Understanding Dyslexia

Dyslexia is much more than simply having difficulty with spelling. Children with dyslexia can struggle to remember spelling patterns and high-frequency words, even after lots of practice. They may also have difficulty reading unfamiliar words and sounding them out, despite having been taught phonics.

What can be particularly frustrating is that these children are often bright, capable and intelligent, yet their reading and spelling difficulties can make schoolwork much harder than expected. The gap between their abilities and their performance can be confusing and discouraging, and over time this can affect their confidence and self-esteem.

Dyslexia can look different from one person to another. It often runs in families, and some people experience it more significantly than others. A child may have difficulty with reading and spelling, while another may experience challenges with working memory, processing, organisation or sustaining attention.

Dyslexia Comes With Strengths Too

Dyslexia isn't just about difficulties. Many dyslexic people have wonderful strengths, including:

Creative and imaginative thinking
Problem-solving and seeing things differently
Strong visual-spatial and 3D thinking
Artistic and musical ability
Mechanical and practical skills
Strong people skills
Entrepreneurial and big-picture thinking

These strengths can be valuable in many different areas, including engineering, architecture, construction, mechanics, design, computing, photography, teaching, marketing, sales, real estate, carpentry, hair design and many other creative and practical careers.

At Reading Works, the aim isn't to change the way a child thinks. It's to work with the way their brain learns, provide the right tools and teaching, and help them discover just how capable they really are.

Could This Be Dyslexia?

No two people with dyslexia are exactly alike. Dyslexia can range from mild to more significant, and children may experience some signs but not others. Some children with dyslexia also have ADHD or other learning difficulties.

Reading & Spelling

Difficulty sounding out unfamiliar words
Slow or hesitant reading
Difficulty remembering spelling words from week to week
Inconsistent spelling, even of common words
Difficulty getting ideas down on paper

Writing & Motor Skills

Difficulty with handwriting or copying
Difficulty with fine-motor skills such as tying shoelaces or doing up buttons
Difficulty telling left from right

Memory & Learning

Needs lots of repetition to remember new learning
Difficulty following instructions or remembering sequences
Takes longer to process information
Difficulty remembering times tables and basic maths facts

Organisation

Difficulty with time management and organisation
Can become overwhelmed or lose focus when learning is difficult or under pressure

These signs don't necessarily mean a child has dyslexia, but if you recognise several of them, it may be worth looking into further. With the right teaching and support, children with dyslexia can learn and thrive.

When Learning Becomes Harder

Difficulties can become more noticeable when a child is tired, under pressure, confused or working against the clock. A child may appear to switch off, avoid difficult tasks or lose confidence when learning becomes frustrating.

These signs don't necessarily mean a child has dyslexia, but they can be useful indicators that a different approach to learning may be needed.

At Reading Works, I look at where a student is struggling and work from there, using structured, multi-sensory teaching to help them build the skills they need.