For many children, learning to read is an exciting rite of passage. However, this process can be frustrating for students with developmental delays. Standard classroom instruction often moves too quickly, leaving these students struggling to keep up and causing them to miss foundational skills that are critical for literacy success.
Fortunately, there is a way that transforms literacy for students with developmental delays: the Orton Gillingham Approach (OG). This highly structured, multisensory approach to reading instruction has been helping students with dyslexia for decades, and research shows it is also incredibly effective for learners with developmental delays.
In this post, we will explore why Orton Gillingham works so well for this population, what the research says, and how educators and parents can implement it to help children thrive.
Understanding Developmental Delays and Literacy
Developmental delays can affect one or more areas of a child’s growth: communication, cognitive skills, motor skills, social-emotional development, or adaptive functioning. When it comes to literacy, the most common challenges include:
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Delayed language development – making it harder to acquire vocabulary and grammar
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Difficulty with memory and sequencing – impacting letter recognition and word decoding
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Auditory processing issues – making phonemic awareness tasks challenging
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Attention and executive functioning difficulties – leading to inconsistent focus during lessons
These challenges often make traditional, “one-size-fits-all” instruction less effective. Students may need more time, more practice, and more targeted teaching to master reading and spelling.
Why the Orton-Gillingham Approach Transforms Literacy for Students with Developmental Delays
The Orton-Gillingham Approach was designed to teach reading in a way that works for all brains, including those that learn differently. Its hallmarks make it especially well-suited for students with developmental delays:
1. Structured and Sequential
Orton Gillingham follows a clear, logical sequence, beginning with the simplest concepts and systematically layering more complex skills. For a child who may struggle with processing or memory, this predictable routine provides security and clarity.
2. Explicit and Direct
Nothing is assumed or left to chance. Concepts are taught explicitly, demonstrated by the teacher, and then practiced until mastery. This is essential for children who cannot “pick up” reading skills through exposure alone.
3. Multisensory Instruction
Orton Gillingham engages multiple senses at once: seeing, saying, hearing, and touching, which strengthens neural pathways and supports memory. For example, a child may trace a letter in sand (tactile) while saying its sound (auditory) and looking at it (visual).
4. Diagnostic and Prescriptive
Orton Gillingham lessons are individualized based on data. The instructor continuously monitors performance, reteaches as needed, and moves forward only when a child is ready.
5. Mastery-Based
Skills are not rushed. Each concept is practiced until it is fully mastered, preventing the “Swiss cheese” learning gaps that so often hold children back.
What the Research Says
A growing body of research supports the use of structured literacy programs like Orton Gillingham for students with developmental delays, not just those with dyslexia.
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Systematic Phonics Works: The National Reading Panel (2000) concluded that systematic, explicit phonics instruction significantly improves reading outcomes for all children, and has an even greater impact on at-risk learners.
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Multisensory Teaching Improves Retention: Studies have found that using kinesthetic and tactile techniques increases memory retention and helps struggling learners make meaningful connections between sounds (auditory) and symbols (visual).
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Positive Outcomes for Intellectual Disabilities: Research published in Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities (2014) indicated that students with intellectual disabilities made measurable gains in decoding and comprehension when taught using structured literacy principles.
When combined with one-on-one or small-group instruction, Orton Gillingham’s systematic, diagnostic nature ensures that students receive exactly what they need, when they need it.
Benefits Beyond Reading
While Orton Gillingham’s primary goal is literacy, its benefits often ripple into other areas of a child’s development:
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Boosted Confidence: Children who once felt “behind” begin to see themselves as capable learners.
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Improved Communication: As students gain vocabulary and decoding skills, their spoken language often improves as well.
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Greater Independence: Reading opens doors to self-help skills, functional literacy (like reading signs and instructions), and future employment opportunities.
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Better Behavior: Reduced frustration leads to fewer meltdowns during academic time, making learning a more positive experience.
Practical Tips for Parents and Educators
Implementing Orton Gillingham for students with developmental delays requires patience and creativity. Here are some practical tips:
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Short, Frequent Lessons: Break instruction into smaller chunks to match the child’s attention span.
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Frequent Review: Spiral back to previously taught concepts to reinforce long-term retention.
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Use Concrete Materials: Letter tiles, sand trays, and textured flashcards can bring lessons to life.
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Incorporate Movement: Let students stand, march, or clap as they spell words or count syllables.
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Collaborate with Therapists: Speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and special educators can reinforce Orton Gillingham techniques in therapy sessions.
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Celebrate Small Wins: Every new sound mastered or word decoded is a victory worth acknowledging.
Stories of Transformation
Many parents and teachers report remarkable success with Orton Gillingham for children with developmental delays.
“When we started Orton Gillingham with my son in third grade, he hadn’t retained anything as it related to literacy. He could not read at all. After 8 months of consistent Orton Gillingham lessons, he was reading out of simple chapter books. His confidence soared. He is now an adult and is literate. We owe this to his tutor and Orton Gillingham.”
“As a teacher, I’ve seen Orton Gillingham unlock the door to literacy success for countless numbers of students who were not ‘getting it’ at school. I have learned over the years to never underestimate what those with learning differences can do when given the right intervention to meet their specific needs.” As a special education teacher, I can attest that the Orton Gillingham Approach transforms literacy for students with developmental delays.”
Final Thoughts
For students with developmental delays, learning to read can feel like climbing a mountain. The Orton Gillingham Approach offers a clear, step-by-step path up that mountain; one that is individualized, encouraging, and proven effective.
When implemented with fidelity and patience, Orton Gillingham not only builds literacy skills but also fosters confidence, independence, and joy in learning. It equips children with the tools they need to participate more fully in school, at home, and in their communities.
If you are a parent or educator seeking an evidence-based, compassionate way to teach reading to students with developmental delays, Orton Gillingham may be the solution you have been looking for. For more information, check out our course offerings: Orton Gillingham Training We would love to have you join us!