Dyslexia is a neurological difference experienced by around one in ten people. It can affect reading, spelling and writing as well as things like perception of time and concentration.
To understand more about dyslexia and what to do if your child has it, we spoke to GP Dr Punam Krishan and charity The Dyslexia Association.
Dr Punam Krishan: Learning to read and write, can be challenging for some children. But for those with Dyslexia, it can feel especially difficult. Dyslexia is a common learning difference, affecting around one in ten people.
It’s not a reflection of ability of effort, but rather, how the brain processes language.
Dyslexia affects skills like reading, spelling and writing.
Children with dyslexia may find it harder to connect letters with sounds, recognise words, or keep up with classroom tasks.
They might understand information when told verbally but have difficulty with information that’s written down.
It can also impact a child’s ability to organise their perception of time, concentration, communication, and memory.
Dyslexics are often good at creative thinking and problem solving.
Chef Jamie Oliver famously has dyslexia. He had difficulties with reading and writing at school, but he didn’t let it stop him becoming the top selling non-fiction author in UK history.
Supporting a dyslexic child starts with understanding how they learn best.
Tip one: Try multi-sensory learning techniques.
This means engaging more than one sense at a time. Like combining visuals, text and even touch. For example, use visual techniques like mind maps or auditory learning through songs.
Tip two: If auditory processing is an issue, then break down tasks or instructions into written bullet points or lists.
Tip three: Work closely with your child’s school. Collaborate with teachers to ensure that they get the right accommodations, like extra time on tests or access to audio books.
These adjustments can make a big difference.
Supporting a dyslexic child is about understanding their unique way of learning.
Collaborate with their school, support their organisational skills if needed, and ask your GP for professional help.
With patience, encouragement and the right tools, you can help them succeed on their own terms.
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a common learning difference in how the brain processes language.
It can affect skills like reading, spelling and writing. Children with dyslexia may find it harder to connect letters with sounds, recognise words or keep up with classroom tasks, or have difficulty with information that’s written down.
It can also affect a child’s organisation, perception of time, concentration, communication and memory. Children with dyslexia can also be really good at creative thinking, reasoning and problem solving.
How is dyslexia diagnosed?
You may notice some of these signs in your child that could indicate dyslexia:
- Difficulties with spelling and/or phonics.
- Using the wrong words for things or getting similar words mixed up.
- Difficulties sequencing letters or numbers or recalling sequences quickly, such as days of the week.
- Handwriting difficulties, especially when copying from the board.
- Losing their place when reading, or not reading to their expected reading age.
Kay Carter, CEO of The Dyslexia Association, adds that children with dyslexia can also experience ‘visual stress’ – e.g. words jumping around the page – but that alone will not lead to a diagnosis without other symptoms as well. If your child is having any problems with visual perception, especially when reading, she recommends seeing an optometrist and getting a proper sight test first. Eyes tests are free for children under 16.
What’s next?
If you suspect your child is dyslexic, speak to your child’s school, either with the class teacher or SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). They can use a screening test to determine your child’s strengths and weaknesses in particular areas and see where they may need additional support. However, a screening test is not a diagnostic tool. To qualify for things like extra time in exams, your child will need a full diagnostic assessment.
According to the NHS, you can ask for your child to be referred for assessment by a local authority educational psychologist or another specialist in dyslexia. However, waiting lists can be long and some local authorities don’t offer this, so you may find it easier to book a certified assessor yourself. Assessments can be costly, so check out dyslexia charities’ bursary, grant and awards schemes for families on a low income. You can also contact your child’s GP if you're still concerned, to check for other health problems that may impact your child’s ability to read or write.
How can I support my dyslexic child?
“Anything that aids self awareness is a good thing” – Kay Carter, CEO The Dyslexia Association
Supporting a dyslexic child is about understanding their unique way of learning, so try the following techniques to figure out how your child learns best:
- Multi-sensory learning techniques (combining visuals, text or touch).
- Breaking tasks into written bullet points or lists.
- Visual techniques like mind maps.
- Auditory learning through songs.
- Colourful charts and timetables.
- Supporting them with their organisational skills if needed.
Kay Carter adds that you should help your child to understand their strengths and concentrate on those at home, whether they’re good at design, problem solving, storytelling, drawing or making things: “It’s helping them to become more self aware. ‘What are you good at? What are you not so good at? What’s important to you?’ Anything that aids self awareness is a good thing.” She also recommends the use of assistive technology and subtitles on the TV.
As Dr Punam Krishan says: “With patience, encouragement and the right tools you can help them succeed on their own terms.”
There are more explainers from Dr Punam Krishan here:
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The language and guidance given in this content was based on advice from the NHS (and a GP) so is informed by the medical model of disability. It is, however, important to learn about the difference between the medical model and the social model of disability to have a broader awareness of how society understands and responds to disability.
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