How to Choose the Best Online Reading Tutor for Kids with Dyslexia

How do I know if my child might have dyslexia or needs a reading tutor?

Many parents reach out when:

• Their child has been in school-based reading intervention for a while, but isn’t making real progress

• Their child doesn’t qualify for intervention, yet clearly struggles more than peers

• They notice persistent confusion with reading sounds, rhyming, or sequencing

• They're wondering: "Is this just developmental, or is it dyslexia?"

  
  

It’s common to notice things like letter reversals (b/d, p/q), but what really matters is:

• Can your child rhyme?

• Can they identify sounds in words?

• Do they know the alphabet and sound-letter relationships?

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That’s why I always begin with a free dyslexia screener as part of my reading assessment — to look for real indicators beyond guesswork.

What are the signs that my child needs reading tutoring?

The first thing I help parents do is compare:

• What grade level your child is currently in

• What reading level they’re actually working at

  
  

If there's a gap, tutoring can make all the difference. And no, it’s not your fault. So many parents worry: "Did I not read enough to them as a baby?" or "Did I do something wrong during pregnancy?" But learning to read isn’t something the human brain does naturally. It must be taught — and some kids need more structured, personalized support.

When I find a gap, I don’t just tell you that it's there. I show you how we’ll close it, with a clear, personalized plan.

What makes the best online reading tutor different from the rest?

Here’s what I do not do:

• Follow a scripted program from start to finish regardless of the child

• Change tutors each week like some large tutoring companies

• Teach lessons in a vacuum without understanding the full reading process

  
  

What I do offer is:

• One consistent tutor (me!) who builds a relationship with your child

• Custom learning plans based on gaps, not generic sequences

• Faster results by skipping what your child already knows

  
  

Methods like Orton-Gillingham and programs that follow this method can be excellent — but only when adapted to the student, not followed blindly.

How is phonics or dyslexia tutoring personalized for my child?

• I assess all sound patterns and identify exactly where your child is stuck

• I use a vowel pattern chart to help kids predict how vowels behave in words

• I create custom phonics stories (yes, even about Legos and Barbies!) using AI tools like ChatGPT

• I move in the right sequence, at the right speed, based on real data

  
  

It’s not just phonics. It’s strategic, multisensory instruction that adapts to your child’s brain and interests.

What credentials should an online dyslexia tutor have?

Any tutor can get "certified" in a program. But that doesn't mean they have:

• A teaching license

• A master’s degree in reading education

• A reading specialist certification

• Experience identifying dyslexia

• A proven track record of helping kids make real gains

  
  

When choosing a tutor, ask:

• What training do they have beyond a single program?

• How many families have they helped? What do those parents say?

• Do they share real data and results?

  
  

  

  
  

I’m a certified reading specialist based in the United States, and I support students across the U.S. and around the world through live, personalized online sessions.

Learn more about my personalized dyslexia tutoring method here.

You Deserve Real Support

If you're wondering whether your child is falling behind in reading, you're asking the right questions. The good news? There is help. And it starts with knowing what to look for.

If you want expert eyes on your child's reading (without the pressure), I offer a free, personalized assessment to identify real needs and build a plan.

👉 Schedule Your Free Assessment

You're not alone — and you don't have to figure this out by yourself. Get a free assessment from the best online reading tutor.