The Hidden Struggle

When Smart Kids Can’t Read

As a certified dyslexia interventionist and CEO of Strands of Accelerated Reading (SOAR), I’ve seen firsthand how powerful the right instruction can be for a child who struggles to read. Dyslexia is far more common than many realize—1 in 5 children have some form of it—yet it often goes undetected until the gap between a child’s potential and their performance becomes painfully wide.

The truth is, every day matters. When it comes to literacy, time is of the essence.

The Power of IMSE and Orton-Gillingham

At SOAR, we use methods that are second to none: the Orton-Gillingham approach, powered by the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE). This isn’t just another program—it’s structured, explicit, multisensory instruction backed by decades of research in the Science of Reading.

We are proud to be the only center in Western New York officially “Powered by IMSE,” and our team includes three of only 80 Level 4 Master Instructors in the nation. That means students here receive world-class intervention—close to home.

Why Early Intervention Is Critical

Dyslexia doesn’t mean a child isn’t smart. In fact, many children with dyslexia—or suspected dyslexia—are highly intelligent and resourceful, often finding ways to mask their struggles: avoiding reading aloud, memorizing, or guessing their way through assignments. But without intervention, the gap grows, and frustration can lead to lost confidence and lost opportunities.

That’s why waiting can be so harmful. Even if a child is only suspected of having dyslexia, intervention can begin right away. The earlier we intervene, the faster we can equip a child with the tools they need to succeed. Every year of waiting makes the journey harder.

Assessments and Individualized Instruction

While SOAR does not provide diagnoses—that belongs in the hands of physicians and psychologists—we do provide detailed literacy assessments and individualized instruction that can begin immediately.

For families facing long wait times for evaluations (sometimes months or even years), we can step in to help scaffold instruction, address gaps, and accelerate progress. We work alongside parents, educators, and physicians so that no child loses critical time waiting for a formal label before getting the help they need.

A Pathway to Success

Dyslexia—or suspected dyslexia—is not a roadblock. With the right tools and the right support, children can flourish as readers and learners. But the key is starting early. The sooner we identify where a child is struggling and provide structured, evidence-based intervention, the sooner they can unlock their full potential.

At SOAR, we believe every child deserves the chance to thrive as a reader and a learner. For students with dyslexia or suspected dyslexia, that journey begins not with waiting, but with action.

If your child is struggling, or if you suspect dyslexia, don’t wait to start building the skills they need. Let’s work together—right now—to give them the tools that last a lifetime.

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Suzanne Pollutro
CEO, Strands of Accelerated Reading (SOAR)
Certified Dyslexia Interventionist | IMSE Level 4 Master Instructor