Dyslexia can be treated with the use of educational devices that will enhance reading abilities. Intake of medicines and doses of counseling are of no use in treating dyslexia. The most important aspect is to educate oneself about this condition. The earlier the problem is identified the better are the chances for improvement. Treatment should commence while the child is young and there is scope for it to improve his reading skills. It even may not pose a serious problem during the first school years; albeit reading will continue to be difficult for a dyslexic always.

When a three year old or even older child has been diagnosed with dyslexia, the federal law stipulates that the officials of a public school set up an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that is customized to the requirements of the child.

The first step in implementing IEP is to negotiate with the school of the child to set up a treatment team comprising of the guardian, the teacher, other staff members including the counselors attached to the school as well as special teachers in the education stream. The doctor of the child may also be requested to be present.

The customized IEP of the child will give the details of his particular disabilities, suitable teaching methods and the targets and goals to be reached in the academic year. Evaluation is done annually based on the progress of the child. The parents can appeal if they want to or if they disagree with the IEP of the child. The law also stipulates that the child has to be prepared for future education, jobs and be able to live independently. Steps should start not later than the age of sixteen.

As per a broad survey by the Government of USA on how children acquire reading skills the conclusion is that it requires a mixture of educational systems. This includes teaching phonetics in such a way that the child learning to read comprehends how the letters are connected to the sounds (phonemes) to help in the formation of words. In a course of guided sound reading the students read with help and a feedback is given. This is important for developing fluency. The child should clearly be able to comprehend the instructions and must be able to repeat these in a systematic and orderly manner to improving the reading skills of the child.

Hitherto it had been believed that children with dyslexia could read better if they covered one eye. But this view has been negated by the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Ophthalmology. They came to the conclusion that altered functioning of the brain causes dyslexia and not because of defective visual functioning.

The point to remember is that dyslexia continues right through life. Although early treatment started from childhood may help but even as an adult the person will always face reading difficulties.