Is your child finding reading or writing difficult?
Are you wondering if they might be showing signs of dyslexia?
It can be worrying when your child is trying hard, but still struggling to keep up. You might notice frustration building—for both of you.
You’re not alone in this.
What You Might Be Noticing
You may recognise some of these signs in your child:
- losing their place when reading,
- skipping lines or words
- avoiding reading or writing tasks
- letter reversals
- difficulty copying from the board
- easily distracted or restless
- short attention span
- becoming tired quickly with written work
- watery or red eyes when reading
- covering one eye when reading
- complaining of headaches or blurred vision
- difficulty remembering what they have read
- seeming bright, but frustrated at not keeping up
These behaviours can be confusing—but they are often your child’s way of showing that something feels difficult.
The trick is recognising the signs.
Looking Beneath the Surface
Challenges with reading and writing are often linked to how a child is processing sensory information.
We take in information through our senses, and this is then processed by the brain.
Three key sensory systems support learning to read:
- visual processing– how your child processes what they see
- listening – how they process sounds and spoken language
- balance – which supports posture, coordination, and maintaining focus
When these systems are not working together smoothly, learning can be much harder.
What This Can Look Like in the Classroom
In a busy classroom environment, children are managing a lot at once.
They are:
- listening to and processing instructions
- tuning out background sounds
- processing visual information
- trying to stay focused
- navigating social connections
If a child feels overwhelmed or anxious, their nervous system may shift into a more reactive state.
You might notice:
- restlessness or fidgeting
- acting out
- daydreaming or “switching off”
This isn’t a lack of ability—it’s often a sign that their system is overloaded.
The Emotional Impact
When children see others learning more easily, they can begin to feel discouraged.
You might hear things like:
“I know I’m not dumb… so why can’t I read like the others in my class?”
Over time, this can affect confidence, self-esteem, and a willingness to try.
Supporting Your Child’s Development
The foundations for reading began very early in your child’s life.
Movement, play, and early sensory experiences all helped to build the pathways in the brain necessary for later learning.
Children often struggle in the classroom when there are gaps in the early foundations. The good news is that it’s possible to gently support and re-build them over time.
Areas That Can Be Supported
A simple assessment can help identify underlying areas where your child may be finding things difficult.
This might include:
- vision and visual processing
(tracking, focusing, coordinating the eyes) - hearing and listening
(making sense of sounds, blocking out background noise) - balance and coordination
(supporting posture and ability to sit still and pay attention)
Understanding these areas can help guide the next steps.
A Gentle, Relationship-Based Approach
Rather than focusing on diagnosis or finding labels for your child, it can help to look at what their body and behaviour are telling us.
A relationship-based, sensory approach supports both:
- your child’s development – sensory and motor skills
- and their emotional wellbeing
The aim is to build strong foundations for learning—at your child’s pace.
Creating a Safe Space for Learning
Children learn best when they feel safe, relaxed, and supported.
In a calm, playful environment, children can:
- explore
- build confidence
- develop new skills without feeling pressured
As Gabor Maté reminds us:
“It is play that builds the brains that school can then use.”
A Gentle Next Step
If your child is struggling with reading or you’re worried that may have signs of dyslexia, it can help to look a little deeper.
You don’t have to work this out on your own.
Counselling and parent coaching offer a supportive space to understand what’s happening for your child, and to explore gentle, practical ways forward.
You Might Also Find Helpful
- Why Is My Child Struggling to Read?
- How Can I Help My Child Learn to Read?
- Supporting Your Child’s Confidence at School
