LearningRX Review: Is It Effective for Dyslexia?
Natalie Fitzgerald Speech-Language Pathologist
February 06, 2024
What is the LearningRX Program | An SLP’s Review | How We Reviewed the Program | Forbrain and LearningRX as Complementary Dyslexia Tools
LearningRX offers programs aimed at improving cognitive skills, including those related to dyslexia. The customized training plans through LearningRX allow individuals to train specific skill areas, which for dyslexia may include skills such as auditory and visual processing, attention, or processing speed. These tailored plans can help people with dyslexia improve their reading skills so they can thrive! Here, we will look deeper into the program from a speech-language pathologist’s perspective to gauge the effectiveness of LearningRX for dyslexia.
What is the LearningRX Program
When first learning about LearningRX, it can be easy to wonder “What does LearningRX do?” LearningRX is a brain training and cognitive skills program designed to help improve skills such as memory, attention, processing speed, logic and reasoning, and visual and auditory processing. This is accomplished through individualized and intensive training sessions. LearningRX can be used across a wide range of age groups and the program is customized based on an individual’s initial assessment of cognitive skill strengths and needs. LearningRX has been extensively studied in the 35 years since its development, and there is no shortage of peer-reviewed research supporting its efficacy across multiple cognitive skill domains.
How it Works
LearningRX starts with an evaluation conducted at one of its centers to determine strengths and weaknesses across multiple cognitive areas. Evaluations typically take an hour. Following this assessment, a personalized training program is developed to help people meet their learning goals.
Training Programs
LearningRx offers two specialized categories for reading and reading comprehension, known as ReadRX and ComprehensionRX respectively. These programs aim to help children improve their reading skills by working on skills such as letter identification, letter-sound knowledge, sounding out words, vocabulary and spelling, and reading comprehension skills. Additionally, LearningRX can help children improve their auditory processing skills, which are often tied to reading or auditory dyslexia.
Materials
Training sessions with LearningRX use a variety of materials, and the exact materials will depend on the type of cognitive skill(s) being trained. Some examples of materials that LearningRX uses include: computer programs, flashcards, reading materials, workbooks, hands-on manipulatives, puzzles, or digital resources. Typically, a combination of digital and physical resources are used during cognitive training sessions.
Sessions
Training sessions are typically done one-on-one with a cognitive trainer and employ various activities such as puzzles, memory games, reading comprehension exercises, and auditory processing drills. Training is also offered both in-person and online, and when done in-person occurs at a LearningRX learning center.
LearningRX: An SLP’s Review
As a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) with experience in working with dyslexic individuals, I’ve assessed LearningRX based on several key factors:
Teaching Strategies
LearningRX employs a variety of teaching strategies to meet the individual needs of their students. Because their training sessions are one-on-one, teachers are able to keep learning personalized, be flexible in their strategies, and improve the overall effectiveness of the program. LearningRX teachers are open to feedback from their students on how they can better match their specific learning needs. This personalization is very important and is a primary reason for LearningRX’s success. No two people learn in exactly the same way or respond to feedback the same, so the individualization in training sessions is a great strength for this program. I find the teaching strategies used by LearningRX to be a particular strength of the program, and really appreciate the effort they put into tailoring their lessons for each person’s needs.
Impact
Numerous studies show significant gains in reading skills for students who participate in the LearningRX program (their reading program is known as ReadRX). A study by Moore et al. (2023) found an average 4.1 year gain in reading skills and 6 year gain in phonological awareness, which is supported by many other peer-reviewed articles. A comprehensive list of articles confirming the positive impact of LearningRX can be found here. These reported gains are very impressive, but it should be noted that many studies supporting LearningRX’s success have been conducted by researchers affiliated with the company, and so the results should be interpreted with some caution. Based on these studies, I find that LearningRX shows a lot of promise for helping children with dyslexia improve their reading skills, but more independent research on it is needed.
Cost
So, how much does LearningRX cost? Tutoring at LearningRX has an average rate of $95 an hour, and training usually occurs multiple times a week. However, unlike traditional tutoring which may take years, training for LearningRX typically lasts only 4-6 months and the average skill gain for children enrolled in the program is 3.3 years. So, while LearningRX may cost more money upfront, the program finishes more quickly than traditional tutoring and does have evidence-based support for improving skills.
User Reviews
User reviews for LearningRX are generally positive, with a general consensus that LearningRX has helped their children improve reading or other cognitive skills, but that the cost is high compared to other programs or traditional tutoring. Testimonials and reviews for LearningRX are available on their website, but should not be the only reviews considered when researching the program. Reviews from other online forums and groups, though, echo the sentiment that LearningRX was beneficial and they appreciated the individualized nature of the training, but that the cost can be prohibitive. Overall, I find the unbiased user reviews for LearningRX to be mixed, with some users citing gains in their children’s abilities and others finding it a waste of money.
Strengths of the LearningRx Program
In my opinion, LearningRX stands out for its personalized approach, effective teaching strategies, and impressive reading gains for dyslexic students. The comprehensive assessment that is used at the start of the program is excellent for determining areas of strength and need. The program’s wide curriculum and dedicated support contribute to its effectiveness. Furthermore, the short duration of the program, 4-6 months on average, is a benefit that many other programs do not have. Overall, I believe that LearningRX offers a compelling option for parents seeking to enhance their children’s reading proficiency.
Areas for Improvement
While LearningRX does have many strengths, I find that there are also areas for improvement in areas such as accessibility and affordability. Furthermore, much of the research done on LearningRX has been completed by researchers affiliated with or employed by the program, which makes me question the validity of some articles’ claims. Along those lines, more research needs to be done on the long-term effectiveness of LearningRX.
Bottom Line
LearningRX offers a comprehensive cognitive training program that has shown effectiveness in addressing dyslexia and improving cognitive skills. While the program may require a financial investment, its personalized approach, long-term impact, and positive user reviews attest to its effectiveness in supporting individuals with dyslexia.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ One-on-one sessions tailor teaching strategies to individual needs. | ❌ High cost at $95 per hour. |
| ✅ Significant reading gains for dyslexic students. | ❌ Limited accessibility for some families due to cost and location. |
| ✅ Program duration is shorter (4-6 months) than traditional tutoring. | ❌ Mixed user reviews; effectiveness questioned by some. |
| ✅ A comprehensive assessment at the start effectively identifies areas of strength and need, supported by a wide curriculum and dedicated support. | ❌ More independent long-term effectiveness research needed. |
Our Methodology: How We Reviewed the Program
Our LearningRX review was completed by a speech-language pathologist who researched multiple factors related to the program. All opinions of the program in this article are based on an evidence-based approach and consider the following:
- Program Components: The components of the program were reviewed based on my experiences working with children with language disorders. I found the major components of the program, such as the personalization, to be well-aligned with what I find important when working with this population.
- Peer-reviewed research: Peer reviewed research was a major factor I considered when reviewing this program. LearningRX has a significant amount of research supporting it, but more research needs to be done by unaffiliated parties.
- Cost and affordability: Cost and affordability were another primary consideration when reviewing this program. For a program to be beneficial to families, it needs to be accessible to a wide range of individuals, and this is an area where LearningRX does fall short.
- Customer experiences: Customer reviews were a final consideration for this program. Unbiased customer reviews from people with first-hand experience are very important as they provide real insight into the pros and cons of the program.
Forbrain and LearningRX as Complementary Dyslexia Tools
Forbrain is an auditory feedback device that utilizes bone conduction to allow users to hear their own voice at a faster speed. Forbrain and LearningRX can complement each other in supporting dyslexic students. Forbrain’s auditory feedback system can enhance cognitive training for dyslexia by improving auditory processing and attention, which are essential for language and reading development. Furthermore, by providing real-time auditory feedback, Forbrain aids in strengthening neural connections involved in language processing, which can improve outcomes for dyslexic children.
The Use of Learning RX with and without Forbrain
| Feature/Aspect | Forbrain | LearningRX | LearningRX with Forbrain |
| Functionality | Headset that helps with the 3 main challenges of dyslexia: verbal memory, phonological awareness, and verbal processing speed. The combination of the dynamic filter and bone conduction amplifies the speaker’s voice and stimulates the auditory nerve, for better brain processing. | LearningRX focuses on personalized cognitive training, significantly improving reading skills and cognitive functions in dyslexic students. | Forbrain and LearningRX complement each other well. By combining Forbrain’s auditory feedback enhancements with LearningRX’s cognitive training, users can further boost their reading and cognitive skills. |
| Usability | Meant to be implemented into daily routines, for 10-20 minutes a day. Individuals simply need to wear the headset when reading or speaking. | Requires multiple weekly sessions at a center or online, involving one-on-one cognitive training. | Forbrain can be used during LearningRX sessions, allowing simultaneous auditory and cognitive training without extra scheduling. |
| Target Audience | Suitable for 3+ and older individuals with learning challenges such as dyslexia | Targets children and adults needing cognitive improvement. | Forbrain is useful for the same demographic as LearningRX, enhancing the program’s effectiveness for those with dyslexia and other learning challenges. |
| Benefits | Forbrain helps to improve: – speech – communication – attention – focus – memory – learning | Boosts cognitive skills, reading, and phonological awareness; shows measurable gains in academic performance. | Using Forbrain with LearningRX combines auditory and cognitive training, potentially enhancing overall cognitive improvement and faster learning outcomes. |
| Limitations | Not appropriate for individuals with : – cochlear implant – severe hearing loss – epilepsy | High cost and intensive time commitment may be prohibitive for some families. | Using Forbrain with LearningRX adds to the cost but integrates without additional time, maintaining simplicity in scheduling and use. |
| Cost | $299 for the Forbrain headset and accessories, with a 2-year warranty. | Average cost of $95 per hour, with programs typically lasting 4-6 months. | The combined cost of both Forbrain and LearningRX is higher, but the potential for enhanced outcomes could justify the investment. |
| Support & Resources | Forbrain comes with: – A secondary microphone that allows support from parents, therapists, or instructors. – A headphone jack for listening to recordings or participating in online therapy programs. | LearningRX offers comprehensive support through its centers or online guidance, with resources tailored to individual needs. | |
| Clinical Evidence/Research | Forbrain uses neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to rewire and change. Several scientific studies have shown the effects of using Forbrain or auditory feedback to improve the skills of those with reading or other deficits. | Supported by peer-reviewed research, though more independent studies are needed for long-term effectiveness. | Combining both tools leverages the strengths of each, potentially leading to compounded benefits, supported by principles of neuroplasticity. |
Final Words
LearningRx offers a promising approach to addressing dyslexia through the use of personalized training in cognitive areas related to reading skills such as letter identification, phonological awareness, spelling and vocabulary, and reading comprehension. LearningRX offers tailored plans and teaching strategies and their effectiveness has been proven across multiple peer-reviewed studies. LearningRX is a more expensive option for improving reading skills, and accessibility can be a barrier to some, though they are trying to improve this by offering online training as well as in-person training at their learning centers. Overall, LearningRX stands as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to improve cognitive skills associated with dyslexia.
References
Brain Training Research & Studies. LearningRx. (2023, August 28). https://www.learningrx.com/brain-training-research/#peer-reviewed
Qiigocmsteam. (2022, June 13). How much does brain training cost?|. LearningRx. https://www.learningrx.com/corp/blog/how-much-does-brain-training-cost/
Moore, A. L., Miller, T. M., Moore, J. J., & Ledbetter, C. (2023). A real-world data study on the impact of the ReadRx cognitive training and reading intervention on cognition, basic reading ability, and psychosocial skills for 3527 children. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, Volume 16, 1195–1220. https://doi.org/10.2147/prbm.s397665
Moore, A., & Ledbetter, C. (2019). The promise of clinician-delivered cognitive training for children diagnosed with ADHD. JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY, 3(3), 3–8. https://doi.org/10.29245/2578-2959/2019/3.1180
Reading program-ReadRX. LearningRx. (2022, September 12). https://www.learningrx.com/reading-program/
Natalie Fitzgerald
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