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Crawl Walk Jump Run Blog

How Can OT Help with Reading and Writing?

Dyslexia is a reading and writing disability. So how can occupational therapy help you ask? Since we all have different strengths and weaknesses, your occupational therapist specializes in developing an individualized plan focusing on each person’s needs. 

Working on skills like fine motor control, motor coordination, visual tracking and executive functioning skills (self control, working memory, and flexible thinking) are all important skills we use in our daily life. 

Early intervention is key, here are some indicators to look for:

  • Difficulty learning to recognize written words
  • Difficulty rhyming words
  • Difficulty writing (letter reversal can be common until 2nd grade) 
  • Family history

Studies show that most people who are dyslexic have a normal or high IQ

OTFC – Dyslexia

Some skills that an OT can help develop in children or adults with dyslexia: 

  • Handwriting
  • Organizational skills
  • Hand-eye coordination (very important for reading and writing) 
  • Spacial awareness 
  • Visual memory 
  • Visual discrimination 
  • Self regulation

Helpful links

Mayo Clinic – Dyslexia symptoms

Written by: Sheri Nowicki, BA, COTAL

More to explore

Apraxia of Speech

What is Apraxia of Speech?

Apraxia of Speech is a neurological disorder characterized by the brain’s inability to complete the necessary pathways to instruct the speech muscles,

The decision to seek therapy is not always an easy one. If you're looking for life improvement, we want you know that we've got your back!

We invite you schedule a call If you have further questions regarding OT/PT/SLP services for kids and adults at Crawl Walk Jump Run in Clinton Township