LearningRx and Orton-Gillingham

When seeking reading or dyslexia help, it’s important to understand the nuances of different approaches, especially when comparing LearningRx to the Orton-Gillingham (OG) methodology. 

The Orton-Gillingham approach is a structured, multisensory method specifically designed for individuals with reading and dyslexia challenges. It emphasizes the importance of phonemic awareness, systematic phonics, and the integration of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles. This approach is highly individualized, allowing educators to tailor lessons to meet the unique needs of each student. OG programs also incorporate regular assessment and progress monitoring, ensuring that instruction is effective and responsive.

On the other hand, LearningRx brain training programs focus on core cognitive skills such as memory, attention, processing speed, and problem-solving which underlie all thinking processes including those related to reading. Our programs use mental games and exercises designed to enhance brain function and they specifically target the foundational reading skills that students with dyslexia struggle with such as processing speed and memory as well as auditory processing skills. While LearningRx brain training not only targets cognitive functions, it also address the specific phonological processing deficits that are central to dyslexia.

While programs based on the Orton-Gillingham methodology aim to improve reading and educational outcomes, LearningRx  is uniquely tailored to address both cognitive and reading challenges. The reading program at LearningRx, called ReadRx, combines structured literacy instruction with multisensory techniques and a cognitive intervention to address the underlying cognitive weaknesses associated with reading struggles and dyslexia. At LearningRx, we believe the combination of both cognitive skills training and reading instructions based on the Science of Reading is what makes our program so effective. In contrast, online brain games may offer benefits in some cognitive skills but lack the targeted strategies necessary for addressing the core issues of reading and dyslexia challenges. 

A large peer-reviewed research study published in the journal Psychology Research and Behavior Management reported the following results for more than 3,500 struggling readers after just 24 weeks of cognitive and reading training at LearningRx:

• Statistically significant changes were found in both reading skills and cognitive skills. 
• The average gain across five reading skills was 4.1 years in just 24 weeks.
• The average gain in phonological awareness was nearly 6 years in just 24 weeks.
• The average gain in phonetic coding was 5.5 years in just 24 weeks.
• The average gain in spelling was 2.2 years in just 24 weeks.
• The average gain in Word Attack was 2.9 years in just 24 weeks.

For those seeking reading help or dyslexia help, there are many choices available. However, it’s important to make sure you understand the difference as you seek the ideal intervention for your child.  In your due diligence, we highly recommend you ask for the peer-reviewed research and data specific to the intervention you are considering. Some providers may quote research related to the service they provide but it is not specific to the service they provide. LearningRx has been training brains and targeting reading struggles for several decades and has amassed a plethora of data from over 40 studies on our training and assessment methods, 17 of which are published in peer-reviewed medical, psychology, and education journals. We encourage you to check out our research at https://www.learningrx.com/brain-training-research/. 

To learn more about our 1-on-1 cognitive skills training programs and reading remediation methods and how we compare to other options like tutoring and Orton-Gillingham, call the LearningRx Woodbury location.  We would be happy to answer any questions and share how we can work with you or your loved one struggling with reading difficulties or dyslexia.