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Trusted Resources to Help You Understand Dyslexia.

When your child is struggling to read, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice and information. This page includes trusted, research-based resources that we personally recommend to help families better understand dyslexia, structured literacy, and related learning challenges.

These are tools and insights we believe in, because we’ve used them ourselves.

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Why We Use the Barton Reading & Spelling System

The Barton Reading & Spelling System is an Orton-Gillingham–influenced program that uses a structured, multisensory, explicit, and systematic approach to teaching reading and spelling.

This evidence-based system is widely used by schools, teachers, tutors, and parents across the country. It was developed by Susan Barton, an internationally recognized expert in dyslexia and a member of the Hall of Honor at the International Dyslexia Association.

We use the Barton System because it teaches students how reading works, rather than relying on guessing or memorization, which is essential for students with dyslexia.

Barton System

Teaches how reading works
Structured and multisensory
Builds confidence through mastery

Understanding ADHD and Behavior Challenges

Dyslexia and ADHD are different conditions, but they often occur together.

  • ADHD affects attention and impulse control
  • Dyslexia affects reading, spelling, and writing
  • About 1 in 4 people with ADHD also have dyslexia
  • About 2 in 5 people with dyslexia also have ADHD

Celebrate Calm

Celebrate Calm, led by father-and-son team Kirk and Casey Martin, offers practical tools and encouragement for families dealing with ADHD and behavior-related challenges. Their guidance is honest, compassionate, and grounded in real-life experience. Erin has personally attended their conferences and spoken with them directly, and confidently recommends their approach.

Recommended Books for Parents & Students

Brilliant Idiot- Dr. Abraham Schmitt

This autobiography shares Dr. Schmitt’s personal journey with dyslexia and the challenges he faced growing up. His story offers insight, hope, and understanding for families navigating dyslexia and is especially meaningful for those who want to better understand the emotional experience of a dyslexic learner.

Overcoming Dyslexia- Dr. Sally Shaywitz

Written by a Yale University neuroscientist, this book explains the science behind dyslexia and provides tools to help identify and support dyslexic learners. It’s a valuable resource for parents, educators, and adults with dyslexia at any reading level.

The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan- Ben Foss

Ben Foss shares his personal experiences with dyslexia while offering practical strategies to help families identify and build on dyslexic strengths. This book focuses on moving beyond challenges and embracing the unique gifts of the dyslexic brain.

The Dyslexic Advantage- Drs. Brock & Fernette Eide

This book explores the science behind dyslexic thinking and highlights the unique strengths often found in dyslexic individuals. It reframes dyslexia not just as a difficulty, but as a different, and often powerful way of processing information.

  • FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Dyslexia is a learning difference, not a limitation. With the Barton Reading & Spelling System, reading and spelling are possible. We’re here to help every step of the way.

Tutoring can start as early as five years old, the same time a child would start kindergarten.

No, while the Barton System is designed specifically for someone who has dyslexia, anyone who struggles with reading and has an IQ of at least 70 can benefit from this program.

It can take roughly 18 to 36 months of intense one-on-one tutoring before your student will be able to read and spell at grade level. There are several factors that need to be considered in how long each student’s tutoring journey will be. Several of these factors include working memory, visual memory, and the intensity and consistency of the tutoring.

9th grade or higher

In order for the student to have enough consistency to remember the rules they are taught and to continue to move forward, they must tutor at least two 50 minute sessions a week.

Yes, the more sessions they have per week the faster they will be able to increase their reading and spelling level and complete the entire 10 levels.

The Barton Reading and Spelling System works in a very logical order that builds precept upon precept, so reading and spelling are not taught in the same order as in the school system. With that being said, the techniques the student will be taught will also help them with reading other words not yet taught.

To make remote tutoring possible, you will need:
*At least an I3 intel processor
*High speed Internet with at least 30 Mbps Internet speed.
* Computer that is compatible with the zoom app. (https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362023-System-Requirements-for-PC-Mac-and-Linux)
*download zoom at zoom.us (choose the free download) this will be our meeting room and the screen sharing program.
*a quiet place to work free from distractions
Optional:
*Headphones with microphone
*drawing tablet

Where stuggling readers find confidence.

Quick contact
  • You Can Read
  • 704-746-1546
  • erin@youcanread.net
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