What Is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. It occurs across the range of intellectual abilities and is best thought of as a continuum, not a distinct category.
Key characteristics include:
- Difficulties with phonological awareness (the ability to identify and manipulate sounds in words)
- Slow reading speed compared to peers
- Difficulties with spelling — often inconsistent, with the same word spelled differently on the same page
- Problems with working memory — holding information in mind while processing it
- Difficulties with sequencing — remembering the order of letters, numbers, or instructions
Importantly, dyslexia is not related to intelligence. Many people with dyslexia are exceptionally creative, strong problem-solvers, and talented in areas such as art, sport, engineering, and entrepreneurship.
Spotting the Signs
In early years (3-5):
- Difficulty learning nursery rhymes
- Slow to learn their name or the alphabet
- Family history of reading difficulties
- Difficulty with rhyming words
- Mixing up words (e.g. "flutterby" for "butterfly")
In primary school (5-11):
- Reading significantly below age expectations despite good teaching
- Confusing similar-looking letters (b/d, p/q)
- Very slow, effortful reading
- Good verbal abilities but poor written work
- Reluctance to read aloud
- Difficulty copying from the board
- Stronger understanding when listening than reading
In secondary school (11+):
- Avoiding reading and writing tasks
- Reading slowly and inaccurately
- Better at verbal explanations than written ones
- Difficulty organising written work
- Poor spelling that doesn't respond to conventional teaching
- Taking much longer than peers to complete work
Getting an Assessment
Through school
Schools can identify dyslexia-type difficulties through:
- Teacher observations and assessment
- Screening tools (e.g. dyslexia screening)
- Referral to an educational psychologist (EP) — this is the gold standard for formal identification
If you suspect dyslexia, speak to the school's Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo). They can arrange initial screening and, if appropriate, refer for a full assessment.
Private assessment
If the school is slow to act, you can arrange a private assessment with:
- A specialist assessor (qualified to Level 7 in dyslexia assessment)
- An educational psychologist
Private assessments typically cost £400-£700 but provide a comprehensive report with specific recommendations.
What Support Should School Provide?
Under the SEND Code of Practice, schools must:
- Identify the difficulty through the graduated approach (Assess, Plan, Do, Review)
- Provide targeted support — this might include: - Structured phonics programmes (e.g. Read Write Inc., Sounds-Write) - Multi-sensory teaching approaches - Coloured overlays or reading rulers - Assistive technology (text-to-speech software, audiobooks) - Additional time for written tasks - Alternative ways to record work (mind maps, voice recording)
- Monitor progress regularly and adjust support as needed
- Communicate with parents about what's working and what isn't
If school-level support isn't sufficient, you can request an EHC needs assessment (see our EHCP guide).
Practical Strategies for Home
Reading
- Audio books alongside printed text — listening while following the words builds fluency
- Choose high-interest, accessible books — graphic novels, Barrington Stoke (specialist publisher with dyslexia-friendly formatting)
- Read aloud to your child — even older children benefit from hearing fluent reading
- Don't force reading aloud if your child finds it stressful
Writing
- Use a keyboard — many children with dyslexia find typing easier than handwriting
- Voice-to-text software (built into most devices) for getting ideas down quickly
- Don't over-correct spelling in creative writing — prioritise content and ideas
- Mind maps and bullet points before writing help organise thoughts
Confidence
- Celebrate strengths — what is your child good at? Nurture those talents
- Talk about dyslexia positively — it's a different way of thinking, not a deficiency
- Connect with role models — Richard Branson, Steven Spielberg, Keira Knightley all have dyslexia
- Encourage independence — help your child develop their own strategies
Useful Resources
- British Dyslexia Association — comprehensive information and support
- Dyslexia Action — training and assessment
- Barrington Stoke — dyslexia-friendly books
- Nessy Learning — fun online learning programmes
- Visit our SEN guide on dyslexia for more information
Dyslexia doesn't define what your child can achieve — it changes how they get there. With the right support, children with dyslexia can thrive academically and develop the resilience and creativity that serve them brilliantly throughout life.