Choosing a tutor for a child with special learning needs — such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning differences — is more than just finding someone good at the subject. It means finding a tutor who understands how your child learns, adapts to their individual needs, and helps them build confidence and progress academically. As many as 5 % to 10 % of school-aged children in Canada meet criteria for a specific learning disorder. and research showing one-on-one tutoring helps students outperform peers over 80 % of the time, University of Toronto Mississauga it’s important to make the right choice from the start.
In this post, we’ll walk you through what to look for, questions to ask, and how to evaluate a tutoring fit so your child can thrive.
1. Understand Your Child’s Needs
Before you even begin interviewing tutors, clarify what your child needs:
What subject(s) do they struggle with (math, reading, writing, science)?
Do they have a diagnosis or assessment (e.g., ADHD, autism spectrum, processing issues)?
What learning style do they respond to (visual, auditory, hands-on)?
What behaviours or attention issues do tutors need to know about?
According to the Canadian Paediatric Society, approximately 5 %-10 % of children meet criteria for a specific learning disorder. cps.ca That means the chances are high that a child who is struggling isn’t simply “behind” — they may need a specialized approach.
2. Prioritize Tutors Who Specialize in Neurodiverse Learners
It’s critical that the tutor you choose has experience or training in working with children with learning differences. Why? Because a “standard” tutor may focus on subject content but not on how a child learns.
Research on tutoring effectiveness shows that:
Tutoring delivered three or more times a week is almost twice as effective as once-weekly sessions. Future Skills Centre
Structured tutoring, with trained tutors and an aligned curriculum, delivers strong outcomes. Future Skills Centre
One-on-one tutoring can help students outperform peers in more than 80 % of cases. University of Toronto Mississauga
When you interview a tutor, ask:
Have you worked with children with Autism, ADHD, or learning differences before?
What strategies do you use to maintain engagement, focus and minimize frustration?
How will you adapt the session plan to this child’s profile (attention span, sensory needs, interests)?
How do you track progress and communicate with parents?
3. Look for an ABA-Informed or Evidence-Based Approach
Children with learning differences often benefit from tutoring that goes beyond subject matter — they may need support with focus, task-analysis, motivation, and structure. An approach informed by Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or other evidence-based frameworks can make a big difference.
Key features to look for:
Clear session structure (warm-up, instruction, practice, feedback)
Use of visual supports, clear instructions, and breakdowns of tasks
Positive reinforcement and encouragement for effort and participation
Regular review of progress and adjustment of the plan
Because tutoring for children with special needs may require more tailored techniques, a tutor with training/training support, and consistent communication with you (the parent) is a very good sign.
4. Ask for Logistics: Frequency, Duration & Setting
The “when” and “how” of tutoring matter just as much as the “who.” According to evidence:
Frequent tutoring (≥ 3 times/week) yields a stronger effect.
Tutoring done in a structured environment with good attendance yields much better outcomes.
The setting matters: online sessions can work especially if the tutor knows how to keep a child engaged virtually.
When comparing tutors/services, ask:
How many sessions per week do you recommend, and why?
How long is each session, and how is attention span managed?
Are sessions online, in-person, or hybrid? What tools/platforms do you use?
What happens if we need to reschedule or there’s a no-show?
What’s the cancellation or refund policy?
5. Progress Monitoring & Parent Partnership
It’s important that the tutoring isn’t “set-it and forget-it.” Your child should be making observable progress, and you, as the parent, should be kept in the loop.
Research shows that tutoring is more successful when engagement is high and difficulties encountered are minimized. ERIC That means the tutor should:
Set measurable goals with you and your child (e.g., “complete 3 worksheet sets with 80% accuracy” or “increase fractions confidence by 2 grade levels”)
Provide updates after each session (what was covered, what the next steps are, how your child responded)
Adjust the plan as needed
Encourage you as a parent with strategies you can support at home
Ask the tutor:
How do you measure and report progress?
How will I know if my child is on track (or not)?
How often will we have a check-in/meeting?
Can I be involved in the plan or at-home reinforcement?
6. Fit & Rapport
Even with the best credentials and systems, the relationship between your child and tutor matters hugely. A tutor who is patient, respectful, adaptable, and sees your child beyond the diagnosis will make a big difference. Research suggests that the tutoring-related variables (such as engagement and tutor activity) are stronger predictors of success than student variables.
During trial sessions, watch for:
Does the tutor engage with your child and build rapport?
Does your child appear comfortable, ask questions, and stay focused?
Does the tutor use visuals, check for understanding, and scaffold the work appropriately?
Is there a positive tone, encouragement, and realistic challenge rather than frustration or rushing?
7. Cost, Credentials & Support
Costs can vary widely, especially for specialized tutoring. But credentials and ongoing support matter.
Confirm:
Is the tutor certified, experienced with special needs learners?
Do they have training in the relevant subject, plus in supporting ADHD/Autism/learning differences?
Will they provide materials, homework help, and follow-through?
What support is available when challenges arise (e.g., attention lapses, sensory issues)?
Do they have access to tools/technology appropriate for online tutoring?
Remember: the highest cost doesn’t always equal the best fit. A good fit, consistent attendance, and rapport often lead to better outcomes than cost alone.
8. Trial Session & Evaluate Fit Before Committing
Many services offer a free or low-cost trial. Use this to evaluate everything: rapport, engagement, structure, your child’s response, and how you feel as a parent.
At the end of the trial, ask yourself:
Did my child feel comfortable and supported?
Did the tutor clearly explain things and check understanding?
Was there engagement, not just doing tasks?
Did the tutor propose a clear plan?
Did I, as a parent, feel informed and included?
If the answer is yes to most of these, you likely found a strong fit.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tutor for your child with special learning needs is a decision that combines practical factors (frequency, credentials, cost) with deeper ones (rapport, fit, specialized methods). With up to 10 % of children facing specific learning disorders and strong evidence that tutoring can impact outcomes significantly, investing time to choose the right tutor now can pay real dividends.
At QLearning School, we’ve tailored our services to children with Autism, ADHD, and other neurodiverse learners—combining subject expertise with ABA-informed strategies and global tutor support. If you’re ready to explore how a personalized tutoring program can help your child thrive, book your free 30-minute assessment today, and let’s discover the right match together.
