If your child is struggling to read, parents sometimes start to wonder if they might be dyslexic.
You might find yourself asking:
- “Does my child have dyslexia?”
- “How would I know?”
These are common concerns, particularly when your child seems to be working hard but still finds reading difficult.
You may be looking for an explanation, or feeling lost and confused, wondering what you can do to help.
Understanding what might be happening for your child as a unique individual can be an important first step.
What Dyslexia Can Look Like
Dyslexia is a learning difference associated with difficulties in developing reading and spelling skills. It can look different between each child.
The term is often used for children who find reading difficult. However, not all children who struggle to read are necessarily dyslexic.
Learning to read may be a slow process, with children sometimes struggling to recognise the sounds represented by letters, sound out words or recognise familiar words. Spelling can also be difficult.
Some children lose their place on the page, skip lines or find reading and writing so frustrating that they begin to avoid them. Over time, this can affect their confidence, especially if they feel other children are finding reading easier.
These signs don’t automatically mean your child has dyslexia. They can, however, be a reason to look more closely at what might be making reading difficult.
Looking Beyond the Label
The term “dyslexia” can be helpful because it gives a name to a particular pattern of learning difficulties. But a label alone doesn’t tell us everything about a child’s experience or what kind of support they need.
Children with dyslexia may experience difficulties beyond reading and spelling. You might also notice challenges with other aspects of learning, such as working memory or maths. Some children may have difficulties with sensory processing, in areas such as balance, visual processing or auditory processing.
However, the name dyslexia doesn’t tell us everything about a child’s abilities, either. Your child may have particular strengths or talents in other areas. A quick search will bring up many well-known people who have achieved great things in their chosen fields despite having dyslexia.
It can be helpful to consider your child’s wider development. My experience as a developmental practitioner has focused on understanding the child as a whole, recognising their gifts as well as their challenges.
Rather than assuming there is one explanation for every child’s reading difficulties, we can begin by asking:
- “What is making reading difficult for this child?”
- “What is the best way to help them?”
Finding a Way Forward
If your child is struggling to read, you don’t have to work it all out on your own.
A closer look at your child’s reading development can help clarify where they are having difficulty and what support may be helpful. If dyslexia is a concern, an appropriate assessment can help explore this further.
Some children benefit from targeted reading instruction, while others may need additional support with other aspects of their learning and development.
The important thing is to understand your child’s needs as an individual, rather than assuming the same approach will work for everyone.
When children struggle with reading, they may start to realise that they are falling behind their classmates. At these times, they need support not only with their learning, but emotionally as well. Helping them to find things they are good at can help build confidence and self esteem.
Early identification and appropriate support can make a meaningful difference to a child’s learning experience and confidence as they grow.
Dyslexia can run in families. Perhaps you or other family members have experienced similar reading difficulties, too?
Reaching Out
If you are concerned about your child’s learning or behaviour, there’s no harm in reaching out for support.
Understanding your child’s difficulties early on can help you find ways to support their learning, wellbeing and confidence, and help them develop a positive understanding of themselves.
Together, we can explore your concerns, consider ways to support you and your child, and make sense of what they may be experiencing.
Perhaps this will involve finding ways to support their learning or, just as importantly, helping them recognise themselves as unique and talented individuals.
While classroom achievement may be important during your child’s school years, there are many other ways to find fulfilment and success throughout life.
You don’t have to figure this all out on your own.
