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DALL·E 2024-03-24 19.28.40 - Create a realistic illustration of a child sitting on a fluff

Ortho-Graphix: Engaging Autistic Minds

Emma Hartnell-Baker teaches non-speaking autistic children to read when they are 3 or 4.
It is easier during this period, using Ortho-Graphix, however the 1,2,3 and Away workshops are designed to show parents how to teach their older autistic (or dyslexic) children to read.
Not reading by 8? Get in touch as a matter of urgency. 

Start by learning the Speech Sound Monster Sounds! Autistic children like Kensi become really excited about the Monster Sounds, and sharing them with others!

We also call these our Phonemies:-)
(Foe-nee-mees)  The Monster Screen is in the
Spelling Piano app

"Ortho-Graphix is an essential tool for unlocking the reading potential of autistic children, particularly effective for those as young as 3 and 4 years old. Early intervention is paramount; there’s no need to delay until they start speaking, as many children might not ever do so. Every moment is precious, and the sooner we begin, the more effectively I can guide your child through speech sound therapy and word mapping, transforming reading into an achievable goal.

To further support your journey, I invite you to join our 1,2,3 and Away! workshops. These sessions are designed not just to educate, but to foster connections, offering you the strategies and insights needed to empower your child. For those unable to attend in person, please enquire about joining us via live feed. This is your opportunity to dive deeper into the methods that make reading a reality for every child, regardless of their speech capabilities.

Don't let distance be a barrier. Reach out to learn more and secure your place today. Let's take this crucial step together, ensuring every child can embrace the joy and independence of reading with confidence."

'Miss Emma' The Neurodivergent Reading Whisperer and Duck Hands Lady! 
Emma Hartnell-Baker 

Ortho-Graphix tech is designed to make the correspondences between spoken and written English easier for neurodiverse learners to understand.

Ortho-Graphix technology is meticulously crafted to simplify the correspondence between spoken and written English, particularly for neurodiverse learners.
 

Autistic and dyslexic learners, in particular, respond positively to the OrthoGraphix 'Speech to Print' technology and tools.

 

The prefix "Ortho-" from Greek, meaning "straight," "upright," "right," or "correct," signifies our commitment to presenting information directly and accurately in the context of Ortho-Graphix. Meanwhile, "Graphix" refers to graphics or visual designs, encompassing various artistic elements aimed at effectively communicating and conveying messages in a visually engaging manner.

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Our approach involves designing tools that facilitate the transition from speech to print (phonemes to graphemes) and vice versa (graphemes to phonemes), thereby promoting literacy. For universal consistency, Ortho-Graphix aligns with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), offering a Universal Spelling Code. This alignment is underscored by Stanislas Dehaene in his seminal work, "Reading in the Brain," advocating for a systematic and accessible approach to literacy for individuals across the spectrum of neurodiversity.

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While many children do manage to learn to read—sometimes despite the way they're taught—a significant number still struggle. In the UK, 1 in 4 children cannot read at the minimum expected levels by the time they start secondary school.

Ortho-Graphix stands out as a particularly effective tool for dyslexic learners. It tackles phonemic awareness deficits head-on, helping to overcome these challenges. Moreover, the introduction of speech sound monsters, known as "Phonemies" (pronounced "foe-nee-mees"), plays a crucial role in reducing cognitive load. This approach is equally beneficial for children learning English as an additional language, as Phonemies vividly demonstrate the sound value, enabling learners to both see and hear the speech sounds clearly.

It’s also worth highlighting that children who often learn to read quite rapidly include autistic 3 and 4-year-olds. The "1,2,3 and Away" workshops are specifically designed to foster an environment conducive to early reading. By participating in these workshops, parents and educators can learn how to create settings that not only encourage reading from an early age but also cater to the unique learning preferences of these young learners. This proactive approach is key to bypassing teaching methods that may not effectively engage them or meet their individual needs. Being engaged and eager to learn is crucial. Attendees will quickly understand why, with OrthoGraphix, many children are able to teach themselves to read, setting them on a path of confident and enthusiastic learning.

Emma Hartnell-Baker has been supporting autistic children and their families for years, and designed an approach that engages 2, 3 and 4 year olds. Her advice, with non-speaking autistic children, is to NOT WAIT as the earlier they start learning the Speech Sound Monsters - 'Phonemies' - the easier it will be for them to start SELF-TEACHING themselves to read the text that engages them. 
The 'clickable' library will make this even easier!    

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