ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The start of the school year brings new lessons, and for some kids, new challenges. A Rochester woman is taking a unique approach to helping kids learn. Some of that approach is based on her own learning struggles — and a diagnosis which gave her some answers.

Every kid learns at their own pace. Rowan Barry is no different. His tutor realizes this.

“There's an incredible need for inclusive education spaces that are really tailored to that specific child and their unique genius,” said Tyana Velazquez-Smith, founder of Sensational Inclusion.

She teaches kids like Rowan, who didn’t always like to read.

“He didn't have a natural inclination to read,” said Erin Barry, Rowan’s mother. “He did it in school, but because it was a bit of a challenge for him, it wasn't something that he ever did for fun.”

Rowan started kindergarten during the pandemic, learning remotely. He struggled with some subjects.

“Since the pandemic, we’ve seen children who are experiencing challenges that look different,” said Velazquez-Smith.

Velazquez-Smith says the challenges are magnified in kids with sensory needs, or who are on the autism, ADHD or dyslexic spectrum. In neurodiverse children, sessions are tailored to what they want to learn.

“There are so many skills and strategies that we do that we think help children read, and that's just not the fact of the matter oftentimes,” she said.

The 10-week program at Sensational Inclusion includes a sensory-friendly environment. It has another important focus: diversity, making sure all students feel seen, valued, empowered.

“She just thinks about each child in a very own individualized way,” said Barry. “And unlocks what she refers to as their genius. I picked that up from her along the way, and I love it.”

Velazquez-Smith has a unique perspective. At age 29, she was diagnosed with autism, which, she says, explains some of her own struggles. 

“I’ve always inherently just knew what neurodiverse children needed,” she said. “It wasn't something that I had to study or spend a ton of time trying to understand, because I have that lived experience.”

Every kid learns differently and at their own pace. Success — for student and teacher — means everything.

“If you can foster and cultivate joy around reading, you’ve created a lifelong reader,” said Velazquez-Smith. “And that’s what we want for children.”