for her reading struggles.  In a follow up conversation, mom said she had renewed hope for her child’s future.

Ages 2 Through College

We test students from age two through college for dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety, depression autism, and more. Call us at (561) 625 4125 to discuss your child or learn more at www.JimForgan.com.

What Causes Dyslexia?

/in /by

If you have a loved one with dyslexia or suspected dyslexia in a your child, you might have asked yourself, What causes dyslexia?” It a question many parents I work with ask because when your child is diagnosed with dyslexia you want to know if you caused it.  I reassure many parents that they did not cause their child’s dyslexia by not reading to the child in the womb, not reading aloud enough to a child, or somehow not emphasizing learning in the home.

What Causes Dyslexia?

Researchers have not identified one stand alone cause for dyslexia. They have identified that dyslexia is highly genetic.  If reading difficulty resides in your family tree, it might be the root cause.  Approximately 60% of people with dyslexia have a genetic link. Another cause of dyslexia is presumed due to neurodevelopmental differences in brain structure. Functional MRI imaging of the brain has allowed researchers to note reduced activations in left temporal, parietal, and fusiform regions. There is often a deficit in the phonological loop which interferes with learning and remembering the sounds of language. Other researchers identified that people with dyslexia have slower rapid automatic naming which is distributed across four lobes and results in decreased reading speed.

Testing for Dyslexia

Although the causes of dyslexia vary, dyslexia can be identified through a comprehensive battery of school neuropsychological testing. There is not a sole test that is accepted to diagnose dyslexia but rather a pattern of reading, spelling, and phonological processing testing that it used.  I am certified by Susan Barton who is the creator of the widely used and evidenced based Barton Reading and Spelling System. She taught me how to accurately identify dyslexia through a specialized battery of tests that we use in my practice.

Treatment for Dyslexia

Once identified, dyslexia treatment is specialized reading instruction which substantially differs from general classroom-based reading instruction. Our testing identifies the best way for your child to learn to become a proficient reader. We also have a list of in person and online dyslexia tutors. I wrote the book, “Parent’s Quick Start Guide to Dyslexia” which is published by Routledge Press and available in bookstores or online.

Call (561) 625 4125 if you are concerned about your child’s reading and would like understanding and answers.  We’re ready to help you help your child.

How to Identify Hidden Dyslexia

/in /by

Stealth dyslexia is a lesser known form of dyslexia that is hidden dyslexia.  Individuals with stealth dyslexia are highly intelligent and compensate for their dyslexia. They learn to rely upon their outstanding visual memory, intuition, and ability to use the book’s context to bypass their reading weaknesses. Stealth dyslexia often goes undetected until fourth grade or later.

Your child may have stealth dyslexia if he or she is very smart and can read but does not enjoy reading. Many of these children don’t read for pleasure.  Below are warning signs of stealth dyslexia and be concerned if you identify three or more when considering your child.

  • Underachievement relative to intelligence
  • Inattention or apparent carelessness
  • Strong oral expression but weaker written expression
  • Weak at sounding out unfamiliar words
  • Slower oral reading but stronger silent reading
  • Difficulty with spelling in everyday writing (not on tests)
  • Messy penmanship
  • Excessive worry
  • Does not enjoy reading

Some people might dismiss your concerns and instead say your child is careless, not trying hard enough, or is an underachiever.  School staff may say that your child is too smart to have a reading disability. The school staff may also tell you your child is not failing enough to have a learning disability.  Some children are considered 2e or twice exceptional having giftedness and a learning disability.  You need an evaluation to understand if it’s actually stealth dyslexia or something else so that your child is not punished for something they can’t help.

The above warning signs of stealth dyslexia are often in stark contrast to the gifts where these children excel.  Children with stealth dyslexia are often great Lego builders or Roblox and Minecraft designers because they have great visual-spatial abilities and strong 3D mental rotation.  These children see the big picture.  They have language strengths with communication and an extensive vocabulary.  Children with stealth dyslexia are often interesting to talk to and can carry on a good conversation because of their strong critical thinking and general knowledge. You can learn more about hidden or stealth dyslexia in Dr. Eide’s book The Dyslexia Advantage.

Call (561) 625 4125 to discuss your child.

Parent’s Quick Start Guide to Dyslexia

/in /by

My new dyslexia book, Parent’s Quick Start Guide to Dyslexia, was recently released and provides you with an immediate overview of dyslexia and specific steps you can take to support and help your child. Each chapter is packed with detailed and helpful information, covering identification, public schools versus private settings, and how (and when) to seek professional help. Topics include a wealth of research-backed activities, nurturing talent and creativity, motivating your child to read, and more.  Offering straightforward, easy to understand, and evidence-based information, this book is a go-to resource for caregivers parenting a child with dyslexia.

I’ve been diagnosing children with dyslexia for a while and providing parents this type of information in our review sessions. For those that know me, I’m a get to the point fast type of guy.  Now you can get trusted, get to the point help for your child with dyslexia in my new book.  Time is too valuable to waste so let’s do what is best to help your child and let’s do it now!