FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE ORTON-GILLINGHAM APPROACH?
The Orton-Gillingham (OG) Approach is an explicit, systematic, diagnostic, and multi-modal way to teach reading, writing, and spelling.
Phonemic awareness, phonics, morphology, grammar, vocabulary and reading comprehension are all taught using a systematic, cumulative and sequential approach.
This is a flexible and individualized approach where lessons are designed based on careful observation and error analysis. In every lesson, the student experiences a high degree of success and gains confidence as well as skill. Students are empowered when a once seemingly arbitrary and confusing system is made predictable and clear.
While the OG approach is widely considered to be the "gold standard" approach to reading instruction for individuals with dyslexia, the approach can be used effectively with all students.
Many instructors offer Orton-Gillingham influenced intervention; however, only a certified practitioner will have completed the comprehensive coursework and practicum hours necessary for certification with the Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA).
DOES MY CHILD NEED A DIAGNOSIS TO BENEFIT FROM READING INTERVENTION?
The short answer is no. An estimated 1 in 5 individuals will experience some type of reading struggle, and these difficulties occur on a continuum. Some people will struggle with reading, but do not have a diagnosed disability. These individuals may take a bit more time to learn certain things and may require more specialized reading instruction than has been provided. It is a common misconception that reading is a natural process, constructed as a result of simple exposure to language or books. Good reading instruction is necessary for students to learn to read well, and some require more explicit instruction than others.
Reading challenges generally do not improve on their own. Left unaddressed, this struggle can have devastating and lasting effects on a child as well as their family. The good news is that research has demonstrated that evidence-based reading instruction can change brain activity in struggling readers, leading to lasting changes.
It can be painful and overwhelming to watch your child struggle. I strive to help parents to feel secure and informed with each step and make it a priority to help to maintain or restore a child’s confidence.
WHAT ARE YOUR RATES?
Fees for assessment and consultation are based on the current recommended fee guidelines of the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA), which is $220 per hour.
The number of assessment hours required will vary depending on the nature of the referral question. We will clarify this before the commencement of the assessment so there are no surprises.
Please contact jennifer@bloompsychology.ca for reading intervention rates.
AM I COVERED BY INSURANCE?
Services are provided by a registered psychologist, and many extended health benefit plans and health spending accounts provide full or partial coverage of psychological services. Insurance companies are not billed directly, but detailed invoices and receipts are provided so that you may seek additional coverage for your expenses. Families are encouraged to obtain information directly from their insurance companies regarding extent of coverage. Additionally, psychological services may qualify as a medical expense for income tax purposes
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
Please provide as much notice as possible if you must cancel or reschedule an appointment. When appropriate, in-person sessions can be moved to video or telephone.