DYSLEXIA AND LEARNING DIFFERENCES · JK–5
They can learn to read.
Let’s find out what it actually takes.
Fifteen minutes with Lark Barker, free. You'll leave knowing what she'd do next.
They can learn to read.
LARK BARKER · CERI-CERTIFIED · ORTON-GILLINGHAM TRAINED · 20 YEARS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
You didn’t set out to become an expert in this.
You've read the lists. You've watched the videos. You probably understand how reading works better than most adults ever will. And the question hasn't moved: what do we actually do on Monday.
You wanted to find someone who already knew.
Don’t “wait and see”
Children with learning differences do learn to read.
You don't have to know whether it's dyslexia to start. The teaching that helps a dyslexic reader is the same teaching that helps any reader finding it hard: explicit, systematic, and held until it holds. Starting isn't a diagnosis. It's the thing that helps either way.
Caught early, a child never learns to think of themselves as someone who can’t read.
WHO YOU'LL BE TALKING TO
Lark has helped many families. She’d be happy to help yours.
Lark Barker spent twenty years in special education, and led the parent advocacy group Decoding Dyslexia Ontario for 7 years. She has helped many families one-on-one, and countless more through her tireless advocacy.
- Certified Dyslexia Interventionist (CERI)
- Orton-Gillingham, associate level
- Special Education Specialist, 20+ years
- Ministry of Education curriculum writer
- President, Decoding Dyslexia Ontario, 2018–2024
System change takes years. Childhood happens now.
How the call works
15 minutes. Nothing to buy.
You talk
You describe what you're seeing at home and at school. Bring a report if you have one.
Lark asks
The same questions she's asked so many families sitting in front of her.
You get expert advice
You leave knowing what she'd do next, and why.
It isn’t an assessment, it isn’t a diagnosis, and there's nothing to buy on the call.
Sometimes the answer is someone else.
For some of the children she sees, what she recommends is the daily program we run. See how Lexia at Home works →
Other children need more. If that's your child, she'll say so on the call, and she'll tell you who to call next. You'd get the right help either way, which is the point.
FAQs
What happens on the call?
copy to come
Do we need a diagnosis?
No. We determine your child's exact reading level. Nothing here requires a report.
Will you assess or diagnose my child?
No. We find their reading level and we teach. A diagnosis comes from a qualified professional, but we'll tell you if we think one would help.
My child already works with a specialist. Can they do both?
copy to come
What's my part?
Protect the session most days. Keep a device charged. Show up for the weekly hour. We handle the teaching.
Can we switch plans, pause or cancel?
Yes, anytime. Your commitment is always just one month at a time.
Curated dyslexia resources
The IDA 2025 detailed definition
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties in word reading and/or spelling that involve accuracy, speed, or both and vary depending on the orthography.
These difficulties occur along a continuum of severity and persist even with instruction that is effective for the individual’s peers.
The causes of dyslexia are complex and involve combinations of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental influences that interact throughout development.
Underlying difficulties with phonological and morphological processing are common but not universal, and early oral language weaknesses often foreshadow literacy challenges.
Secondary consequences include reading comprehension problems and reduced reading and writing experience that can impede growth in language, knowledge, written expression, and overall academic achievement. Psychological well-being and employment opportunities also may be affected.
Although identification and targeted instruction are important at any age, language and literacy support before and during the early years of education is particularly effective.
The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity
Led by renowned dyslexia researcher Dr. Sally Shaywitz, this site focuses on illuminating the strengths of those with dyslexia and disseminating practical advice and the latest scientific information.
A few great pages to start with are:
- Dyslexia FAQ answers common questions
- Signs of Dyslexia in various age groups
- What Parents Can Do provides excellent resources for parents
- Suspect Dyslexia? Act Early explains the critical importance of early action for parents
Understood.org
This website offers resources and support for parents of children with learning and attention issues, including dyslexia. It's known for its clear explanations, practical strategies, and tools for advocating in the school system. Top pages include:
IDA - International Dyslexia Association
The IDA is a leading non-profit organization focused on dyslexia, and their website is a comprehensive starting point for understanding dyslexia, its diagnosis, and effective instruction. Some exceelent starting pages are:
Decoding Dyslexia (parent-led advocacy group)
This is a North American parent-led movement advocating for universal screening for dyslexia, teacher training on dyslexia, access to evidence-based interventions in public schools.
Look for a chapter specific to your state or province for local support and advocacy tools (e.g., Decoding Dyslexia Ontario).
The Ontario chapter website has excellent parent resources their Parent tool kit (a comprehensive PDF doc) and Six tips to help your child right now.
Born to Speak. Wired to REad.
The right teaching. The right amount of it.
Fifteen minutes with Lark, at no cost. You'll leave an expert recommendation, whoever ends up doing it.