Simply Therapy offering new programs for children with dyslexia

October 19, 2021 | 12:10 am

Updated October 19, 2021 | 12:20 am

Photo by Josh Kelly

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and Simply Therapy is celebrating by unveiling all of the new programs they will be offering for children with dyslexia — including new screening, a support group and a simulation area with the mission to raise awareness for dyslexia.

Co-owner of Simply Therapy and PlaySmart Preschool Jill Payne said that her son was diagnosed with dyslexia when he was 8 years old, and she had started to see the signs when she took him to get screened.

Since then, Payne said she has been taking time to learn more about dyslexia and has been trying to spread the word with people in the community.

“We’re just really trying to push it and spread awareness any way we can,” Payne said. “We’ve been in school systems trying to read books to kids about dyslexia, talking to anybody that will listen.”

Payne said she wishes she found out earlier so she could prepare her son for school, as there started to be a gap between him and his peers. She hopes to provide parents with that ability to learn sooner.

Simply Therapy presently offers simulations for parents and teachers to experience and understand how dyslexia affects people. Along with the simulations, they screen children from ages 4 to 17.

The newest addition to the therapy program is the new support group they will have for children with dyslexia so they can come together to air their feelings and frustrations. In tandem, their parents are also going to be allowed to come together in a support group.

After Monday night’s event — the second Dyslexia Awareness Celebration they’ve hosted — Payne is excited for the future of the program.

Since they’ve started doing these events, she has seen the community come together to support and educate themselves on the topic.

“I think a lot of parents as well as teachers have been very open and asking more questions,” Payne said. “They’re either seeing it in their children or seeing it in their students.”

October 19, 2021 | 12:10 am

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