If your child reads far below grade level, guesses at words, or spells in ways that don't match the sounds, an Orton-Gillingham assessment is a reasonable next step. It shows exactly where the gaps are, so lessons can start where your child is and build from there. This guide explains what the assessment is, what happens in it, what the results mean, and how to decide whether it's time to book one.
What is an Orton-Gillingham assessment?
An Orton-Gillingham assessment is a structured check of your child's reading and spelling skills. A trained tutor uses it to find out which sounds, letter patterns and spelling rules your child already knows and which ones are missing.
The Orton-Gillingham approach teaches language one step at a time, so the tutor needs to know exactly where to begin. Think of the assessment as a map. It doesn't grade your child or label them. It shows where the gaps are and which route will close them.
What are the signs your child may need an Orton-Gillingham assessment?
No single sign proves a learning disability, but several of these lasting for months are a good reason to act:
- Trouble sounding out words. Your child skips, swaps or adds sounds, or guesses from the first letter or a picture.
- Slow, choppy reading. Even familiar words are read one at a time, and reading aloud is tiring or avoided.
- Sight words that won't stick. Words like "eye" or "thought" are forgotten from one page to the next.
- Spelling that doesn't improve. Practice doesn't help, or words are spelled the way they sound but the visual patterns are never remembered.
- A gap between understanding and reading. Your child can talk about a story they heard but struggles to read the same story alone.
- Growing frustration. Homework takes much longer than it should, or your child starts saying they are "bad at reading."
Reading difficulties usually don't fix themselves with time. The earlier the gaps are found, the less ground there is to make up.
What happens during the assessment?
The session is short, one-on-one and low-pressure. A typical assessment covers six things:
- A conversation with you. The tutor asks about your child's reading history, school feedback and your main concerns.
- Word reading. Your child reads lists of real words and made-up words, which shows whether they can decode sounds rather than rely on memory.
- Letter sounds and patterns. The tutor checks common sounds, blends and spelling patterns.
- Spelling. Your child spells words the tutor says aloud.
- Passage reading. Your child reads a short passage aloud so the tutor can hear accuracy and fluency.
- A summary. You hear what your child does well, where the gaps are, and where lessons should start.
Is an Orton-Gillingham assessment the same as a dyslexia diagnosis?
No. An assessment shows a tutor where to start teaching. A diagnosis comes from a qualified professional, such as a licensed psychologist or neuropsychologist. Reading specialists who run placement checks before a program like Wilson typically do not diagnose.
In the U.S., you can also ask your child's school in writing for an evaluation. A formal diagnosis can open the door to school supports, but your child does not need one to start tutoring. Many families do both: they request an evaluation and begin structured instruction while they wait.
How does it connect to the Wilson Reading System and the WADE?
WADE stands for Wilson Assessment of Decoding and Encoding. In plain terms, it looks at how well a student reads words (decoding) and spells them (encoding), which helps decide where to begin in the Wilson Reading System. Wilson is designed for students in grades 2 to 12 and adults.
Want the full breakdown? Read our guide to WADE and WIST or our parent guide to the Wilson Reading System.
What do the results mean, and how long until you see progress?
The results give you three things: your child's strengths, the specific skills that are missing, and a starting point for lessons. That starting point is based on what your child can do now, not on their grade level.
Progress depends on the child and how often they have sessions. Structured literacy builds skills in order, so expect months of steady work rather than weeks. The Wilson Reading System, for example, has 12 steps that can take two to three years to complete, with sessions that typically run 60 to 90 minutes. Many parents notice smaller wins earlier, such as less guessing, fewer skipped words and more confidence when reading aloud.
Can an Orton-Gillingham assessment be done online?
Yes. The Learnability delivers its reading programs, including Orton-Gillingham and Wilson, through one-on-one online sessions. Your child works directly with a tutor on a shared screen, and you can sit in from home on the days that suit your family. That means no travel, and the same tutor who assesses your child can teach them.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need a diagnosis before an assessment?
No. You can book an assessment and start tutoring without a formal diagnosis. If you also want a diagnosis, a licensed psychologist or neuropsychologist can provide one.
Should I wait and see if my child catches up?
Usually not. When reading and spelling difficulties last for months, they rarely resolve on their own, and waiting can widen the gap. An assessment is a low-risk way to find out where things stand.
What should I bring to the assessment?
Your child's latest report card, notes from their teacher, any school or private evaluation reports, and a few samples of reading or spelling homework.
Will the assessment be stressful for my child?
It shouldn't be. It is short and friendly, and it helps to tell your child it is not a test they can fail. It is a way to find the best way to help.
Which program is right: Orton-Gillingham, Wilson or Lindamood-Bell?
The assessment results help answer that. For a side-by-side look, read Orton-Gillingham vs. Lindamood-Bell.
Ready to take the next step?
If you're seeing the signs above, you don't have to figure it out alone. Book a free trial session to see how one-on-one online tutoring works, or contact our team with your questions.