Dyslexia: What It Is and Getting Help

Dyslexia is a common learning difference that affects the way children process language, particularly in reading, writing, and spelling. It’s estimated that up to 10-15% of the population has dyslexia, making it one of the most prevalent learning challenges in schools today. Despite its frequency, dyslexia is often misunderstood, and children with dyslexia will struggle without proper support.

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a specific learning difference that primarily affects reading and language processing. It is not related to intelligence, but rather involves difficulty with phonological processing, word recognition, and decoding skills. Children with dyslexia may struggle with reading fluency, spelling, and writing, which can impact their overall academic performance. 

It can also affect other subjects such as maths. Some children with dyslexia find it hard to recall patterns or sequences of numbers (such as their times tables). 

Dyslexia can also impact on a child’s ability to organise themselves independently as it can affect their working memory. Approximately 10% of us have weak working memory; however, the estimates of the percentage of weak working memory in students with specific learning disorders, including dyslexia, ranges from 20 to 50 percent.

There is also a hereditary aspect of dyslexia. About 40% of siblings of children with dyslexia also have reading challenges, A child with an affected parent has a propensity of 40–60% to develop dyslexia.

Over 80% of dyslexic children leave school without a diagnosis. It’s clear that more needs to be done to address the educational costs of dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties.

The non-diagnosis of dyslexia can have far-reaching consequences for some of the population.

Signs of Dyslexia in School-Aged Children

Dyslexia can present itself differently from one child to another, but common signs include:

• Difficulty with phonics
• Slow reading speed
• Trouble with spelling
• Challenges with writing, such as reversing letters or putting the letters of a word in the wrong order.

In younger children, dyslexia may show up as difficulty learning letter sounds, delayed speech, or trouble with rhyming. You may find that you have a child who is a ‘sight reader’ and has learnt to recognise words ‘as a whole’ from repeated, high-frequency exposure to them, rather than learning to read them through the school’s phonics teaching. This can also be another sign of dyslexia.

As children progress through school, they may have trouble reading aloud, mix up similar words, or avoid reading altogether. These challenges can also impact maths, as dyslexic children might struggle with recalling number patterns, word problems, sequencing numbers, or remembering instructions.

How Dyslexia is Diagnosed

Early identification of dyslexia is crucial to provide the right support and intervention. A child can only be diagnosed with dyslexia through a Diagnostic Assessment. These are usually only carried out from 7 years old. This is so potential delays in other developmental areas can be ruled out. Teachers, parents, and specialists all play a role in identifying signs of dyslexia. A formal diagnosis is usually made through a comprehensive evaluation that may include reading tests, phonological awareness assessments, and cognitive processing measures. Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention, which can significantly improve a child’s learning experience.

Dyslexia in Schools

As children progress through school, there is less emphasis on multi-sensory learning and more on visual and auditory learning. This means that many learners with dyslexia who rely on ‘hands-on’ may become disengaged as they cannot access the curriculum in the same way as their peers.

The pressure on schools and their staff continues as funding for training and development in SpLD (Specific Learning Difficulties) is severely lacking. This means it may not be the case that the school approaches the parent with concerns or signs of dyslexia in your child. Only 3% of schools in the UK screen for dyslexia. According to a report from, ‘Made by Dyslexia’, only 1 in 10 teachers in the UK have a good understanding of dyslexia.  

If you have noticed some signs of dyslexia in your child, it is always worth pursuing your thoughts and concerns with a professional.

Nevertheless, many local authorities/ schools aim to provide ‘dyslexia-friendly’ learning environments. However, as dyslexia can vary from child to child, such accommodations can not be a ‘one size fits all’ approach. More training and development in staff is much-needed if dyslexia is going to be fully understood in schools and children with dyslexia receive the much-needed support they deserve.

In 2023, The British Dyslexia Association responded to the Government’s SEND and Alternative Provision Plan, stating:

“…..better support for children with dyslexia and other Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) in schools will require training for all classroom teachers and for all teaching assistants… the Plan contains no commitment to require SEND CPD for the general workforce in schools which is a missed opportunity. The Plan only talks about publishing ‘practice guides’ which does not equate to proper professional training.”

Effective Learning Strategies for Dyslexic Students

Schools can provide various accommodations to support dyslexic students, such as extra time on tests, the use of audiobooks, or access to technology that assists with reading and writing. Educators can adopt teaching strategies that incorporate multi-sensory learning—engaging visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities to reinforce learning.

Children with dyslexia often benefit from multi-sensory learning techniques, where information is presented in multiple ways, such as through visual aids, hands-on activities, and auditory input. Assistive technology, like speech-to-text software and audiobooks, can also help dyslexic students overcome reading challenges. 

The Emotional Aspect: Encouraging Confidence and Resilience

Dyslexia can affect more than just academics—it can also impact a child’s self-esteem. Children with dyslexia may feel frustrated, anxious, or embarrassed about their struggles in school. It is essential that families and schools create a supportive environment that celebrates their progress and focuses on their strengths. Encouraging self-advocacy skills and teaching children how to express their needs can empower them and build resilience.

Is it all bad news?

Emphasising strengths, such as creativity and problem-solving, helps boost confidence and encourages children to explore their unique talents.

Dyslexia is a lifelong condition, but with the right support and strategies, children with dyslexia can thrive academically and emotionally. Awareness, early intervention, and a compassionate approach are key to helping dyslexic students succeed. By embracing their strengths and supporting their challenges, parents and educators can make a significant difference in the lives of children with dyslexia.

Getting Help

If your child is struggling in school and displaying common symptoms of dyslexia, it’s worth having a conversation with your child’s teacher and GP. They will be able to provide further resources and strategies to help at home. 

At Carrie Burke Tutor Work, we always take your child’s learning needs into consideration when matching them with their tutor and classes. We also regularly partner with the amazing team at Inspire 321 SEND consultants, who provide specialised support, advice, and guidance for families experiencing challenges in their learning experience. 

If you have any questions about dyslexia or finding a SEND tutor, our inbox is always open!