NOW! programs

[Anonymous]

Has anyone used and benefitted from NOW! Program for your kid's dyslexia? (https://www.nowprograms.com/about/)

I looked at various youtube videos of theirs and I'm not sure how true all the claims are, although I'd like to believe the program is effective. There are no comments on these videos for or against, and I'm not sure what to make of the lack of comments given the age of some of the videos. Their channel has a lot of parent testimonials though and it seems to be one of the more affordable programs. Small group sessions start at only $30, compared to tutoring rate upwards of 100$..

If you have had any experience with them, positive or negative, please share, thanks!

[Anonymous]

I haven’t heard of it before but read the information on the website. They say the right things in terms of understanding the cause of dyslexia and the research around what works. That doesn’t mean the program works - it means they have used solid evidence to design the program.

Two things to just be wary of. At $30/session it is unlikely they are using highly trained tutors. Even if small group means 3 kids, that is $90/hr and the company has overhead, so say the tutor gets $45. Highly trained tutors make up to $150/hr, so it isn’t likely that is who they have. That means the program must be scripted rather than responding to the needs of the child. It may be just fine! Many kids respond well to the standard teaching. Dyslexic kids tend to need more intensity, individual teaching, and adaptation to their spiky learning profile, though.

I know tutoring/dyslexia therapy is terribly expensive and can be out of reach. If you can afford it though I’d recommend calling ASDEC or directly looking for an academic language therapist.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the thoughtful response.
I’m in touch with ASDEC too, they are absolutely great! Cost is a factor since we may be looking at a couple of years.

[Anonymous]

The cost is a challenge for sure. Does your child have a dyslexia diagnosis? If so, check with your health insurance to see if they cover therapy. Some are starting to. Generally the kid needs a formal diagnosis, and then insurance will cover academic language therapy (which is what ASDEC trained providers do). There is a lot of paperwork involved, but if you are one of the lucky ones whose insurance covers it, it is well worth it.