As parents, we all want to see our children thrive and succeed in every aspect of their lives. When you notice your child struggling with reading, writing, or spelling despite their abilities and effort, it can be a challenging and emotional experience. Dyslexia, a common learning difficulty, affects many children and adults. It mainly causes problems with reading, writing, and spelling, impacting certain abilities essential for learning.
There are many successful people that have not let their dyslexia define them or hold them back. Such as;
Albert Einstein - Renowned physicist and mathematician known for his theory of relativity.
Walt Disney - Founder of the Disney empire and creator of beloved animated characters.
Steven Spielberg - Legendary filmmaker and director of blockbuster movies.
Richard Branson - Entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group.
Agatha Christie - Famous mystery writer known for her detective novels.
Jamie Oliver - Celebrity chef and restaurateur.
Harry Styles - Singer and former member of One Direction, also known for his solo music career.
Timothée Chalamet - Famous British actor.
Justin Bieber - Pop singer songwriter and model.
With the right support and understanding, your child can overcome these challenges and reach their full potential. In this article, we cover how to recognise the signs of dyslexia and how to support your child through their dyslexia journey.
Recognising the Signs of Dyslexia
Spotting the signs of dyslexia early can make a significant difference in your child’s educational experience. Here are some indicators to look out for at different stages:
Pre-School Aged Children *
Difficulty learning nursery rhymes
Trouble paying attention, sitting still, or listening to stories
Enjoys stories but shows no interest in letters or words
Struggles to learn the alphabet
History of slow speech development
Mixes up words (e.g. "cubumber" for "cucumber")
Difficulty keeping a simple rhythm
Finds it hard to follow multiple instructions at once but can manage smaller tasks
Forgets names of friends, teacher, or colours
Poor auditory discrimination
Confusion with directional words (e.g. up/down)
Family history of dyslexia or reading difficulties
Difficulty with sequencing tasks (e.g. arranging coloured beads)
Substitutes words (e.g. "lampshade" for "lamppost")
Appears not to be listening or paying attention
Inconsistent performance, with obvious 'good' and 'bad' days
Recognising potential speech and language challenges early on is incredibly valuable, as it gives us the opportunity to nurture a child's language abilities before they enter school. This early support plays a vital role in preparing them for successful reading and learning experiences as they grow.
Primary School-Aged Children*
Secondary School Aged Children*
Seeking a Diagnosis
If you suspect your child has dyslexia, seeking a formal diagnosis is a crucial step. In the UK, this can often be initiated through discussions with your child’s school. The Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) at the school can arrange for an assessment by an educational psychologist or a specialist dyslexia teacher. This assessment often doesn’t happen until the child is age 7, but may include cognitive testing, achievement testing, and a language processing assessment.
Samantha Lavender, Grace’s Special Needs and Neurodiversity Advice Manager says:
‘Remember, dyslexia is just one part of who your child is. Many successful individuals, including entrepreneurs, scientists, musicians and artists, have dyslexia and it hasn’t hindered their achievements. With patience, understanding, and the right support, your child can achieve their dreams and aspirations.
Embrace this journey with compassion and optimism. Your support and advocacy can make a world of difference in your child’s life, helping them navigate their challenges and celebrate their successes.’
How we can help.
We know that navigating 'the system', accessing assessments, and supporting your child can be frustrating and often feels like an uphill struggle.
Get in touch, and our dedicated team of Neurodiversity Advisers can provide you with the support you need.
*British Dyslexia Association https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/advice/children/is-my-child-dyslexic
Grace Consulting are the UK’s founding providers of expert independent advice on elderly care advice, special needs advice and neurodiversity advice.
Independence and client wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. We listen, reassure and advise you on how to move forwards and find the best possible solutions for your unique life challenges.
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