When parents start looking for dyslexia therapy for their child, they often hear about Academic Language Therapists or Certified Academic Language Therapists (CALTs). These professionals have extensive training and experience working with dyslexic students using structured, research-based methods. But what many parents don’t realize is that working with an SIS Trainee —someone in the process of becoming a therapist—can be an excellent choice as well.

What is an SIS Dyslexia Therapy Intern?
An SIS Trainee is a therapist-in-training who is completing a rigorous practicum through ASDEC or MLTI-NM as part of their certification process. This isn’t just a short course or a weekend training—becoming a CALT takes two years and includes a 700-hour supervised practicum. That means these Trainees are already highly trained, learning under the supervision of experienced mentors, and following the same structured, multisensory approach that fully certified therapists use.

The Benefits of Working with an Intern
1. High-Quality Instruction: SIS Trainees are learning and applying the same evidence-based methods as certified therapists. They receive direct guidance from mentors who review their work, ensuring your child is getting structured, effective instruction.
2. More Availability: Finding an experienced therapist can be tough, as demand for dyslexia therapy is high. Trainees often have more availability and can be a great way to get your child started sooner rather than waiting for an open spot with a CALT.
3. Commitment to Excellence: Trainees are eager to excel in their practicum and are dedicated to delivering high-quality instruction. They’re invested in your child’s progress because their success is directly tied to their certification process.
4. Lower Cost: In some cases, working with a Trainee may be a more affordable option while still receiving effective intervention.
What to Expect
If you choose to work with a Trainee, you can expect structured, multisensory lessons tailored to your child’s needs. Trainees follow the SIS curriculum closely and track progress just as a certified therapist would. They may also be required to record some sessions for review by their mentor, ensuring that best practices are followed.
ASDEC and MLTI-NM take dyslexia therapy with SIS seriously, and that includes the training of our therapists. When you work with an SIS Trainee, you’re not just getting great instruction for your child—you’re also helping shape the next generation of highly skilled dyslexia therapists.
For more details on what to expect in an SIS therapy session, check out our blog post and explore the linked PDF for additional insights.
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