It can be distressing to watch your child struggle at school.
You know they are intelligent, capable and trying their best. Yet reading, writing and spelling seem harder for them than for other children. Perhaps they are becoming frustrated, losing confidence, or starting to believe they are “not good enough.”
When children struggle with learning, parents often find themselves searching for answers. You may be wondering whether your child has dyslexia, whether they need a diagnosis, or what other options are available.
Each Child is Unique
While every child is unique, it can be helpful to look beyond the difficulties we see on the surface and consider the many factors that can influence learning.
Difficulties with reading and writing do not always tell the whole story. Learning is supported by a range of underlying skills, including attention, listening, visual processing, balance, coordination, emotional regulation and confidence. When some of these foundations are still developing, learning can become much more challenging.
Foundations for Learning: Vision, Balance and Listening
The articles below explore dyslexia from several different perspectives. Together, they offer a broader understanding of the factors that may influence learning, along with practical ideas for supporting your child.
These Might Help
My Child is Trying Hard at School but Still Falling Behind
When children are putting in plenty of effort but still struggling, it can be difficult to know what to do next. This article explores some of the reasons learning may feel harder than expected and offers practical questions for parents to consider, based on understanding the developmental foundations for learning.
My Child is Trying Hard at School but Still Falling BehindÂ
A “big picture” view of Dyslexia
Dyslexia – A Holistic View
Dyslexia is often described as a difficulty with reading, writing and spelling. This article explores a broader perspective, looking at the many factors that may influence learning and why applying a label may not always tell the whole story.
A Developmental Approach to Dyslexia
Learning is built on strong foundations built in infancy and early childhood. This article explores the role of early development, sensory-motor skills and developmental readiness, and how these foundations may influence a child’s ability to feel comfortable and learn in a classroom.
A Developmental Approach to Dyslexia
Questions About Diagnosis
Does My Child Need a Diagnosis of Dyslexia?
A diagnosis can provide understanding, access to support and reassurance for many families. At the same time, it may not answer every question about why a child is struggling at school. This article explores some of the benefits and limitations of diagnosis and why we need to still be able to see the child as an individual.
Does my Child Need a Diagnosis of Dyslexia?
Looking Beyond the Label
A “big picture” view invites parents to look beyond the label. Your child is a unique and gifted individual.
When we apply a label or diagnosis, it is tempting to focus on the problems, and lose sight of your child’s individual gifts and talents.
What may look like a problem to some, can appear as a gift to others. Perhaps your child’s restlessness might be disguising a gifted dancer, or athlete!
Whether your child has a diagnosis or not, rather than asking:
“What label applies to my child?”Â
We could also ask:
“How can I support my child’s gifts?”, and
“What does my child need in order to thrive as a individual?”
When we look beneath the surface and understand the whole child—their strengths, challenges, relationships, emotions and developmental foundations—it’s easier to see our child for who they really are.
Don’t we all want to feel seen, heard and understood?
If you are concerned about your child’s learning, behaviour or emotional wellbeing, you are welcome to reach out. Sometimes simply feeling heard and understood can help find a way forward.
