Speech therapy for dysorthographia

Once dysorthographia has been diagnosed, speech therapy becomes the core of the support. How long does it last, what happens during sessions, and when can you expect to see progress? Here is what you need to know to approach this stage calmly and take part in your own way. You will also see how it is reimbursed and what rhythm to expect.

The aims of speech therapy

Speech therapy does not aim to make your child a spelling champion. Its goal is to help them gain better control over spelling, understand their errors and develop strategies to avoid or correct them. The aim is for them to become independent, able to spot and correct some of their mistakes themselves.

It also seeks to make writing less effortful. A child who writes with less strain has more energy to think about content, follow lessons and learn in other subjects. This is particularly important at secondary school, where the amount of writing increases considerably. Successful therapy shows as much in the child’s attitude towards writing as in their school results.

Finally, it works on confidence. Many children arrive at the speech and language therapist‘s practice convinced they are hopeless. Rediscovering the pleasure of writing, or at least no longer being afraid of it, is part of the work. The speech and language therapist makes sure the child experiences successes, however small, in every session.

What a session is like

A session generally lasts between 30 and 45 minutes, once or twice a week. It takes place at the practice, sometimes at school in certain situations, and increasingly by video call for part of the follow-up. Regularity matters more than duration: sessions attended consistently give better results.

The speech and language therapist alternates targeted exercises, games and writing activities. The content is adapted to the child’s profile: a difficulty with sounds is not worked on in the same way as a difficulty with agreements. They set precise goals, which they review regularly with you. Each session is designed to remain motivating, with varied activities suited to the child’s age.

Parents do not always attend the session, but a short discussion is often arranged at the end to take stock and offer a few suggestions for home. It is the right moment to ask your questions and mention what is happening at school.

The main areas of work

If the child struggles with sounds, the speech and language therapist works on phonological awareness: breaking words into syllables, identifying sounds, and distinguishing similar sounds. This is the foundation for accurately transcribing what one hears. These exercises are often done orally, in the form of games, before moving on to writing.

To support word memory, they draw on visual and multisensory techniques: illustrated spelling, colours, word families and etymology. The idea is to give words meaning so that they are more easily retained. The work is always progressive: one concept is consolidated before moving on to the next, to avoid overload.

For grammar, they help the child automate agreements and conjugation, using simple reference points and targeted proofreading strategies. They teach the child to ask themselves the right questions when writing, and then when checking their work. See learning the rules of agreement.

Search for Dys professionals near you

The only online directory dedicated to professionals working with Dys disorders

How long speech therapy lasts

There is no standard duration. Therapy for dysorthographia often lasts several years, with possible breaks. It all depends on the severity of the disorder, any associated difficulties and the child’s age when support begins. The earlier it starts, the better its chances of being effective.

Support is organised in series of sessions, which can be renewed. Review assessments make it possible to measure progress and decide whether to continue, change goals or take a break. These reviews are also an opportunity to talk with you about your child’s development. It is therefore normal not to have a precise end date at the start of treatment.

Stopping is discussed with the speech and language therapist once the child has gained enough independence and strategies. Returning to therapy later remains possible, for example on starting secondary school or sixth form college, should new difficulties emerge.

When progress becomes visible

The first effects are often seen before results in dictation: your child writes more willingly, gives up less easily, and starts to spot some of their errors. These are genuine progress, even if they do not yet show in marks. Let the speech and language therapist know, as they help them gauge the effect of their work.

Progress in spelling then tends to be steady but slow. Do not compare your child with other pupils: compare them with themselves, from one term to the next. Keep a few pieces of written work from different periods: the comparison is often encouraging. A child who agrees to proofread or to use a tool has already taken a big step.

There may be plateaus, or even moments when things seem to slip back, particularly when changing class or pace. This is normal, and it can be discussed with the speech and language therapist. Patience is essential, for you as much as for your child.

The role of parents

You do not need to become a speech and language therapist at home. Your role is mainly to ensure sessions are attended regularly, to keep in touch with the professional and to support your child’s morale. Your involvement makes a real difference, even without additional exercises.

The speech and language therapist may suggest a few short activities to do at home: a game, a word list, a proofreading technique. Five regular minutes are better than an hour of battle on Sunday evening. Ask them exactly what to do and how often, so you do not overdo it. A little letter game in the car or a recipe read together may be enough to sustain the work done in sessions.

Avoid turning every moment into a spelling exercise. Your child also needs to unwind. A rested and confident child progresses better than one worn out by work. More ideas in how to help a child with dysorthographia.

Reimbursement of speech therapy

Speech therapy sessions are reimbursed at 60% by the Assurance maladie (French national health insurance) on the basis of the agreed fee, on medical prescription. Your supplementary health insurance (mutuelle) generally covers the remainder. Check your contract to find out the exact level of cover.

The assessment prescription is most often enough to start therapy if it mentions “with rehabilitation if necessary”. The speech and language therapist then handles the administrative formalities. Remember to present your Carte Vitale and your supplementary insurance details at the first appointment. Keep your invoices and reimbursement statements, as they may be useful for other procedures.

If your child receives the AEEH (disability allowance for children) or has been recognised by the MDPH (departmental disability support centre), other forms of help may be available for costs that are not reimbursed. Contact the MDPH in your département to find out your rights. See reimbursement of sessions.

Exchange with parents of dys children

A space for exchange, listening and support dedicated to parents of children with DYS disorders

Questions that keep coming up

How many speech therapy sessions per week for dysorthographia ?

Usually one or two sessions a week, lasting 30 to 45 minutes. The rhythm is set by the speech and language therapist according to the severity of the disorder and may change over the course of treatment. It may increase or decrease depending on progress.

Can speech therapy be done by video call ?

Yes, part of the follow-up can be carried out by teletherapy, under certain conditions. The initial assessment and regular follow-up tend to take place at the practice. Discuss this with your speech and language therapist. It can be convenient in cases of distance or work schedule constraints.

What to do if my child no longer wants to see the speech and language therapist ?

This is common after several years. Talk openly about it with your child and with the speech and language therapist: changing goals, easing the rhythm or taking a break can revive motivation. A break is not a failure: it sometimes allows a fresh start.