Dyslexia is a common learning disorder that affects a child’s ability to read, spell, and process language. While it is primarily a language-based condition, dyslexia can also impact fine motor skills, attention, and overall academic performance.
Occupational therapy (OT) is an effective approach to helping children with dyslexia build essential skills and confidence.
In this blog, we will explore how occupational therapy for dyslexia is important and how it can support children with dyslexia and improve their daily functioning.
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a condition where a person has difficulty with reading. The difficulty has nothing to do with their intelligence level – someone may have below or normal intelligence, or even be otherwise gifted. The disconnect is in the phonological component of the language – they have difficulty putting together sounds.
A neurotypical person can read fluently because they’re able to sound out the letters in their head in order to create the words in their mind. Dyslexics have trouble with this. The letters on the page can seem like a jumble, and have no rhyme or reason.
Why is Early Intervention Important for Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a neurological condition that affects how the brain processes written and spoken language. It is not related to intelligence, but it can make reading, writing, and spelling challenging. Children with dyslexia often struggle with:
- Recognizing letters and sounds
- Reading fluently and accurately
- Writing and spelling words correctly
- Understanding written instructions
- Fine motor skills, such as handwriting and coordination
While there is no cure for dyslexia, early intervention and specialized support can help children develop effective strategies to overcome challenges and thrive academically.
The earlier a child with dyslexia receives support, the better their chances of success. Occupational therapy for dyslexia helps bridge learning gaps, equipping children with the skills they need to thrive academically and socially.
With the right interventions, children with dyslexia can gain the confidence to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.
How Can Occupational Therapy Help Children with Dyslexia?
There are many ways that Occupational Therapy can help children diagnosed with dyslexia. Here are some key ways:
1. Improving Fine Motor Skills for Better Handwriting
Children with dyslexia often have difficulty with handwriting, letter formation, and spacing. Occupational therapists use targeted exercises to strengthen hand muscles, improve grip, and enhance writing coordination. Techniques include:
- Hand strengthening activities (e.g., squeezing stress balls, using tweezers)
- Handwriting practice with guided letter formation
- Using adaptive writing tools, such as pencil grips or slanted boards
2. Enhancing Visual Processing and Perception
Many children with dyslexia struggle with visual tracking, letter reversals, and distinguishing similar-looking words. OT interventions include:
- Eye-tracking exercises to improve reading fluency
- Visual discrimination activities to help differentiate letters and words
- Colored overlays or tinted reading glasses to reduce visual stress
3. Developing Executive Function Skills
Executive function skills, such as attention, memory, and organization, are crucial for academic success. Occupational therapists work on:
- Improving attention and focus during reading and writing tasks
- Teaching memory strategies for spelling and comprehension
- Creating structured routines for homework and assignments
4. Addressing Sensory Processing Challenges
Some children with dyslexia have sensory processing difficulties, making it hard to focus in noisy classrooms or stay engaged during reading activities. OT helps by:
- Providing sensory-friendly tools, such as noise-canceling headphones
- Using movement-based activities to improve body awareness
- Creating a calm, structured environment for learning
5. Boosting Confidence and Self-Esteem
Struggling with reading and writing can impact a child’s confidence. Occupational therapy helps children develop self-awareness, build resilience, and celebrate progress through positive reinforcement.
What Skills Does Occupational Therapy Address for Dyslexia?
Occupational therapy (OT) plays a crucial role in helping children with dyslexia by addressing a wide range of skills that impact their academic performance and daily activities.
Occupational therapists focus on developing these foundational skills to improve learning and confidence.
1. Fine Motor Skills
Children with dyslexia often struggle with handwriting, letter formation, and spacing. OT helps by:
- Strengthening hand muscles to improve pencil grip
- Practicing letter formation and spacing techniques
- Using adaptive tools such as pencil grips and slanted writing boards
Why It Matters:
Stronger fine motor skills lead to better handwriting, making it easier for children to take notes, complete assignments, and express their thoughts on paper.
2. Visual Processing and Perception
Dyslexia often affects how children perceive letters and words on a page. Occupational therapy helps by:
- Improving eye tracking for smoother reading
- Enhancing visual discrimination to recognize letter differences (e.g., “b” vs. “d”)
- Using visual-motor exercises to improve letter orientation and word spacing
Why It Matters:
Better visual processing skills make reading and writing more efficient and reduce letter reversals and skipping words while reading.
3. Executive Functioning
Executive function skills help children with planning, organizing, and remembering information. OT works on:
- Improving attention and focus during reading and writing tasks
- Teaching memory strategies for spelling and comprehension
- Helping children create structured routines for homework and assignments
Why It Matters:
Stronger executive functioning helps children stay organized, manage their workload, and retain information more effectively.
4. Sensory Processing
Some children with dyslexia have difficulty processing sensory information, making it challenging to focus in a noisy classroom or sit still for extended periods. OT helps by:
- Providing sensory-friendly strategies, such as fidget tools or noise-canceling headphones
- Using movement-based activities to improve body awareness and focus
- Creating structured, calming environments that support learning
Why It Matters:
A well-regulated sensory system helps children focus better, reducing frustration and increasing engagement in learning activities.
5. Gross Motor Skills and Coordination
Some children with dyslexia experience difficulty with overall body coordination, which can affect their posture, balance, and ability to sit still during learning tasks. OT addresses this by:
- Encouraging core strength exercises for better posture and endurance
- Improving hand-eye coordination through activities like ball games or obstacle courses
- Teaching proper sitting and writing posture to reduce fatigue
Why It Matters:
Stronger gross motor skills help children maintain better body control, making it easier to focus on academic tasks.
6. Self-confidence and Emotional Regulation
Children with dyslexia often struggle with low self-esteem due to repeated academic difficulties. OT supports emotional well-being by:
- Encouraging a growth mindset and resilience
- Using positive reinforcement to celebrate small successes
- Teaching self-regulation strategies to manage frustration and anxiety
Why It Matters:
When children feel confident and supported, they are more willing to take on academic challenges and develop a positive attitude toward learning.
What Strategies Do Occupational Therapists Use to Support Dyslexic Children?
Occupational therapists use multi-sensory approaches and visual strategies to help children with dyslexia. These strategies can help children understand, remember, and recall information.
Multi-sensory approaches
Engaging multiple senses can enhance comprehension and memories. Strategies include:
- Incorporate movement: Use activities that involve touch, movement, and sound to help children understand and remember information
- Use visual prompts: Provide visual cues to help with instructions, organization, and reading
- Applying color coding: Assigning colors to different letters or words can improve reading and spelling skills.
Visual strategies
Visual supports help children process information more effectively. These include:
- Use visual modeling: Demonstrating tasks visually rather than relying only on verbal instructions
- Teach letter formation: Repetitive practice of letter shapes builds muscle memory for handwriting.
- Visually sequence tasks: Use visual cues to help children sequence tasks
Additional Strategies for Dyslexia Support
- Structured literacy: a systematic way of teaching reading
By incorporating these strategies, occupational therapists help children with dyslexia develop the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Get Expert Occupational Therapy Support at New Horizons Wellness Services
If your child has dyslexia and struggles with handwriting, organization, or focus, New Horizon’s Wellness Services (NHWS) can help. Our expert occupational therapists provide personalized strategies to support your child’s unique learning needs.
Contact New Horizon’s Wellness Services today to learn how we can empower your child to succeed! Email us at [email protected] or call 503-352-0240.
By combining occupational therapy with other educational interventions, children with dyslexia can build the skills they need to succeed. Don’t wait—get the right support today! Book a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can occupational therapy be combined with other treatments for dyslexia?
Yes, occupational therapy works well alongside structured literacy programs, speech therapy, and educational interventions to provide comprehensive support.
2. How long does it typically take for occupational therapy to show results for dyslexia?
Progress varies, but noticeable improvements often appear within a few months, with consistent therapy and practice over time leading to lasting benefits.
3. Are there at-home activities recommended by occupational therapists for children with dyslexia?
Yes, activities like multi-sensory reading exercises, handwriting practice, movement-based learning, and visual tracking games can reinforce therapy goals at home.
Yours in Health,
New Horizons Wellness Services13333 SW 68th Pkwy,
Tigard, OR 97223
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New Horizons Wellness Services provides a true multidisciplinary approach to mental & physical health treatments for children, adults and families.