Finding a Dyslexia Tutor can be a daunting task for any parent with a child facing learning challenges. The first step to finding a qualified provider to support your child with dyslexia is understanding what it is.

What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that affects a person’s ability to read. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. Dyslexia is not a problem with intelligence or motivation. It is a neurological disorder that makes it difficult to process language. If you have a child who has been recently diagnosed with dyslexia or with a “specific learning disability” it is important to find the right support systems.

What is the difference between a regular tutor and a dyslexia tutor?

Your typical tutor often primarily covers what a student learns in school with a focus on homework completion. A tutor may help the student finish a reading assignment or practice for a spelling test. A dyslexia tutor or those with a similar background like an educational therapist or reading specialist will seek to understand the underlying learning challenges with the aim of strengthening a student’s overall learning abilities. They have the knowledge and training to address the child’s specific learning needs using evidence-based instructional strategies.

What type of curriculums does a dyslexia tutor use?

A dyslexia tutor or educational therapist will provide research-based reading instruction that follows the principles backed by the Science of Reading. The science of reading refers to a comprehensive body of research that provides us with information about which parts of the brain are responsible for reading development, how we learn to read, what skills are involved, and how they work together. From this research, we find structured literacy instruction the most effective approach to teaching foundational literacy skills for all students, but essential for those with reading learning disabilities. Learn more about the Science of Reading.

Finding a dyslexia tutor

When looking for a dyslexia tutor, it is critical that they have a background in structured literacy instruction which is the gold standard for supporting students with language-based learning disabilities. Structured literacy benefits most students but is vital for struggling readers and those with dyslexia. Here are a number of evidence-based approaches and programs that fall under structured literacy. Examples of structured literacy approaches and programs include but are not limited to Orton Gillingham, LETRS, Wilson Reading System, Bart Reading System, and SIPPS. These programs focus on the individual learning needs of the student. They are most commonly used in a one-on-one or small group setting with a professionally trained and/or certified instructor.

Get Paired with a Dyslexia Tutor

At Strategies for Learning, we have a team of educational therapists and reading specialists with a background in structured literacy instruction and a deep understanding of various learning challenges.

Schedule a free consultation to get started.