Looking for a Reading Specialist? Here’s What You Should Be Looking For.

A parent recently posted in a local group:

“I’m looking for a local reading specialist or tutor for my child—possibly on the dyslexia spectrum. Any recommendations?”

And I just want to say—if that’s you, or you’ve typed something similar into a search bar lately—good on you for advocating for your child.

But if I could add a word of caution: finding the right reading support isn’t just about who comes recommended. It’s about whether their approach matches your child’s needs.

Here’s what I want you to know when looking to help a struggling reader:

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1. Find a Specialist Who Will Figure Out Why Your Child Is Struggling to Read

Not all reading difficulties are the same.

“Dyslexia” is an umbrella term that tells you there is a reading challenge–but it doesn’t tell you why.

And without understanding what the specific features of your child’s reading difficulty are and why they are occurring, intervention becomes guesswork. 

Reading is complex. It requires adequate development of overlapping brain systems. Your child’s specific challenge might involve:

• Processing sounds

• Visually recognizing letters and words (sight word recognition)

• Language (vocabulary knowledge)

• Attention (executive functioning)

• Memory (executive functioning)

For example, a child struggling with decoding needs different work than one struggling with sight words.

If one or more components of the literacy system are underdeveloped, reading can feel frustrating–or downright impossible.

Look for a specialist who starts by identifying the nature of the problem before suggesting solutions. 

2. There’s No Such Thing as a One-Size-Fits-All Reading Intervention

You might hear, “We use X approach—it’s research-based and gets great results.”

That can sound reassuring—until it doesn’t work for your child.

There are many well-known reading programs out there, and many providers are certified in one or more.

There isn’t anything inherently wrong with any one program. Yet, these programs are often designed to address specific aspects of reading—not all of them.

Even a strong, research-backed program can fall flat if it wasn’t designed to solve your child’s specific reading difficulty. That’s why it’s important to know the solution you’re buying.

You’ll want to work with a provider that uses their training and experience to combine and modify tools in a way that fits your child—not the other way around.

If it feels like the provider is offering a pre-packaged solution without first confirming it is what your child needs, that’s your cue to ask more questions—or keep looking.

3. Make Sure the Full Picture is Being Considered

Reading development doesn’t happen in a vacuum.

Executive functions like attention and memory influence how your child takes in, holds onto, and then understands and retains what they read.

If those areas aren’t considered part of the assessment or intervention plan, even the best reading program can disappoint.

Attention to the reading task at any level (word, sentence, paragraph) is essential to the process of the written information coming into the brain.

Then, the brain needs a strong enough working memory to hold onto the word and the concept imagery to know its meaning. 

Look for someone who considers the big picture of your child’s learning profile.

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The bottom line?

You’re here seeking information … that’s a clear sign you’re doing the thoughtful, important work of advocating for your child.

And that matters more than you know.

You don’t need to become an expert overnight.

You just need to ask the questions that lead to the kind of support that’s well-informed, precise, and truly centered around your child.

Not sure what to ask? I’ve put together a short list of questions to help guide your conversations with potential providers. Grab the free guide here.