The Science of Reading: Why Phonics Isn't Always the Answer

We see it constantly. A parent contacts us, exhausted and worried, telling us the same story: "My child knows their phonics sounds. They practice every day. The school says just keep doing more phonics. But they still can't read fluently."
It is a heartbreaking situation. You watch your child struggle to decode words, guessing wildly or stumbling over the same sentences they read yesterday. If phonics is the golden key to reading, why isn't it unlocking the door for your child?

Here is the direct truth that often gets missed in standard education: Phonics is an instruction method, not a brain function.

For phonics to work, the brain must be ready to process it. If the underlying cognitive foundation isn't solid, piling on more phonics tuition is like trying to fill a bucket that has holes in the bottom.

The Missing Piece: Auditory Processing

Reading is not just a visual task; it is deeply auditory. Before a child can map a letter to a sound (phonics), their brain must be able to distinguish that sound clearly and quickly.

Research indicates that a significant number of individuals with dyslexia or reading difficulties struggle with auditory processing. This means their brains process sounds slightly slower than average. In normal conversation, this might not be noticeable. But the English language is fast. Key distinct sounds—phonemes like 'ba', 'da', and 'pa'—pass in milliseconds.

If a brain cannot process these rapid sounds distinctly, they become muddy. When a teacher asks a child to sound out "cat," but the child’s brain hasn't clearly registered the distinct sounds of 'c', 'a', and 't' due to processing lag, phonics instruction becomes incredibly confusing.

Building the Cognitive Foundation

At Smart Processing, we focus on the science of neuroplasticity. This is the proven fact that the brain can change, reorganise, and strengthen its connections at any age, whether you are seven or seventy.
Since 2008, when our founder Mary first witnessed the profound changes in her own daughter following a recommendation from Great Ormond Street Hospital, we have dedicated ourselves to fixing the root cause, not just the symptoms.

We use evidence-based interventions, specifically Fast ForWord®, to target the cognitive skills that act as the prerequisite for reading. These are the skills that must be in place before phonics can be effective:

• Phonological Processing: The ability to mentally handle the sound structure of language.
• Working Memory: Holding information in your mind long enough to use it (crucial for remembering the start of a sentence by the time you reach the end).
• Sustained Attention: The ability to focus on a specific task without being distracted.
• Sequencing: Placing details in the correct order (knowing that 'felt' is different from 'left').

When these core skills are weak, reading is a battle. When they are strong, reading becomes a natural reflex.

How We Retrain the Brain

Our programmes are not typical tutoring. We do not just review spelling lists. Instead, we use intensive, adaptive exercises that look like computer games but are actually sophisticated neuroscience tools.
These exercises are designed to improve the brain's processing speed and accuracy. For example, by stretching out speech sounds and gradually speeding them up as the user improves, we essentially "tune" the auditory system. This allows the brain to finally hear the crisp edges of phonemes.

Once the auditory system is sharp and memory is strengthened, phonics instruction suddenly starts to stick. We often see pupils progress to the point of coming off the special educational needs register altogether. The data from our programmes suggests that 40 to 60 hours of use can result in 1–2 years of learning gain.

This approach is particularly effective for those with:

• Dyslexia
• Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
• ADHD
• Specific Learning Difficulties

A Home-Based Solution for Real Life

We know that families are busy. Dragging a tired child to a tuition centre after school is rarely the best way to encourage learning. That is why we specialise in online, home-based programmes.
You need a computer or iPad, a mouse (for quick responses), and a set of high-quality headphones. The headphones are mandatory—they ensure the precise auditory signals reach the brain without interference. While the programme is automated and adaptive, you are not left alone. We provide the professional oversight and coaching needed to ensure you stay on track.
Whether you are looking to help a young child who is falling behind, or you are an adult aged 60+ wanting to sharpen your own cognitive function, the principle remains the same. The brain is capable of incredible change.
If you have spent months or years relying on phonics alone with little to show for it, it might be time to look at what is happening beneath the surface. By strengthening the cognitive skills of memory, attention, and sequencing, we can build a brain that is finally ready to read.

Visit us at Smart Processing to learn more about how our evidence-based programmes can open up a new world of literacy and confidence.