Lindamood-Bell for Dyslexia

Reading difficulties affect millions of students worldwide, leading many parents and educators to seek specialized interventions. One such intervention, Lindamood-Bell (LMB), is a structured, research-based program that focuses on improving reading, comprehension, and cognitive skills. LMB is particularly beneficial for students with dyslexia, ADHD, central auditory processing disorders (CAPD), and other learning challenges.

This article explores the history, methodology, effectiveness, cost, and alternatives to Lindamood-Bell, helping parents and educators decide whether this approach is the right fit for their student.

History & Founders

Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes was founded in 1986 by Patricia Lindamood, a speech-language pathologist, and Nanci Bell, an educator specializing in literacy development. Their method evolved from research in the 1960s and 1970s that emphasized the role of phonemic awareness, sensory imagery, and cognitive processing in literacy development.

Since its founding, Lindamood-Bell has expanded to over 65 learning centers worldwide, including locations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries. The organization is recognized for its intensive, research-driven interventions aimed at helping students who struggle with reading and comprehension.

How It Works

Lindamood-Bell’s approach differs from traditional phonics-based programs by emphasizing sensory-cognitive processing, which helps students develop the underlying skills necessary for reading and comprehension. The method consists of two core components:

1. Sensory-Cognitive Instruction

• Symbol Imagery: Helping students visualize letters, words, and spelling patterns to improve decoding and spelling.
• Concept Imagery: Teaching students to create mental pictures to enhance reading comprehension and critical thinking.

2. Intensive, One-on-One Instruction

• Students typically attend daily sessions (1-4 hours per day) for 4-8 weeks.
• Lessons are tailored to individual learning profiles, ensuring that specific deficits are addressed.
• Progress is continuously monitored through assessments and diagnostic evaluations.

Programs Offered by Lindamood-Bell

Lindamood-Bell offers five primary programs, each designed to address specific learning challenges:

1. Seeing Stars® – Develops phonemic awareness, decoding, and word recognition skills through symbol imagery.
2. Visualizing and Verbalizing® – Strengthens reading comprehension and critical thinking by training students to create mental images while reading.
3. LiPS® (Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program) – Enhances phonemic awareness by teaching students how speech sounds are physically produced.
4. Talkies® – Supports oral language comprehension and verbal expression for students who need foundational language support.
5. On Cloud Nine Math® – Uses visualization strategies to improve mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills.

Lindamood-Bell vs. Orton-Gillingham: Key Differences

Lindamood-Bell is often compared to Orton-Gillingham (OG), another widely used structured literacy program. While both programs are designed to help students with reading difficulties, dyslexia, and language processing issues, they have fundamental differences:

Feature	Lindamood-Bell	Orton-Gillingham
Approach	Sensory-cognitive, imagery-based	Phonics-based, rule-driven
Focus	Visualization, working memory, comprehension	Explicit phonics, structured decoding rules
Time Commitment	Short-term, intensive (4-8 weeks)	Long-term, gradual (1-3 years)
Teaching Method	Air-writing, oral-motor exercises, visualization	Tapping, handwriting drills, repetition
Best for	Students struggling with reading comprehension and working memory	Students needing structured phonics instruction

Does Lindamood-Bell Really Work?

Many parents, educators, and students have reported significant improvements in reading fluency, comprehension, and overall academic confidence after completing a Lindamood-Bell program. Some students experience gains of multiple grade levels within a few months, largely due to the program’s intensive nature.

Scientific Research & Brain Studies

• Neuroimaging studies show increased brain activity in reading-related areas after students complete Lindamood-Bell interventions.
• Peer-reviewed research published in journals such as Annals of Dyslexia indicates that students see measurable gains in literacy skills post-intervention.
• Some critics argue that the intensity of instruction itself (rather than LMB’s specific methods) may be responsible for improvements.

Long-Term Retention of Skills

While many students maintain progress, continued reading practice and reinforcement are often necessary to ensure long-term retention of skills. Some students may require additional tutoring beyond the initial intervention period.

Cost & Accessibility

• Cost: Lindamood-Bell programs are among the most expensive interventions, with sessions ranging from $90-$110 per hour. Please contact Swan Learning Center in Charlotte, NC for current local rates.
• Availability: LMB programs are primarily offered through private learning centers, though some school districts integrate them.
• Financial Considerations: Families must weigh the potential for rapid improvement against the high cost.

Alternatives to Lindamood-Bell

While Lindamood-Bell has proven effective for many students, other programs offer structured literacy interventions at a lower cost. Alternatives include:

1. Orton-Gillingham (Wilson, Barton, SPIRE) – Structured, phonics-based programs that provide long-term, gradual improvement.
2. Structured Literacy Programs (Lexia, Fast ForWord, Reading Recovery) – Technology-driven or teacher-led literacy interventions.
3. One-on-One Tutoring – Customized instruction tailored to a student’s specific needs.

Conclusion: Who Should Consider Lindamood-Bell?

Lindamood-Bell is best suited for: Students struggling with phonemic awareness, working memory, or reading comprehension. Students who need a short-term, intensive intervention. Families who can commit to the time and financial investment required.

However, Orton-Gillingham or other structured literacy programs may be better options for students who:

• Need a more gradual, rule-based approach to reading.
• Require a more affordable, long-term intervention.

If a student needs rapid improvement in reading and comprehension and can commit to an intensive, daily learning schedule, Lindamood-Bell may be a great fit. However, parents and educators should carefully weigh cost, availability, and long-term effectiveness before making a decision.

Would you like to explore whether Lindamood-Bell is the right choice for your child? Reach out to Swan Learning Center to learn more!