Matteo’s Story
Meet Matteo, a determined 15-year-old who loves his family and sports. Diagnosed with multiple layers of dyslexia, Matteo was once told he would never be able to read or write and would always depend on others. But through his resilience, and with the support of his family and a Slant trained tutor, Matteo has defied all expectations— recently finishing 8th grade with a 3.5 GPA. Now thriving in both school and life, his confidence and drive have made him a strong student and role model for others facing similar challenges.
I caught up with Matteo and his mom, Jacqueline, while they were in the car between their busy evening activities. With six boys (yes, six!) and a packed schedule of practices and activities, they’re always on the go! Despite Matteo "squeezing me in," his sweet spirit and all-around awesomeness radiated throughout our conversation. Right before hopping out of his mom's car to head to practice, Matteo made sure to share one important thing with me: if any other kid ever needs someone to talk to or a bit of encouragement, he wants me to connect them with him. Matteo is ready and eager to be there for others.
When did you notice that reading was more difficult for you than it was for others?
Matteo: In third grade I really struggled with reading and writing and did not get a lot of help from my teachers, and in 5th grade I was still reading the same as I was in 2nd grade. My twin went to the same school and we had some of the same teachers and things just didn’t click for me.
Jacqueline: I noticed when he was preschool/kindergarten age he wasn’t hitting certain milestones and was behind his brothers, both his twin and younger brother. By 1st grade I could see he wasn’t connecting sounds to letters. When we learned he was dyslexic it was a relief to have confirmation of what I suspected but I was nervous after speaking with the school because of how the IEP team explained their findings. They basically said he would always be dependent on us for everything related to reading and writing, due to him having multiple layers of dyslexia. The school allowed us to feel like there was no hope and I cried for weeks - I still do sometimes when I think back to that day.
What were some of the hardest situations about having dyslexia when being at school?
Matteo: With being dyslexic, you kind of build up a lot of anger and get very frustrated. I would act out and tell teachers and kids to leave me alone. Football, rugby and wrestling are my outlets to get the frustration out. I could not keep up and was constantly sent to the hallway or out with another teacher to finish my work .
Can you talk about the support Matteo received at school after receiving his dyslexia diagnosis?
Jacqueline: The school listed a plethora of educational accommodations, including an hour of 1:1 tutoring each day to focus on reading. From 3rd grade to 5th grade Matteo had around 540 hours of 1:1 instruction at school but by the beginning of 5th grade he still could not read or write.
When did Matteo start making progress, what changed?
Jacqueline: In January, halfway through 5th grade, Matteo started working with a Slant trained tutor in the evenings or weekends, two times a week. By the end of the school year, with about 40 hours of instruction, he was beginning to read and write. It happened really quickly and he became a whole different child. We would be driving or walking through a store and he would read signs and labels. His confidence sky rocketed…. and I cried.
What strengths have you developed because of your dyslexia?
Matteo: I feel comfortable reading in front of groups of people or talking in front of people. I have a lot of confidence.
Jacqueline: I have been bringing him to work with me for years now and people adore him. He speaks and socializes very well and is so outgoing, he can hold a conversation with anyone.
I know you have 5 brothers! How do your brothers and family help support you when things are challenging?
Matteo: When we were younger my brothers used to tease me but now they get involved and help me. For a while they would help me with flash cards every day, and keep track of what I got wrong and how many I got right.
What is your best advice for other kids who are having a hard time with reading or have dyslexia?
Matteo: I was just like you and it is alright to be frustrated and angry. It is really normal. Find a good outlet, keep on practicing and be around people who support you. The kids in my class now - compared to the kids at my old school - really help me and are much more supportive. I also have a friend who is dyslexic, we have been together since preschool, and he is still reading at a Kindergarten level. I encourage him and when I got better at reading I started to help him. He is going to be starting with a Slant teacher this school year.
What tips do you have for other parents who are just starting on this journey?
Jacqueline: Implement Slant as soon as possible. It is an essential foundation in your child's reading journey. It is a lifesaver not only for learning to read correctly, but to also help avoid all the social and emotional damage that often comes along with dyslexia.