All about Dyslexia Tutors and Specialists

A Dyslexia Specialist is an educational professional trained to provide structured, evidence-based reading instruction for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities.

Many children struggle with reading not because they are lazy or unmotivated, but because they have not been taught using methods proven to work for dyslexia. Unfortunately, many classroom teachers are not trained in these scientifically based approaches. A Dyslexia Specialist fills that gap.

A qualified specialist understands how dyslexia affects reading, spelling, and writing and uses targeted instruction to build skills step by step.

ALTA Certified Academic Language Therapists (CALT) provide diagnostic, explicit, systematic Multisensory Structured Language intervention which builds a high degree of accuracy, knowledge, and independence for students with written-language disorders, including dyslexia.

A CALT is the highest form of Certification anyone can obtain who teaches reading requirng 700 hours to obtain.

Reading instruction for students with dyslexia must be:
• Explicit
• Systematic
• Multisensory
• Structured
• Phonics-based

This type of instruction is often called Structured Literacy and may include approaches such as:
• Orton-Gillingham
• Multisensory Structured Language
• Explicit phonics instruction

Without this type of teaching, students with dyslexia often fall further behind each year.

Parents should ask about: 

• Educational background 

• Experience working with students with dyslexia 

• Specialized training in Structured Literacy approaches 

• Supervised practicum or clinical experience 

• Ongoing professional developmentA reputable specialist can show: 

• Certification aligned with recognized reading standards

 • Documentation of training levels completed 

• References from professionals or families • Continued learning through workshops or conferences.

Training matters. Good intentions are not enough.

Credentials matter, but fit matters too. Your child will spend time and effort working with this person. 

You should feel: • Comfortable with their teaching style • Confident in their knowledge • Respected as part of the team

Different specialists work best with different ages. Some focus on young children. 

Others work mainly with adolescents or adults.Meet with the specialist before starting and ask: • What services do you provide? • What training and experience do you have? • How do you set measurable goals? • What programs and strategies do you use?

Every lesson should include: 

• Direct teaching 

• Guided practice 

• Review and repetition 

• Clear skill targets

Yes!!! .A diagnosis of dyslexia cannot be made with a single test. 

A full evaluation looks at: 

• Oral language skills

 • Reading and spelling

 • Writing 

 • Background history

 • Patterns of strengths and weaknesses

A proper report should include: 

• A diagnosis

 • Instructional recommendations

 • Accommodations if needed 

• Compensatory strategies such as assistive technology

This report guides instruction. It helps determine whether a specialist is the right match for your child’s needs.

There is no quick fix.

Effective instruction usually requires

: • At least two sessions per week 

• Ideally four or five sessions per week

 • One hour or more per session 

• Often two to three years or longer

Progress may feel slow at first. But students begin to notice that they can decode and spell words they could not before. That builds confidence and motivation.

Dyslexia instruction is a process, not a product.

A strong Dyslexia Specialist: • Meets with parents regularly • Shares progress data • Adjusts instruction as needed • Can consult with school staff • Helps interpret evaluation reportsWith parent permission, specialists may attend school meetings to support classroom planning and accommodations.

Families should ask in advance about: • Session times • Location of instruction • Cancellation policies • Material fees • Conference fees • Payment scheduleSome specialists work in clinics. Some work in homes or schools. Fees vary by state and training level.Insurance coverage varies and families should check directly with their provider.

A Dyslexia Specialist is not just a tutor.

They are a trained professional who understands how dyslexia affects learning and how to teach reading in a way that works for dyslexic brains.Choosing the right specialist can change the entire course of a child’s education and confidence.

There are several Professional Organziations who provide Certifications. (CERI, OG, ISMLEC, ALTA).