NILD Educational Therapy (National Institute for Learning Development) is an evidence-based intervention designed to strengthen the underlying thinking and processing skills necessary for independent learning. Unlike tutoring, which focuses on academic content, NILD works at the root of learning difficulties, targeting how a child thinks, reasons, processes and remembers.

 

Purpose:

The purpose of NILD Educational Therapy is to:

• Strengthen cognitive functions such as perception, attention, memory, processing speed and reasoning

• Build language and auditory processing skills essential for reading, writing and math

• Promote independent learning and confidence through structured and mediated interventions

• Equip students with the tools to become strategic, self-directed learners

 

Who It’s For:

NILD is ideal for:

• Students in Grades 1–12 with diagnosed or suspected learning difficulties, including dyslexia, ADHD and processing disorders

• Children who are bright but struggle with reading, writing, math or organization

• Students whose school performance doesn’t reflect their potential due to underlying cognitive gaps

• Those needing more than subject-specific tutoring

 

Methodology:

• Delivered by certified NILD Educational Therapists

• Sessions are typically intensive (twice a week, 80 minutes each)

• Integrates mediated learning (asking thought-provoking questions rather than giving answers)

• Combines language, math and motor-based tasks (e.g., Rhythmic Writing, Dictation & Copy, Math Block)

• Focuses on developing metacognitive awareness—learning how to learn

 

Impact and Benefits:

With consistent therapy, students often demonstrate:

• Improved academic skills (especially in reading, writing and math)

• Stronger executive functioning, such as planning, focus and problem-solving

• Greater confidence and independence in schoolwork

• Enhanced language processing and working memory

• Better ability to organize thoughts and manage learning tasks

 

Key Features Parents Should Know:

• NILD is therapy, not tutoring—it focuses on how a child learns, not just what they learn

• Research-based and grounded in educational and cognitive neuroscience

• Tailored to each student’s individual learning profile

• Highly interactive and relationship-based—children work consistently with one therapist

• Best results seen with ongoing commitment (typically a year or more)

• Includes parent support and communication as part of the process