An 8-year-old is failing academically despite normal intelligence (IQ 95). He has significant difficulty reading (confuses b/d, reads slowly, poor phonological awareness) despite being in a stimulating environment with no sensory deficits. The MOST effective evidence-based intervention is:
- A Ritalin (methylphenidate) for presumed co-existing ADHD
- B Visual tracking therapy and colored overlays
- C Intensive phonics-based reading instruction (Orton-Gillingham approach) ✓
- D Occupational therapy for fine motor difficulties
Explanation
This presentation is classic for dyslexia (specific reading disorder) — poor phonological processing, letter reversals, slow reading, and normal intelligence. Intensive structured literacy (phonics-based) instruction such as the Orton-Gillingham method, which systematically teaches sound-symbol correspondences, is the gold-standard evidence-based intervention. Phonological awareness training improves reading outcomes significantly. Visual tracking therapy has not been validated by controlled trials. Methylphenidate is for ADHD (which can co-occur) but does not treat the reading disorder itself. Occupational therapy addresses handwriting/dysgraphia but not the core phonological deficit.
Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.