Tutoring for Children with Autism
Tutoring That’s Different ™
Building Confidence in Reading, Writing, and Math
Every child deserves to feel successful when they sit down to learn. But for many children with autism, the way skills are taught in school simply doesn’t match how their brains learn best. What looks like a struggle is never a lack of ability, it’s a sign that your child needs instruction that honors their unique learning style.
At Marmalade Skies Tutoring, we specialize in supporting children with autism across Southern Arizona. Using structured, multi-sensory, evidence-based methods, our tutors help students build strong academic foundations and the confidence they need to thrive.
We meet your child exactly where they are, then guide them step-by-step toward real, lasting growth.
Why Families Choose Marmalade Skies Tutoring
Parents tell us our programs feel different. And they are!Our tutors are experts in learning differences and understand how children with autism learn best.
Multi-Sensory, Structured Teaching
We use an Orton-Gillingham based approach for reading, writing, and math – making every lesson hands-on, accessible, and predictable.
Children learn best when they feel safe and celebrated. Our tutors create a joyful, confidence-building environment where students are supported every step of the way.
No two learners are the same. Your child receives a customized plan targeting their strengths, needs, and interests.
We keep parents informed and work alongside teachers and IEP teams to ensure consistency and meaningful progress.
Thanks to you guys at Marmalade Skies he actually WANTS to learn now! He is making great progress on his quarterly reports and is reading often at home! I’m so glad we found these guys. If you are needing not only tutoring but support from a group of women who actually get neurodiversity, this is your place! You will not regret it.
-Kat Carter
Reading Tutoring for Children with Autism
Reading becomes joyful again when it is taught in a way that makes sense to your child. Our tutors use a structured, explicit, multi-sensory approach based on Orton-Gillingham to help students:
- Connect sounds and letters through hands-on, sensory activities
- Build strong decoding, fluency, and comprehension skills
- Visualize stories and discuss meaning at a pace that feels comfortable
- Stay engaged with lessons personalized to their interests
Children who once avoided reading begin to pick up books with curiosity and confidence.
Writing Tutoring for Children with Autism
Writing can feel overwhelming when a child struggles with organization, fine motor coordination, or expressive language. Our writing program gently breaks the process into achievable steps, helping students:
- Strengthen letter formation, spelling, and sentence writing
- Use visual supports (graphic organizers, color coding, sentence starters)
- Develop clear, organized ideas
- Practice handwriting or use keyboard/speech-to-text when helpful
We celebrate each child’s unique voice, helping them become confident communicators.
Math Tutoring for Children with Autism
Math makes more sense when it begins with concrete, hands-on learning. Using Orton-Gillingham style structure and multi-sensory techniques, our math lessons help students:
- Understand numbers through manipulatives and visual models
- Build step-by-step problem-solving strategies
- Move from concrete to pictorial to abstract at a pace that ensures mastery
- Gain confidence through predictable routines and repetition
Many autistic learners excel with patterns and structure. Our math approach uses those strengths to fuel success.
What Makes Our Approach To Autism Tutoring So Effective?
Children with autism often learn best when lessons are:
Predictable – Consistent routines reduce overwhelm and create a sense of safety.
Visual & Concrete – We use charts, models, organizers, manipulatives, and drawings to support understanding.
Multi-Sensory – Students see it, hear it, touch it, and do it—activating more areas of the brain.
Broken Into Small, Achievable Steps – Success builds motivation, and motivation fuels learning.
Rooted in Trust & Relationship – Our tutors bring warmth, sensitivity, and genuine care into every session.
This is where Marmalade Skies Tutoring shines:
We combine research-based instruction with the kind of encouragement that helps children feel brave enough to try.
The Marmalade Skies Tutoring Process
1. Free Phone Consultation
Share your child’s story, your concerns, and your goals. We’ll explain how our programs work and answer your questions.
We review any school reports or IEPs and design a plan targeting your child’s specific needs in reading, writing, and/or math.
Your child works with a dedicated tutor in a calm, structured environment using evidence-based, hands-on methods.
We keep you in the loop, celebrate wins with you, and adjust instruction based on your child’s growth
Schedule a free tutoring consultation
Ready to get started with autism tutoring for your child? One conversation can open the door to a more positive learning experience.
Autism Tutoring FAQs
Is Marmalade Skies only for children with autism?
No. While we specialize in working with children on the autism spectrum, we also support students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences, as well as children who are simply below grade level and need extra support in reading, writing, or math.
What ages do you work with?
We primarily work with children ages 4–12 who are developing foundational skills in reading, writing, and math.
How is your approach different from typical tutoring?
Many tutoring programs focus on homework help or reteaching classroom lessons. At Marmalade Skies, we go deeper, using structured, multi-sensory, Orton-Gillingham–based methods and specialized strategies for neurodivergent learners. We build the foundations your child needs to feel successful, not just get through tonight’s assignment.
Do you coordinate with my child’s school or IEP team?
Yes, with your permission, we can align our instruction with your child’s IEP and communicate with teachers or support staff. This helps create consistency between school and tutoring.
How long will my child need tutoring?
Every child is different. Some students work with us for a few months to strengthen specific skills, while others benefit from ongoing support. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your child’s current level and outline a recommended plan.
Do you offer in-person or online sessions?
We offer both online and in-person tutoring. If online sessions are most convenient for your family, your child’s tutor can easily meet virtually. Our high-quality materials are available in digital format, so instruction online is just as consistent and effective as in person.
How do we get started?
The first step is to schedule a free phone consultation. We’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and help you decide if Marmalade Skies is the right fit for your family.