Structured-literacy support for children with dyslexia

Why structured literacy — and why speech pathology

There's strong consensus on what works for dyslexia: structured literacy — explicit, systematic, cumulative instruction in phonological awareness, the sound–letter code, decoding, and spelling. It's the opposite of "guess from the picture" or hoping reading clicks with exposure. Because reading is built on spoken language, speech pathologists are trained in the precise foundations dyslexia affects, which makes speech pathology a natural home for this intervention in Australia.

In practice that means:

• Phonological awareness — hearing, segmenting, and manipulating sounds in words
• Systematic phonics — teaching the sound–letter code in a deliberate sequence
• Decoding and fluency — accurate word reading first, then speed
• Spelling and writing — applying the same code in reverse

Parents and teachers reinforce the work

Literacy grows with consistent, frequent practice, so we don't work in isolation. We coach parents on how to support decoding practice and reading at home, and — with your consent — share the approach with the child's teacher so school and therapy pull in the same direction.

When dyslexia travels with something else

Dyslexia commonly co-occurs, and the plan adapts:

• Dyslexia + developmental language disorder — shared language roots; one coordinated speech plan covers both.
• Dyslexia + ADHD — attention affects reading practice; speech pathology alongside psychology or OT is a common mix.

Hey Sprout's single intake catches these connections so you get one coordinated plan, not separate forms and waits.

NDIS funding

Dyslexia on its own generally isn't an NDIS access condition — literacy support often sits within the education system. Where it co-occurs with an eligible permanent condition, related supports may be funded under Capacity Building. Families without NDIS funding access sessions privately at the NDIS rate.