Brooklyn Letters

1139 Prospect Avenue, Brooklyn

Emily Matles ★★★★★ a week ago
We would highly recommend Ally! Our son always asks about her, so very thankful to Brooklyn Letters for introducing us.
~ Emily, mom of Brooklyn 2 year old
Natalie Levon ★★★★★ 4 months ago
Nicole has been an amazing therapist!! She played a tremendous role in our daughter’s speech progress and overall development. She has come such a long way and we are so happy with the therapy she received!
T Ainsley ★★★★★ 5 months ago
I cannot express how grateful and rewarding my experience with Brooklyn Letters has been. Her tutor Ms. Daria is so knowledgeable, amazing, kind and awesome. My daughter has made so much progress in Literacy and Math and it's all … More thanks to Ms. Daria. I know my daughter is sad that she can no longer work with Ms. Daria, as she looked forward to their sessions every week. Thank you again!
Jackie Vasquez ★★★★★ 5 months ago
Excellent services, caring therapists.
Lil Amatore ★★★★★ 8 months ago
Christina was absolutely wonderful. She went out of her way to win my son over and it worked. He looked forward to her visits and his speech improved so much under her care. She was super flexible and it’s clear she truly cares. We adore … More Christina and we’re going to miss her. Almost sad he improved so much! She’s simply amazing and we can’t say enough how great she is. I would recommend her services to anyone and everyone, without hesitation. Thank you so much for connecting us with her!
Colin Peters ★★★★★ 6 months ago
We could not be happier with the services Valerie provided! She is very thoughtful and knowledgeable and provided significant guidance to support our daughter's speech development outside of our scheduled sessions. She established … More a great working relationship with her, and she will definitely be missed! Your business model is amazing and it was an absolute pleasure working with Valerie. I've referred your organization and Valerie to the Executive Director of our daughter's school and friends/colleagues who are in need of speech therapy services.
Heather Liljengren ★★★★★ a year ago
We cannot say enough good things about Effie, the ASL teacher, who was so engaged and effective with our 2 year old daughter from the very first session! Effie gladly included our whole family in the sessions! Her expertise and fantastic … More personality gave our daughter a way to communicate that she was so desperately seeking. The coordinators at Brooklyn Letters were so helpful and communicative…I would highly recommend their services!
Chris duke Fields ★★★★★ a month ago
The company is great with outstanding customer service. They keep my horses protected. I have recommended them to other horses trainers as well that are going to get service early next year. Very professional an honest too. Respectfully … More submitted Christopher
Nikhil Jaisinghani ★★★★★ 5 months ago
Ron and Ken did a fantastic job with our security system today. Installed everything very quick. Both of them were very polite and asked us throughout if the installation met our needs. Simply fantastic!
Linda Parsley ★★★★★ 6 months ago
I called Cornerstone Protection to get a Security system at a relatives out of state property, within a week it was installed! The installers worked with the client to help understand her new system and she was happy! Our relative said … More they were courteous, professional and patient! I highly recommend Cornerstone Protection for all of your security needs!
Amanda Clay Mackin ★★★★★ 5 months ago
Had blink cameras; Car was broken into multiple times so I called CornerStone & they were able to install multiple cameras very quickly & for a reasonable price. I am so happy with the app & getting alerts that are not superfluous, … More like they were with Blink. Highly recommend CornerStone & the tech Ronnie.
Pete Peters ★★★★★ 4 months ago
Ron and Ken are great guys to work with.
Both were very knowledgeable and got our system back up and running.
Thanks to both for a job well done...
Brigid Bower ★★★★★ 11 months ago
Samantha Dalmas was fantastic! We saw her for a feeding therapy evaluation and while she doesn’t think my daughter needs more feeding therapy sessions at this time, but she gave me lots of tips to try. If my daughter's doctors want … More to see more progress at her next appointment, I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out to Samantha again.
Larry Barton ★★★★★ a year ago
Amazing assistance provided by Shannon today on my security system. I’m so grateful for your prompt, efficient, professional, and courteous service. Put me down as a customer for life!
Megan Haller ★★★★★ 2 years ago
One of the most painless experiences I've had. They came on time and was over the moon professional with still keeping a level of personability to it. The gentleman also went out of his way to say that my husband and Mines business … More was appreciated. Which is actually rare to be appreciated by such a great company. So thank you and we look forward to continuing services with this company.
Megan Magsam ★★★★★ 2 years ago
I am so happy we decided to go with cornerstone. They were quick and efficient. Shannon and the installer we very friendly. We got a lot of equipment and it was still within our budget. 10/10 would definitely recommend! Thank you
Collins Youngblood ★★★★★ a year ago
Love the customer service and Shanon and his team go above and beyond for my restaurant. Couldn't of asked for a better security system and level of service that his team provides.
kanu patel ★★★★★ 2 years ago
I have been using Cornerstone Protection service for over 5 years and I'm really happy with the service and state-of-the-art equipments and it's futures are so much in advance and friendly, I highly recommend Cornerstone Protection … More Service any and all business that need a security protection days and nights specially after business hours(Cornerstone Protection is perfect solution for your business). Owner of Cornerstone Protection is proactive with their customers and their equipments. Good experienced with Cornerstone Protection!!!
Kanu Patel
Liz Jones ★★★★☆ 2 years ago
We had a very positive experience with Alissa as a tutor for our pod of 5th grade boys from January - June 2020. She cared a lot about the boys and worked hard to create meaningful activities for them. The pod experience was invaluable … More for all of our families during a difficult year and we were so grateful to have found this partnership! We also want to appreciate Craig for helping to match us with a tutor on very short notice after we had cycled through a few folks who were not able to see the commitment through. Thanks for sticking with us!
S CL ★★★★★ 3 years ago
Dusty was the exact person we needed to help our child finish out the school year. So grateful to him for the way he steadily encouraged her and helped her stay on track and organized. He is flexible, responsive to our needs/schedule as … More a family, and a delight to be with. We are also thankful that Craig at Themba Tutors really "gets it" and partnered us with such a wonderful tutor who was a great fit for our girl.
Nicole May ★★★★★ 3 years ago
My child worked with Gillian D virtually for math enrichment. She is an excellent teacher. She took time to understand my child's specific learning style and provided tools that would be engaging. She was kind and empathetic- really … More made it her goal to connect with my child and build trust and rapport. My child started the school year with confidence and without the typically "brain-drain" that occurs over the summer, thanks to Gillian.
Gillian Davidoff ★★★★★ 3 years ago
I am going into my second year as a Themba tutor. I have met so many great individuals while working for this company. Craig and the rest of the Themba team do such an excellent job picking and choosing Themba tutors that suit each client's … More individual needs! I look forward to meeting new tutors and clients in the 2021-2022 school year!
carolina luttmann ★★★★★ 3 years ago
Our son started in a new high school, 100% remote, and was really struggling with Latin and Physics. I found Themba Tudors online and had an initial call with Craig, who was very knowledgeable, responsive, and found 2 amazing tutors for … More us. Both the Latin and the physics tutors were fantastic, connected with my son really well and helped him go from 'failing' grade to 'honors'! I will for sure continue using (and recommending!) Themba Tutors. Thank you, C, K, and W!
Eric Fingerman ★★★★★ 3 years ago
Brian is a fantastic executive functioning coach. Super helpful, flexible with hours, and tailored the experience to our needs.
Susan Wong ★★★★★ 3 years ago
Giulia Mercuri is a great Italian tutor! She was very responsive and accessible. Giulia put a ton of effort into preparing for each session and really helped our son with test preparation and projects. We are grateful that she was able … More to help, especially since our son did not receive any live teaching during COVID. We are happy that she was referred to us!
Christine Gennetti ★★★★★ 3 years ago
As an adult student diagnosed with a learning disability during grad school, I knew I needed help dealing with my Master's program's demanding workload. I was seriously considering dropping out when I was referred to Themba Tutors. … More I was paired up with a wonderful tutor, Julie, who was a total lifesaver. I learned many techniques that I can utilize in the future as I embark on the next phase of my career.
I can wholeheartedly say after working with Themba for two years that I would not have finished my program without this organization. And I am so thankful I selected them.
Fabiola FITZPATRICK ★★★★★ 4 years ago
We were introduced to a wonderful tutor: Mcedwyn. He and our son, a freshman in college, worked well together. As a result, our son’s grades significantly improved. The tutor taught our son subject content and various methods to effectively … More study for quizzes and exams. Our son was also taught time management and organization. My son’s experience with the tutor made the first year of college a less intimidating experience.
Jude Eugene ★★★★★ 3 years ago
We have been with our tutor, Cailin Schiller, for two years, from 5th - 7th grade. She started as an executive functioning tutor with my daughter. From the start, she demonstrated a depth of expertise and a selective use of techniques skillfully … More adapted to my daughter’s ADHD and Math disability. Cailin made Math accessible and understandable to her in a way that even her teachers had not been able to do. She differentiated reading, writing and math tasks and assignments to tailor them to my daughter’s unique learning differences. Not only did it have an effect on her grades and her work efficiency, but she finally could do her work with less anxiety. Even my daughter’s teachers used Cailin’s guidance to modify their work with her. But most importantly, she became my daughter’s favorite resource. I can’t say how invaluable Cailin has been to my daughter’s progress and well-being. I’d recommend her a million times over. She is a gem.
Janice Eidus ★★★★★ 4 years ago
Victoria is a superb tutor. She helped my high school age daughter with her writing. Victoria's skills as a tutor, as well as her sense of humor and her engaging personality went a long way with my daughter.
A Google User ★★★★★ 4 years ago
I'm so glad we were referred to Themba Tutors. After a great initial conversation to learn our needs, we were connected with an excellent tutor, Felicia, who is helping our high school daughter learn better organizational and executive … More skills. Highly recommended.
Fara Jones ★★★★★ 5 years ago
Themba Tutors provided a leaning specialist that was a perfect fit for my daughter. I told them what we were looking for and they delivered. Our tutor is responsive and flexible and makes it easy for my daughter to reach out to her own … More her own, which gives her an added sense of responsibility over her learning. As a therapist myself, I now regularly recommend Themba to my patients. A much needed and well provided service to the community!!
Frances Simpson ★★★★★ 4 years ago
The tutors at Themba are fantastic! Caitlyn McNeill helped our son academically, but also with getting organized in every subject, which he so desperately needed. She offered great advice and useful strategies that helped our son become … More a more successful student. We are using Themba tutors again this year for our daughter. We're so happy to have been referred to them!
Mary Jean Babic ★★★★★ 4 years ago
I'm so glad we were referred to Themba Tutors. After a great initial conversation to learn our needs, we were connected with an excellent tutor, Felicia, who is helping our high school daughter learn better organizational and executive … More skills. Highly recommended.
Nina Herman ★★★★★ 4 years ago
We had a wonderful experience with our tutor Micaela. She helped our son not only academically but at every level. We will be forever grateful to have her in our lives.
Frances ★★★★★ 4 years ago
The tutors at Themba are fantastic! Caitlyn McNeill helped our son academically, but also with getting organized in every subject, which he so desperately needed. She offered great advice and useful strategies that helped our son become … More a more successful student. We are using Themba tutors again this year for our daughter. We're so happy to have been referred to them!
Michael Birnbaum ★★★★★ 4 years ago
Paul Smith at Themba has been an exceptional tutor for my son, both in terms of teaching the subject matter and teaching how best to approach the process of learning math and executing assignments. We feel very fortunate to be working with … More Paul.
Monica Alzate ★★★★★ 5 years ago
We were very lucky to have found Edwouine Swift, my son's therapist through Themba Tutors. Thomas is 12 years old, and it is extremely difficult to get him to write. Edwouine just works her magic with him, he adores her and is so … More eager to follow her guidance. I have no doubt she will be a positive driving force in his academic future.

LEARNING DISORDERS VS. LEARNING DISABILITIES:

A Guide for the NYC Metro Area

For parents navigating the fast-paced and competitive environment of New York City, understanding your child’s unique learning journey is paramount. If you’ve ever felt a disconnect between your child’s potential and their performance, or if terms like “learning disorder” and “learning disability” feel confusing, you’re not alone.

In the United States, approximately 1 in 5 children has a learning or attention issue, such as dyslexia or ADHD. That means in every NYC classroom, workplace, or college lecture hall, there are individuals navigating challenges that affect how they process information, manage tasks, or express themselves.

If you’re a parent, student, educator, or working professional in the NYC metro area, you’ve likely heard the terms learning disorder and learning disability. They sound similar, but they come from different systems—medical and educational—and carry different implications for support, treatment, and legal rights.

Here’s a breakdown of what these terms mean, how they show up in real life, and how you can get help for learning differences in NYC.

What’s the Difference?

Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they come from different frameworks. Understanding which applies to your situation helps you access the right kind of personalized support.

Learning Disorder (Medical Diagnosis)

A learning disorder is a medical diagnosis based on criteria in the DSM-5.

Focuses on how the brain processes information (e.g., how the brain handles phonological awareness, visual-spatial information).
Typically diagnosed by a psychologist, neurologist, or psychiatrist.
Common Labels: Dyslexia, dyscalculia (math learning disorder), dysgraphia (writing learning disorder), Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD).

Learning Disability (Educational/Legal Classification)

A learning disability is an educational/legal classification under the federal IDEA law (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).

Used by public schools (including NYC DOE) to determine eligibility for special education services.
Often follows or aligns with a medical diagnosis—but not always.

Important Note: You can have a learning disorder (medical diagnosis) without qualifying for school services. You can also get school accommodations as a learning disability (educational classification) without having a formal medical diagnosis. This distinction is crucial for accessing appropriate support.

Causes and Risk Factors

The journey with learning differences can feel isolating, but it’s important to know that these challenges don’t come out of nowhere. While no single cause explains every case, researchers have identified several common factors that increase the risk.

Common Causes and Risk Factors for Learning Differences:

Genetics: Learning challenges often run in families, pointing to a strong hereditary component.
Brain Development: Structural or functional differences in how the brain processes language, memory, or numbers can lead to learning disorders.
Prenatal/Birth Complications: Premature birth, low birth weight, or prenatal exposure to alcohol or drugs can increase risk.
Environmental Stressors: Factors like early exposure to lead, housing instability, or lack of access to early education can interfere with learning development.

While these factors don’t guarantee a child will have a learning disorder or learning disability, they raise the likelihood. In NYC, where disparities in healthcare, housing, and education access are real, these risks can be amplified—especially in underserved communities.

😁 Meet our CEO! 😁

Check out our Staff!

BRIAN

M.S. in Education

AARON

Master’s in Math Education

QITUWRA

Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology & Master’s Degree in Special Education

JASON

Master’s in Education

HANNAH

Master’s in Education

ALYSSA

Master’s in Special Education, Bachelor’s in Psychology

Differences in Signs and Symptoms

Learning disorder and learning disability can look similar on the surface, but the systems that define and evaluate them prioritize different criteria. Here’s a clearer look at how signs and symptoms tend to differ.

learning disorder vs learning disabilities

Both systems describe real challenges—but they serve different goals. One is meant to understand why a student struggles, while the other is about how to support them in school.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

There’s a lot of confusion around learning disorders and learning disabilities—especially in schools and workplaces. Clearing up these myths is key to reducing stigma and getting people the support for learning differences they deserve.

Here are some of the most common myths:

Myth: Learning disabilities mean low intelligence.
- Truth: People with learning disabilities are just as intelligent as their peers. Many are highly gifted in other areas—they just learn differently.
Myth: Kids will outgrow learning disorders.
- Truth: These challenges don’t just go away with age. With the right personalized support and strategies, people learn to manage them—but they’re often lifelong.
Myth: It’s just laziness or lack of effort.
- Truth: Learning disorders are neurological. No amount of “trying harder” can fix them without the right tools and specialized instruction.
Myth: Accommodations give an unfair advantage.
- Truth: Accommodations level the playing field. They’re not shortcuts—they ensure equal access, not special treatment.
Myth: You can spot a learning disorder just by looking at grades.
- Truth: Many students mask their struggles through hard work or avoidance. That’s why proper evaluation and ADHD testing NYC (or other assessments) are so important.

Busting these myths helps shift the conversation from blame to support—and opens the door for more students and adults to succeed.

Treatment and Support Options for Learning Differences in NYC

Learning differences don’t disappear with age, but the right strategies and in-home support can make a huge difference at any stage of life. Here’s what treatment and support often look like for learning disorders and disabilities.

For School-Age Students: NYC DOE & Beyond

Support during the school years often makes the biggest impact. Families in NYC have access to both public and private options.

Special Education Services (IEPs): The NYC DOE offers Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students who qualify under specific federal and state criteria. This can include targeted instruction and related services.
504 Plans: For students who don’t qualify for an IEP but still need accommodations like extended time on tests, preferential seating, or reduced distractions.
Targeted Tutoring Programs: Such as Orton-Gillingham-based reading instruction for dyslexia, or math intervention programs tailored to specific learning challenges.
Therapies: Including occupational therapy (OT) for fine motor skills, or speech-language therapy, often delivered in-school or through private providers.
Assistive Technology: Tools like text-to-speech software, audiobooks, and digital organizers can significantly reduce barriers to learning.

The earlier the support starts, the better. NYC families can request a free evaluation through their school district, and private options like special education tutors and learning disability assessments are also available.

How We Can Help

Support for College Students in the NYC Metro Area

Colleges in the NYC metro area offer accommodations—but students must self-advocate and provide documentation.

Disability Services Offices: CUNY, SUNY, and private colleges all have offices dedicated to arranging academic accommodations for students with documented learning disorders or disabilities.
Typical Supports Include: Extra test time, note-taking services, alternate formats for textbooks, access to quiet testing environments, or reduced course loads.
Learning Centers and Academic Coaching: Often available at little or no cost to students, providing study skills coaching and executive function support.

Transitioning from high school to college often means navigating new systems, so updated documentation and strong self-advocacy skills are crucial for college students with learning differences.

Workplace Accommodations for Adults and Professionals

Adults with learning differences may struggle in the workplace—but they’re also protected under federal law, specifically the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Neuropsychological Evaluations: Can clarify strengths, weaknesses, and provide the necessary documentation for workplace accommodations.
Workplace Accommodations: May include extra time for tasks, written instructions for complex assignments, voice-to-text software, or flexible scheduling.
ACCES-VR (NYS program): New York State’s Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation program offers job training, coaching, and placement services for individuals with documented disabilities, including learning disabilities.
Community Programs: Local organizations like YAI and Job Path provide valuable support for adults in gaining independence and employment.

Treatment and support don’t stop at graduation. Adults can still access meaningful resources to improve work and daily life, whether through adult executive function coaching or specialized job support.

Living in the NYC Metro Area: Resources and Support

Living in or near NYC has its challenges—but also offers more resources than most places for learning disability support. Whether you’re a parent, student, or professional, here’s what learning support looks like at different stages of life in our dynamic city.

School-Age Children in NYC

NYC’s public school system includes a full range of special education services, but families often need to push for them and be proactive.

Evaluations and IEP meetings: The process for evaluations, IEP meetings, and service delivery can vary by borough (e.g., Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island) and individual school.
Charter and private schools: These follow different rules regarding special education services. Always ask specific questions about how learning differences are supported before enrollment.

College Students in NYC

CUNY and SUNY schools have disability offices, but services are not automatic—students must register and present documentation of their learning disorder or disability.

Private colleges: Often have more flexibility in their approach to accommodations, but policies differ significantly, so it’s essential to inquire directly.
Students need to be prepared to self-advocate, especially if transitioning from a highly structured high school IEP.

Adults and Professionals in NYC

Many adults in NYC go undiagnosed until they face workplace challenges or return to school.

Local organizations, legal advocates, and medical professionals can help identify and document learning needs, often through a neuropsychological evaluation.
Federal protections like the ADA require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for learning disabilities.

Whether you’re in school or the workforce, New York City offers a strong (if sometimes complex) infrastructure of support for learning differences—if you know how to access it.

Final Thoughts: Learning Disorders vs Learning Disabilities

In the NYC metro area, navigating learning differences takes persistence, clarity, and the right information. Knowing the difference between a learning disorder and a learning disability helps you speak the right language in medical offices, schools, and workplaces—and makes it easier to get what you or your child need.

Both terms describe real, lifelong learning challenges. But understanding how each system operates helps you unlock more support services and advocate more effectively for neurodiverse learners.

Get Started Today

Need Expert Help in NYC?

Themba Tutors is a trusted provider offering in-home and virtual support for children, teens, college students, and adults with learning disorders, ADHD, executive functioning challenges, and more. We provide comprehensive support that addresses both the why and the how of learning.

Whether you need:

Personalized academic tutoring in subjects like math, science, reading, or writing
Executive functioning coaching to build vital organizational and study skills
Support navigating IEPs and evaluations within the NYC DOE system
Specialized strategies for neurodiverse learners

—Themba Tutors is here to help.

📍 We travel to all five NYC boroughs—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island—as well as Long Island, Connecticut, Westchester, Putnam County, Dutchess County, and New Jersey. Prefer virtual sessions? We offer that too, providing flexible and convenient in-home tutoring and coaching.

Get started with a free consultation, and let experienced professionals help you or your child succeed—in school, at work, and beyond.

FAQs

1. What’s the difference between a learning disorder and a learning disability?
A learning disorder is a medical diagnosis (e.g., dyslexia, ADHD), while a learning disability is an educational classification used in schools (e.g., Specific Learning Disability). They often overlap—like in the case of dyslexia—but they come from different systems. One helps explain why someone struggles (medical), and the other is about how to support them in school (educational).

2. Can someone be really smart and still have a learning disability?
Absolutely. Learning disabilities have nothing to do with intelligence. In fact, many people with dyslexia, ADHD, or other learning challenges are highly intelligent—they just process information differently and need different strategies to succeed.

3. How do I know if my child needs an IEP or 504 Plan?
If your child is struggling academically or with focus and it’s impacting their progress, you can request a free evaluation from their NYC public school. If they qualify under federal guidelines, they may get an IEP (for special education services) or a 504 Plan (for accommodations only). The school team helps decide which is appropriate. Themba Tutors can also provide support navigating IEPs and the evaluation process.

4. What should I do if I suspect my college-aged child has a learning disorder?
Start with a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation—it can confirm whether there’s a learning disorder and provide documentation for college accommodations. Most colleges (especially in NYC) have disability services offices, but your child will need to self-advocate and submit paperwork to access support. Themba Tutors also offers academic coaching for college students.

5. Does Themba Tutors only work with kids?
Not at all. Themba Tutors works with children, teens, college students, and adults. Whether it’s academic tutoring, executive function coaching, or workplace support, they offer personalized help at home or online—across NYC, Long Island, Westchester, and parts of New Jersey.

Contact Themba Tutors now!

📞 (917) 382-8641 | 📲 (833) 565-2370 | ✉ [email protected]

Resources:

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Brooklyn Letters

LEARNING DISORDERS VS. LEARNING DISABILITIES:

A Guide for the NYC Metro Area