Every parent wants their child to succeed in school. When reading, writing, or spelling become ongoing challenges, many families turn to tutoring as the go-to solution. But for children with dyslexia, traditional tutoring methods often fail to deliver real progress — and can sometimes make things worse. Understanding why conventional approaches don’t work, and what truly effective alternatives look like, can help parents choose a better path forward for their child.

What Is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a neurological learning difference that primarily affects reading, spelling, and language processing, and it can sometimes occur alongside a speech and language delay. Children with dyslexia may struggle to connect sounds with letters, decode words, or remember spelling patterns, despite having average or above-average intelligence. Signs include:
  • Difficulty sounding out unfamiliar words
  • Confusing similar-looking letters (e.g., ‘b’ and ‘d’)
  • Problems with spelling, even after repeated practice
  • Avoiding reading aloud
  • Slow reading speed and poor reading comprehension
While every child learns at their own pace, persistent difficulties in these areas — especially when paired with frustration or avoidance — may indicate a need for a dyslexia diagnosis in Singapore.

Why Traditional Tutoring Doesn’t Work

Most tutoring programs focus on content review, memorisation, and repeated drills. While this might help students who simply need extra practice, it does not address the root challenges of dyslexia — which stem from how the brain processes language. Key reasons traditional tutoring fails include:
  • Lack of phonological instruction – Dyslexic learners need explicit teaching in phonemic awareness, not just word memorisation.
  • One-size-fits-all approaches – Standard methods don’t adapt to individual learning profiles.
  • Over-reliance on visual learning – Dyslexic children often benefit from multisensory strategies, not visual repetition.
  • Low confidence and increased anxiety – When children fail despite tutoring, they may feel “stupid” or give up entirely.

What Actually Works

To support children with reading and processing difficulties, interventions must be structured, multisensory, and evidence-based. Effective programs often include:
  • Symbol Imagery & Concept Imagery Training– Strengthening the ability to visualize letters, words, and ideas helps improve decoding, spelling, and comprehension. These techniques build the mental imagery needed for fluent reading and understanding.
  • Auditory Processing Interventions– Activities that improve how the brain receives and interprets sound. This may include auditory discrimination, sequencing, memory, and attention exercises. Programs using filtered sound or rhythm-based input (like bone conduction) can enhance auditory pathways and listening accuracy.
  • Multisensory Learning– Combining visual, auditory, and kinesthetic input (e.g., saying sounds aloud while visualizing or writing them) reinforces learning across multiple brain systems.
  • Step-by-Step, Scaffolded Instruction– Concepts are broken down into manageable steps and reviewed regularly to ensure mastery and boost the learner’s confidence.

The Overlap With ADHD

Many dyslexic children also show signs of attention issues or are diagnosed with ADHD. This co-occurrence affects how they focus, follow directions, or complete tasks — adding another layer of complexity. When both are present, a combined strategy that includes ADHD treatment in Singapore alongside literacy intervention is necessary. ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity, distractibility, or difficulty transitioning between tasks can interfere with even the best dyslexia program if left unaddressed.

How Parents and Teachers Can Help

Creating a supportive environment — both emotionally and academically — plays a crucial role in a child’s success. At home, parents can help by celebrating their child’s effort and resilience, rather than focusing solely on academic achievement. Establishing quiet, structured time for reading and homework provides consistency and helps build effective study habits. Staying informed and maintaining regular communication with teachers and therapists ensures a more cohesive approach to the child’s development. In the school setting, advocating for individualised learning support is key. This might include accommodations such as extended time on tests, reduced assignments, or the use of alternative assessments. Teachers should be encouraged to adopt multisensory, explicit teaching methods that cater to diverse learning styles. Finally, fostering a growth mindset helps students understand that struggling with reading or other academic tasks doesn’t mean they’re incapable — it simply means they learn in a different way.

Early Diagnosis Is Critical

Waiting to see if your child will “catch up” often leads to greater frustration and emotional stress. A formal dyslexia diagnosis in Singapore provides clarity and access to specialised support, unlocking strategies that actually work. Early intervention can make the difference between a child who feels defeated by learning and one who gains the tools to thrive — both academically and emotionally.

Conclusion: Choose What Works, Not What’s Common

Dyslexic children don’t fail because they can’t learn — they fail because they’re not being taught in ways that match how their brains work. Traditional tutoring overlooks the neurological basis of dyslexia and often delays effective help. With a comprehensive evaluation and support plan — including early dyslexia diagnosis and, where relevant, ADHD treatment — your child can overcome learning barriers and build lasting confidence. The Singapore Brain Development Centre (SBDC) offers specialised, research-backed programmes that go beyond surface-level tutoring. Our services include in-depth cognitive assessments, structured literacy interventions, and multisensory teaching techniques tailored to children with dyslexia and related learning difficulties. We understand that every child learns differently, and we’re committed to helping each one unlock their full potential through a personalised, brain-based approach. Get in touch with us today to learn how our expert team can support your child’s learning journey.