Wired for Reading is designed for a wide range of learners, particularly those who struggle with reading and spelling. It was developed especially with students who have dyslexia, dysgraphia, and other reading and spelling challenges in mind.

The approach can be adapted for:

• Beginning readers building foundational skills.
• Older students who need to revisit core reading processes in a more sophisticated, age-appropriate way.
• Twice-exceptional students who benefit from a linguistically rich and intellectually engaging approach.

Dyslexia can come with its own patterns of strengths as well as challenges. Wired considers each child’s particular combination, along with their individual talents and interests. We create a learning environment filled with humor, collaboration, and playful challenges so children feel free to experiment, make mistakes, and self-correct. Educators listen closely to students’ reasoning and adjust the challenge and support so children can develop genuine competence as readers and spellers. Read testimonials from caregivers and students here.

However, there is no such thing as one program that is the best match for all students who have reading and writing difficulties. The best way to determine whether Wired for Reading is appropriate for your child is to discuss their learning needs with an experienced interventionist.

One of the strengths of the Wired for Reading program is that students are learning linguistics, the structure and logic of language. The subject matter itself is sophisticated and can be presented in ways that are courteous to the intellect of older students while addressing foundational reading and spelling skills.

Wired for Reading is often recommended for older and twice-exceptional students for this reason.

A support tutor helps students understand and keep up with their schoolwork.

An intervention reading therapist uses a research-based program, such as Wired for Reading, to address underlying language-processing difficulties that can create barriers to learning to read and spell through traditional approaches. The goal is for students to transfer what they learn into increasingly independent reading and writing.

Research in reading, spelling, linguistics, and cognitive science informs how we teach in Wired for Reading. Its instruction reflects what researchers have learned about how children recognize speech sounds, connect sounds to print, remember spelling patterns, and become increasingly fluent readers and spellers.

Wired for Reading’s training program is accredited by the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council (IMSLEC).

Wired for Reading is a Structured Literacy program that shares the foundational principles of Orton-Gillingham (OG). Orton-Gillingham originally referred to a specific instructional approach, but over time, the term has come to describe a broader range of programs that share its principles, even when developed independently.

Wired for Reading’s educator training is accredited by the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council (IMSLEC), an independent organization that evaluates educator training programs against rigorous standards for course content, instructional practices, and supervised practicum experience.

IMSLEC-accredited courses prepare educators to provide instruction that is explicit, systematic, sequential, cumulative, diagnostic and prescriptive, and multisensory.

For more information, visit IMSLEC’s website.

A Certified Wired for Reading Therapist (CWRT) has completed extensive training in Wired for Reading and a rigorous supervised practicum under the guidance of a certified mentor.

Often educated in multiple approaches and techniques, these educators work closely with their students and families as a team. Their sessions are individualized and adaptive, integrating emotional and academic support.

CWRTs are required to participate in continuing education and periodically retake Wired for Reading courses to maintain fidelity to the program.

A full diagnostic report is not required but is highly recommended. A diagnostic evaluation can help identify your child’s learning strengths and challenges and guide intervention.

If a Certified Wired for Reading Therapist recommends further testing or support from another specialist, they will discuss this with you and provide referrals when possible.

Most Certified Wired for Reading Therapists do not provide formal diagnostic testing as part of the therapy process. They work with caregivers, coaches, and classroom teachers to monitor progress throughout intervention using informal reading, writing, and spelling measures and tasks.

While the length of therapy depends on the individual student and the extent of their needs, therapy often takes around 18 months, although some students need two to three years or longer. In addition to the weekly session with the Certified Wired for Reading Therapist, the frequency and quality of home practice influence how long therapy takes.

A Certified Wired for Reading Therapist works as a team with the caregiver and child. Caregivers learn Wired for Reading alongside their child, so they understand the strategies and tools their child is learning and can help with practice at home.

As part of the intervention team, you will take part in both the hard work and the pleasure and excitement of watching your child make breakthroughs. You will also be able to recognize later if skills slip and if a few review sessions would be helpful.

Additionally, many families choose to include a coach to help guide and facilitate home practice.

Practicing at home is a key part of our team approach. At first, your child will practice frequently but for short periods, about 10–15 minutes, 3–4 times a week. As you both get more comfortable with the program, practice sessions will vary, focusing on either reading or spelling skills, and gradually increase to 30–40 minutes, three times a week.

Your Certified Wired for Reading Therapist will help you plan home practice around your child’s needs and your family’s schedule.

Having a coach can lessen the need for you to direct practice. If fitting practice into your schedule becomes tough, we can explore options like adding a coach or adding additional therapy sessions.

A coach is someone trained in the Wired for Reading method, often working toward certification. They bring their unique personalities and experiences to support both the caregiver and child.

Coaches participate in therapy sessions as part of the team. Between therapy sessions, coaches meet individually with the child for additional one-on-one practice, taking some of the pressure off caregivers.

Caregivers and coaches arrange one or two additional practice sessions each week at a convenient location, such as the family’s home, the child’s school, or online. caregivers arrange and pay for these sessions directly with the coach. Coaches do not receive payment for attending sessions with the Certified Wired for Reading Therapist.

Many caregivers appreciate taking Wired for Reading courses. It helps them understand the program better and think about how to support their child’s learning. After completing the Wired for Reading course, you’ll have the necessary background knowledge and materials to begin working with your child. However, the extent to which you’ll feel ready to apply the program independently can vary. This often depends on your comfort level with the teaching material, your relationship with your child, and any specific learning challenges your child might face.

Many caregivers find it beneficial to collaborate with a Certified Wired for Reading Therapist who can offer additional support and guidance. Yet, some caregivers, especially those who are already homeschooling, feel confident implementing the program by themselves. Others teach the program to their child with periodic consultations from an experienced Certified Wired for Reading Therapist.

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