Unlocking Reading for "Dyslexic" Kids at No Cost – The Paradox of Parents Who Won't Try It

 

For years I've taught over 80 children labeled "dyslexic"—intelligent kids who couldn't read well despite average or above-average IQs. I've seen the same patterns: confusion from mixed phonics cues, shutdown from nonsense-word drills, and frustration from methods that don't align with how the brain actually learns to read. My approach is different, targeted, and fast: Give me a child with no vision or hearing issues who's behind grade level, and I'll get them reading proficiently in 4 months or less—with only 2 hours per week via Zoom.

The best part? It's completely free upfront. Parents pay nothing until they're satisfied their child is reading at (or above) grade level—and only if they choose to contribute afterward. No contracts, no pressure.

 

I've shared this offer openly: in comments under desperate parent posts, in dyslexia groups, on Substack, and directly to mothers venting about their child's struggles. Recently, I engaged with one thoughtful parent who correctly noted that dyslexia as a neurological profile isn't "cured"—but I countered that the reading problems it supposedly causes can be resolved effectively and quickly for most kids. I invited her (and others) to a no-obligation Zoom: "What have you got to lose?" I pointed to real results—like Emmanuel, who arrived in Grade 4 with a severe assessment yet was fully independent in under 3 months and is now thriving as class monitor in Form 2 at a regular school (see his story here: LINK).  Or the Grade 7 girl from Ohio just weeks ago, whose mother was overjoyed after two sessions—and I asked for nothing.

Yet after more than a year of these public offers, targeted outreach, and proven track records shared freely… only two parents have actually taken the step.

This is the paradox that keeps me up at night: Parents post heart-wrenching stories of children hating school, falling further behind, losing confidence—yet when a reliable, zero-risk solution appears, almost no one grabs it. Is it distrust after too many failed promises from schools and tutors? The "too good to be true" instinct when something's free? Exhaustion from navigating labels, IEPs, and conflicting advice? Or simply not believing real change can happen so quickly without endless years of therapy?

Whatever the reason, the cost is borne by the children. In this post, I'll revisit a recent conversation on Substack, share why I'm confident even with "official" assessments, and reaffirm why I'm still here offering this—because one more child reading fluently makes every unanswered message worthwhile.

Conversation with a parent on Substack:

Luqman Michel Feb 4

You said: 'This won’t cure dyslexia. Nothing will.'

I agree as I taught > 80 dyslexic kids to read to understand why many intelligent kids can't read in English.

However, if you are saying that it cannot 'cure' reading problems then you are sadly mistaken.

Give me a kid who can't read at grade level and I will get her /him to read within 4 months of 2 hours per week.

There is no need to pay any money until you are satisfied that he /she can read at grade level.

Melinda Karshner Feb 4 replied:

No, I’m not saying you can’t cure reading problems. I teach dyslexic kids to read all of the time. But their dyslexia isn’t cured. There’s a nuance here that I’m sure you understand. I’m not equating being able to read with curing dyslexia. Symptoms will persist despite proficient reading. I would never call reading proficiency a cure- talk to any dyslexic adult who can read well/ the dyslexia struggle persist

Luqman Michel Feb 4

I understand. Thank you. I posted an article immediately after reading your post. You are welcome to read it on Substack.

Here is a sentence I copied from my post:

‘I agree with much of this. Dyslexia itself isn’t “curable” in a medical sense—nothing erases a neurological profile. But I strongly disagree that reading problems labeled as dyslexia can’t be resolved effectively and quickly for most children.’

Anyway, if you know of parents with kids who can’t read and have no acuity problems, please direct them to me.

I will get the kids to read within 4 months of 2 hours per week. No need to pay anything until the parents are satisfied and that too if they want to contribute.

Here is one of my students who came to me when he was in grade 4.dyslexiafriend.com/2024…Despite the Psychological Assessment above how was I confident that I could teach Emmanuel within four months. I weaned him in less than 3 months. He is now in form 2 in a normal school and is class monitor.

In another Substack post by the same person  https://substack.com/home/post/p-177575471

I commented as follows:

This is exactly what I guessed. I know exactly why she can’t read nonsense words. One of the things I disagreed with Dr. David Kilpatrick was the teaching of nonsense words he writes about in both his books. Talking about his books, you may read my name in the acknowledgment pages in both his books.

So, why don’t we have a Zoom meeting? What have you got to lose?

I can help you with this. It is free of charge unless you want to contribute after you are satisfied.

The last kid I helped two weeks ago was a girl in grade 7 from Ohio. The mother of the kid was grateful and I did not ask nor receive any payment.

 

Read my post on how I helped a 7^th grader in Kenya with just 2 WhatsApp calls.LINK

and LINK.