Atlas. Literacy & Language
Frequently asked questions

Your questions, answered plainly.

Everything families ask us most — about Atlas, about dyslexia, and about insurance and cost. Still wondering something? Ask us on your free consultation call.

General Understanding dyslexia Insurance & cost

General questions

Why should I choose an SLP over tutoring?

Tutoring can be wonderful for reinforcement and practice — the two simply do different jobs. A speech-language pathologist is a licensed clinician who can evaluate and treat the underlying language-processing skills that reading is built on. For a true processing difference like dyslexia, that clinical, root-cause approach is what creates lasting change. Think of us as a complement to good teaching, not a replacement for it.

Do you really come to our home?

Yes. All evaluations and therapy are provided in your home across Ooltewah and greater Chattanooga. No waiting rooms, no commute — your child works where they're most comfortable, which often means they do their best work.

How long does an evaluation take?

We move quickly. In most cases we complete comprehensive testing and deliver a clear, written report identifying the root cause typically within 30 days — not the full school year that waiting often costs families.

What ages do you work with?

From pre-kindergarten through the school years. If you're unsure whether your child is the right age or fit, mention it on your consultation call and we'll point you in the right direction.

How often will my child need therapy?

For dyslexia intervention we suggest one to two 60-minute sessions per week — one full hour is recommended for this kind of work. For speech and language goals, shorter 30-minute sessions are often appropriate. We'll recommend a cadence based on your child's evaluation.

My child was already tested at school. Do we still need this?

Often, yes. School evaluations serve educational eligibility — they're not the same as a clinical, root-cause diagnosis. We're happy to review what you have on your consultation call and tell you honestly whether more is needed.

Do you take insurance?

We're an out-of-network provider. Many families are able to seek reimbursement, and we provide detailed superbills to make that straightforward. HSA and FSA funds are accepted, and you'll receive a Good Faith Estimate up front.

What actually happens on the free consultation call?

It's a 15-minute conversation with your clinician. You describe what you're seeing, we ask a few focused questions, and we tell you plainly whether an evaluation makes sense — even if the answer is that your child is doing just fine.

Understanding dyslexia

The signs change with age

Dyslexia isn't about intelligence or effort — it's a difference in how the brain processes language. Here's what it tends to look like, and when.

Preschool · Age 3–5
  • Late to talk, or slow to add new words
  • Trouble learning nursery rhymes or rhyming words
  • Can't recall the names of letters, colors, or numbers
  • Struggles to break words into sounds
School · Grade K–2
  • Reads well below grade level despite being bright
  • Guesses at words from the first letter or picture
  • Confuses similar-looking or similar-sounding words
  • Avoids reading aloud; melts down at homework
Older · Grade 3+
  • Reads slowly and with great effort
  • Spelling is inconsistent — the same word, three ways
  • Avoids writing; ideas outpace what lands on the page
  • Says they're "dumb" — confidence is slipping

Does this sound like your child?

Check every statement that rings true. This isn't a diagnosis — it's a starting point for a conversation.

Start checking above

As you recognize your child in these statements, we'll help you make sense of what you're seeing.

Talk to a clinician (15 min, free)

What dyslexia is not

Myth

"They're just lazy or not trying hard enough."

Reality

Dyslexic kids often work harder than their peers for less result. Effort was never the problem.

Myth

"They'll grow out of it if we wait."

Reality

Dyslexia is lifelong — but with the right intervention, kids become strong, confident readers. Earlier help means faster progress.

Myth

"It just means reading letters backwards."

Reality

It's a difference in processing the sounds of language — reversals are a small, sometimes absent, part of the picture.

Myth

"Dyslexia means a child isn't smart."

Reality

Dyslexia is unrelated to intelligence. Many dyslexic thinkers are exceptionally bright, creative problem-solvers.

Insurance & cost

The practical part, made simple

Cost and coverage shouldn't be the reason a child waits. Here's how it works.

Insurance & superbills

We're an out-of-network provider. Many families seek reimbursement, and we provide detailed superbills to make that straightforward.

Good Faith Estimate

You'll always know the cost up front, in writing, before anything begins. No surprises — ever.

Flexible payment

HSA and FSA accepted, plus payment options to make consistent care manageable for your family.

See full pricing on our Services page

Still have a question?

Ask us anything on your free 15-minute consultation call. There are no wrong questions.

Book a consultation call