What Is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. Individuals with dyslexia may have difficulty processing and remembering information they see and hear, which can affect learning and the acquisition of literacy skills. Dyslexia can also have an impact on other areas, such as organisational skills.

Thinking differently can be a positive attribute, and often, children with dyslexia have strengths in areas such as design, problem solving and creativity.

Each person with dyslexia will experience the condition in a way that is unique to them. As such, each person will show a unique set of strengths and challenges. However, if you know what to look for, there are common signs that can help you identify whether the difficulties experienced are consistent with a dyslexic profile. In such cases, further investigation could be beneficial.

What are the signs?

Primary School Aged Learners

  • Experience difficulties learning to read, write and spell.

  • Find it challenging to remember sequences such as the alphabet and months of the year.

  • Experience difficulties copying accurately from the board or textbook.

  • Experience difficulties remembering and following oral instructions.

  • Taking longer than average to get started or complete written work.

  • A discrepancy between their oral skills and the ability to record their thoughts on paper.

  • Experience a lack of self-confidence and increasing frustration.

  • In other ways be a bright and alert child.

Secondary School Aged Learners

  • A tendency to read inaccurately and without adequate comprehension.

  • Inconsistent spelling.

  • Difficulty with planning and writing essays.

  • Difficulty getting started and completing work.

  • A tendency to get ‘tied up’ using long words, e.g. preliminary, philosophical.

  • A tendency to confuse verbal instructions, places, times and dates.

  • Greater difficulty in learning a foreign language.

  • Low self-esteem.

  • Frustration which has led to behavioural or emotional difficulties.

  • Disorganised at home and school.

Concerned about your child's learning?

What Parents Are Saying…

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“Rachel is an excellent dyslexia assessor. She was fantastic with my son, who has ASD and ADHD. He really enjoyed his time with her and is still talking about her & the session —which is rare because he doesn’t usually warm up to many adults! She made him feel comfortable, understood his needs, and worked with him in a way that helped bring out his best. I truly appreciate the care and patience she showed, and I highly recommend her. Thank you 😊”

“I would highly recommend Rachel to assess and write a dyslexic report. My child had her assessment at age 9, she was very relaxed and comfortable in Rachel's home. Rachel explained the whole process very clearly to her. We were very pleased with the outcome and the recommendations made to improve my child’s learning.”.