ASDEC Professional Development
ASDEC Sounds In Syllables and Language Foundations have received accreditation by the International Dyslexia Association. Sounds In Syllables is also included in the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Matrix of Multisensory Structured Language Programs. This publication identifies the most effective evidence-based programs using Orton-Gillingham techniques that are critical for teaching students with dyslexia and have been proven successful.
ASDEC faculty are all certified Academic Therapists who have also been trained in a wide array of specialized reading programs such as Sounds In Syllables, Alphabetic Phonics and Wilson Reading System. Drawing upon their years of experience as therapists and trainers, our faculty develops and delivers research-based multisensory training programs to educators and parents in the Washington, DC region as well as throughout the country.
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ASDEC training courses are accredited by IMSLEC, The International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council. IMSLEC is a member of The Alliance for Accreditation and Certification, which is sponsored by The International Dyslexia Association.
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Graduate Credit
From Trinity University is available for an additional fee.
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“Our granddaughter was starting to read at age 3 and by 5 she was an advanced reader. She was also given the tools to write and eventually was writing stories of her own.”
- Joyce and Joe Band​
Dyslexia Simulation:
Experience Learning Disabilities Staff Development
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Enhance your faculty’s understanding of language-based learning disabilities with ASDEC’s Learning Disabilities Staff Development Program. Dyslexia, a condition that impacts up to 20% of the population - diagnosed and undiagnosed - is highly heritable and presents unique challenges in traditional classroom settings. Importantly, dyslexia is not linked to IQ and does not reflect a student’s intelligence or potential. However, without the right support, students with learning disabilities often face frustration that can affect their confidence and social-emotional health.This program equips educators with tools and strategies to create inclusive classrooms that foster both academic success and emotional well-being.
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This two-hour immersive experience provides interactive, hands-on simulations enabling participants to explore various reading challenges, from comprehension to spelling. Dyslexia impacts multiple skills, including processing, reading aloud, written expression, memory, and math, and requires understanding and targeted support.
Participants gain a comprehensive view of dyslexia’s characteristics, learn effective support techniques, and have opportunities to ask specific questions. Join us in a journey toward a truly inclusive educational environment that builds empathy, strengthens communication, and promotes positive social-emotional health for all students. This program can be tailored to meet the needs of your professional learning community, empowering educators and administrators to make a meaningful difference.
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Location: Washington, DC metro area
KickStart Reading and Numeracy
ASDEC is the only accredited training program to deliver integrated Orton-Gillingham methods and Montessori strategies designed to identify and teach emerging readers. Kickstart partners with the Atlantic Seaboard Dyslexia Education Center to offer training and support to schools and parents. While training is optional to implement K-Reading Kickstart and K-Math Kickstart, we recommend it to teachers and parents with limited knowledge of structured literacy.
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Kickstart Curriculum
The Kickstart curriculum offers two distinct options: a group instruction program tailored for schools and small groups, and an individualized instruction program designed for parents and tutors. Both options seamlessly integrate with the K-Math Kickstart program. Additionally, the Atlantic Seaboard Dyslexia Education Center (ASDEC) offers optional training and support to implement these programs with efficacy. Contact us for more information.
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Location: Washington, DC metro area
“I signed up right away for the workshop on ADHD and dyslexia. I feel so supported and inspired from all these new additions to ASDECs offerings! The program has always been amazing, and I've not found anything that beats it in my looking at other programs and curriculum for my own information and comparison. But, now I just feel like I've got a place of continuing educational and professional support, and not just the training, to turn to."
- Nancy White, ASDEC CALT​
Dyslexia and ADHD:
Connections and Treatments, presented by Dr. Karin Varblow
Dr Varblow is a pediatrician with expertise in Behavioral Pediatrics and treating children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). After serving individuals as a general pediatrician for over a decade, she opened her own practice to work intensively with families whose children have behavioral issues. Her interest in ADHD and Behavioral Pediatrics has developed into more of a passion, and her treatment style addresses the unique needs of the patients and their family members.
Dr. Varblow will discuss the intricate relationship between dyslexia and ADHD which frequently co-occur but can also mimic or mask each other, making diagnosis challenging. The presentation underscores the importance of understanding the distinct characteristics of both dyslexia and ADHD so that clinicians and academic therapists may learn to differentiate them. By doing so, clinicians may tailor appropriate treatment plans that address the unique needs of students with Dyslexia and ADHD.
Parents and other caregivers are welcome to attend this session so that they can better understand their child's learning behavior and identify the most effective treatment options.
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Presentation length: 2-hours
Credits: ALTA credit available
Cost: $150
Location: Online and On-Demand Workshop
The Perfect Storm:
When Reading and Math Meet Webinar by Marilyn Zecher, CALT
Students with language based challenges may experience difficulty with word problems in math for a variety of reasons. Decoding is only one challenge. For many students, working memory and comprehension make organizing and performing the appropriate calculations especially difficult. The What Works Clearinghouse Practice Guides from the Institute for Educational Science updated the problem solving guide in 2018. Based on the recommendations there are some surprising strategies which can help all students succeed but which are especially helpful for students with challenges. Bring your colored pencils or colored markers to the session and experience some different strategies for helping students succeed when reading and math meet.
Presentation length: 2 hours
Credits: ALTA credits are available.
Cost: $75
Location: Online and On-Demand Workshop