Virtual Services – Learning Differences
Tutoring Built for How Your Child Learns
The Critical Thinking Child provides one-on-one virtual tutoring and personalized academic assessments for children with learning differences – including dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, and autism. Live, certified tutors. Online. Nationwide.
Who We Serve
We work with children ages 6 to 13 who can engage independently and participate in live 1:1 online learning sessions. Our tutors are experienced working with students who learn differently.
Dyslexia
Structured, patient reading and literacy support tailored to how students with dyslexia process and retain information. We meet your child where they are and build from there.
ADD / ADHD
Short, focused sessions with consistent structure and clear expectations. Our tutors know how to keep students engaged and build the executive functioning skills that help in every class.
Autism
One-on-one virtual sessions for students who can engage independently online. We work with students who benefit from consistent routines, clear instruction, and a patient, familiar tutor.
What We Offer
Two services available virtually, nationwide. All sessions are one-on-one, live via Zoom, with a dedicated CTC tutor.
1:1 Virtual Tutoring
Personalized academic support in reading and math. Sessions are structured around your child’s specific needs, learning style, and pace. Your child works with the same tutor every session.
- Reading and ELA support
- Math support
- Ages 6 to 13
- 55-minute sessions (flexible based on child’s needs)
- Consistent tutor every session
- Progress reports for parents
- Flexible scheduling Monday through Sunday
$450
4-Session Starter Pack – complete within 30 days. A 3-month minimum commitment is required for ongoing tutoring.
Academic Assessment
A highly personalized diagnostic assessment in reading and math. Delivered live and one-on-one with a certified CTC tutor. Gives you a clear picture of your child’s strengths, gaps, and the right starting point for tutoring.
- Reading and math assessment
- Ages 6 to 13
- Live proctored session
- Detailed written results report
- Personalized tutoring plan included
- Recommended before starting tutoring
$175 per subject
Reading or Math – single session | Results delivered within 48 hours
How It Works
Getting started is simple. Most families begin with an assessment so we know exactly where to focus before the first tutoring session.
1
Book a Consultation
Tell us about your child. We will match them with the right tutor and program.
2
Start with an Assessment
A live 1:1 diagnostic session that identifies your child’s strengths and gaps.
3
Begin Tutoring
Your child works with the same certified tutor every session via Zoom. Consistent, structured, and personalized.
4
Track Progress
You receive regular progress reports so you always know how your child is advancing.
This Program Is a Good Fit If
- Your child is between ages 6 and 13
- Your child can engage independently in a 1:1 online session
- Your child can follow verbal instructions from a tutor via Zoom
- Your child has dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, or is on the autism spectrum
- You are looking for academic support in reading and/or math
- Your child has an IEP or 504 Plan and needs additional support outside school
This Program Is Not Suitable For
- Students requiring intensive behavioral support or clinical intervention
- Students who cannot engage independently in a virtual 1:1 session
- Students needing therapeutic services – we are an academic tutoring program, not a clinical provider
- Students under age 6
- Students above age 13 – please see our standard tutoring services
Not sure if this is the right fit? Book a free consultation, and we will be honest with you about whether our program is the right match for your child. We would rather point you in the right direction than enroll a family we cannot serve well.
IEPs, 504 Plans, and Where CTC Fits
Many families we work with have children who receive accommodations through school. Understanding the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan helps clarify what CTC provides – and what we do not.
504 Plan
A legally binding civil rights document under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It ensures students with physical or mental disabilities receive accommodations – such as extended time, preferred seating, or reduced distraction settings – to remove barriers and ensure equal access to education.
Focus: Accommodations – removing barriers so the student can access the general curriculum alongside their peers.
IEP
An Individualized Education Program provides specialized instruction for students who need more intensive support than accommodations alone can provide. An IEP includes specific academic goals, specialized services, and is developed by a team including parents, teachers, and specialists.
Focus: Specialized instruction – a customized educational plan with measurable goals and dedicated services.
Where CTC Fits
CTC provides academic tutoring support – not clinical services. We work alongside your child’s existing school plan to reinforce reading and math skills, close learning gaps, and build confidence.
We are not a clinical provider and do not replace the services in your child’s IEP or 504 Plan. We complement them.
CTC works with students who have both IEPs and 504 Plans. We ask that families share relevant academic goals from their child’s plan during the consultation so we can align our tutoring support with what the school is already doing. The more we know, the better we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do your tutors have experience with learning differences?
Yes. Our certified tutors have experience working with students with dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, and autism. We carefully match each student with a tutor who has relevant experience and the patience and consistency these students need to thrive.
Is this a clinical or therapeutic service?
No. The Critical Thinking Child is an academic tutoring company. We are not a clinical provider and do not offer therapy, behavioral intervention, or occupational therapy. We focus exclusively on reading and math academic support. If your child needs clinical services, we recommend speaking with your child’s physician or specialist.
My child has an IEP. Can you work with them?
Yes. We work with students who have both IEPs and 504 Plans. CTC provides academic tutoring support – not clinical services – so we complement your child’s existing school plan rather than replace it. We recommend sharing your child’s relevant academic goals with us during the consultation so we can align our approach with what their school is already doing.
How long are sessions and how often should my child attend?
Sessions are typically 55 minutes, but we understand that children with learning differences sometimes need flexibility. If your child needs a shorter session on a given day, that is completely fine – our tutors adapt in the moment. We recommend two sessions per week for most students to maintain consistency and build momentum.
What if my child has a difficult session or struggles to engage?
Our tutors are trained to adapt in the moment. If a session is not going well, the tutor will adjust the approach, take a break, or end early if needed. We will always communicate with you after any session where your child had difficulty so you are never left wondering what happened.
Is there a minimum commitment for tutoring?
Yes. Ongoing tutoring requires a 3-month minimum commitment. Research consistently shows that children with learning differences need sustained, consistent support to build real momentum. The 4-Session Starter Pack lets you try the program first. After that, ongoing tutoring is billed monthly with a 3-month minimum. Most families continue well beyond 3 months.
Do you offer tutoring for subjects other than reading and math?
This specialized program focuses on reading and math for children with learning differences ages 6 to 13. For general K-12 tutoring in other subjects – including science, writing, Spanish, and homework help – visit our Tutoring Services page.
Is this available outside of Chicago?
Yes. All sessions are fully virtual via Zoom and available to families nationwide.
Also from The Critical Thinking Child
Looking for General K-12 Tutoring?
Our full tutoring program serves students PreK through 12th grade in reading, math, writing, science, and more – nationwide. Virtual 1:1 sessions with certified teachers.
A Trusted Resource for Chicago Families and Beyond
Rush University – Resources for Children
CTC is listed in the Rush University Medical Center Autism Resource Directory as a recommended tutoring resource for children ages 6 and up.
Rush University – Resources for Middle and High School Students
CTC is also listed in the Rush Autism Resource Directory for middle and high school students ages 15 and up.
Ready to Find the Right Fit for Your Child?
Book a free consultation, and we will help you understand whether our program is the right match – and if it is, we will find the right tutor for your child.
Recognized and Trusted
Awarded by Stanford University’s
National Student Support Accelerator
ESA approved provider for
WV Hope Scholarship Program