Finding Help

If your child is demonstrating symptoms of language, learning and reading difficulties, it is important to have an evaluation to determine the nature of his/her difficulties.

Evaluations of language and learning can be conducted starting at a very young age – see specific suggestions based on age below. Private evaluations from neuropsychologists, educational psychologists, or speech language pathologists can help examine the nature of language, learning and reading difficulties. Contact your insurance company to discuss coverage of such evaluations and treatment. Also talk to your pediatrician for referrals and then contact providers, such as the ones listed below, to gather specific agency information. When talking to professionals be sure to share examples of your specific concerns. This will help them guide you towards the appropriate services and professionals. Also get involved with your local Parent Association Council – other parents can help too.

Ages 0-3

Early Intervention Services

Speech Language Pathology

• Find Local Speech Pathologists on the American Speech Language and Hearing (ASHA) Website

Local University Clinics

• Speech, Language and Literacy Center at the MGH-Institute of Health Professions
  Contact Director Lesley Maxwell at lmaxwell@mghihp.edu
• Speech, Language and Hearing Center at Boston University

Other Local Providers

• Mass General Hospital, Speech and Language Department
• Neuropsychological and Educational Services for Children and Adolescents (NESCA)
  90 Bridge Street, Newton, MA  02458
• Nancy Telian and Lively Letters

Ages 3-5

District Evaluations

• (Free evaluations)
  Contact your local school district
  * Also inquire about local pre-K and Kindergarten programming

Massachusetts Department of Education Guidelines

Speech Language Pathology

• Find Local Speech Pathologists on the American Speech Language and Hearing Website

Local University Clinics

• Speech, Language and Literacy Center at the MGH-Institute of Health Professions
  Contact Director Lesley Maxwell at lmaxwell@mghihp.edu
• Speech, Language and Hearing Center at Boston University

Other Local Providers

• Mass General Hospital, Speech and Language Department
• Nancy Telian and Lively Letters

Ages 6 and up

Evaluations

• Free evaluations available through local school district

For Reading Tutors/Instructors

Scottish Rite Masonic
Free tutoring to dyslexic children/ Uses the Orton Gillingham (OG) method

Scottish Rite Bodies of Boston
186 Tremont Street
Boston, MA   02111
617-426-8228
or
Centers in Newton and Lowell

Orton Gillingham Academy
P.O.  Box  234
Amenia, NY 12501-0234
845-373-8919
ortonacademy@verizon.net

Wilson Language Training Corporation
47 Old Webster Road
Oxford, MA 01540

Carroll School
Private School for Children with Dyslexia
(OG trained tutors and summer programs)
Baker Bridge Road
Linclon, MA  01773
781- 259-8342

Institute for Learning and Development
4 Militia Dr.
Lexington MA, 02421
781-861-3711

Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes™
4 Water Street, First Floor
Arlington, MA  02476
781-643-4567
South Shore
515 Washington Street
Norwell, MA 02061
781-659-7722

Community Education Programs

If your community would like to learn more about dyslexia, contact us at the IDA Massachusetts Branch regarding three presentations that our board members can offer:

• Red Flags for Identifying Struggling Readers
• Understanding Dyslexia
• Neuroscience of Dyslexia

Contact us to schedule one of these programs today.