What Dyslexia Looks Like in Children
If you are a parent and suspect that your child may have dyslexia, it is important to know what dyslexia looks like in children. While it’s not a disease or an illness, dyslexia can affect a child’s academic and personal development if not properly addressed.
In this blog, we will help you understand what dyslexia is and how it presents in children. We will also explore how a professional assessment can provide a clearer understanding of your child’s strengths, difficulties, and learning needs.
Please note: This blog is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or assessment. Dyslexia is a complex learning difficulty, and no checklist or online information can replace a comprehensive assessment by a registered psychologist.
What Is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental condition that primarily affects reading and spelling. It is linked to differences in how the brain processes language and written words and is not related to a child’s intelligence or effort.
Dyslexia may also co-occur with other learning difficulties, such as dyscalculia (difficulty with mathematics), dysgraphia (difficulty with writing), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Dyslexia Profiles and Areas of Difficulty
Dyslexia can present differently from one person to another, with some individuals experiencing greater difficulties in particular areas relating to reading or spelling. The following are a few dyslexia profiles and the areas of difficulty associated with each profile:
Phonological dyslexia: Involves difficulty processing the sounds in words, which can make decoding unfamiliar words challenging.
Surface dyslexia: Refers to difficulty recognising familiar words by sight. A child may rely more heavily on sounding out words and have greater difficulty with irregular words that do not follow common spelling patterns.
Rapid naming deficit: Involves difficulty quickly naming familiar items such as letters, numbers, colours, or objects, which can affect reading speed and fluency.
Double deficit dyslexia: refers to a combination of phonological difficulties and slow naming speed. This profile involves difficulties in both areas that are associated with reading development.
Not every child will fit into one category. Many present with overlapping characteristics, which is one reason a thorough professional assessment is important.
What Dyslexia Looks Like: Common Signs in Children
Knowing what dyslexia looks like in practice can help parents determine whether a professional assessment may be needed. It is important to note that the presence of some of these signs does not confirm a diagnosis. Only a registered psychologist can properly assess dyslexia. That said, the following are some commonly observed signs.
In reading:
Difficulty sounding out unfamiliar words
Reading slowly or with more effort
Difficulty recognising words accurately
Difficulty reading unfamiliar or longer words
Difficulty developing reading fluency
In spelling and writing:
Inconsistent spelling, including spelling the same word differently
Difficulty remembering how words are spelt
Leaving out, adding, or changing letters or sounds in words
Difficulty putting ideas into writing
In general learning:
Difficulty remembering sequences, such as the days of the week or the alphabet
Difficulty recognising or working with the sounds in words
Difficulty learning letter names and the sounds they represent
Taking longer than expected to complete reading or writing tasks
These signs can vary from child to child and may differ in how they affect day-to-day learning. Some children may also develop strategies that make their difficulties less noticeable. If concerns about reading or spelling persist, a formal assessment can help clarify the nature of the difficulties and identify the support a child may need.
How Is Dyslexia Assessed at Adelaide Clinical Psychology?
At Adelaide Clinical Psychology, our registered psychologists conduct thorough dyslexia assessments using evidence-based assessment tools. The process is structured with your child’s comfort in mind, with testing conducted in a calm, comfortable, and distraction-free environment.
Here is what the assessment process looks like:
Step 1: Intake Call
The process begins with an intake call with our Client Concierge, Candy Elliot. With a background in psychotherapy, Candy is available to answer questions you may have about the assessment process and help determine whether an assessment is appropriate for your child.
Step 2: Online Clinical Interview With Parents
A structured clinical interview is conducted with parents and teachers to gather detailed background information. This includes developmental history, school observations, and any past assessments or reports.
Step 3: Testing and Assessment
The child attends an assessment session with one of our registered psychologists. Using standardised psychometric tools, the psychologist assesses areas including reading, writing, working memory, processing speed, and other cognitive and academic skills. Our psychologists take a warm and supportive approach, helping the child feel comfortable throughout the session.
Step 4: Analysis of Results and Written Report
Once testing is complete, the psychologist analyses the results and prepares a comprehensive written report. This document outlines the findings and includes tailored recommendations for support at school and home.
Step 5: Online Feedback Session
A feedback session is held with the child and their parents to discuss the report findings in detail. This is an opportunity to ask questions, understand the results, and gain practical guidance on next steps. Our team takes the time to ensure the process is clear, informative, and helpful.
Take the Next Step
If you have been wondering what dyslexia looks like in practice, or if you have concerns about your child’s reading and writing development, a formal assessment from a registered psychologist can provide a clearer understanding of their difficulties.
At Adelaide Clinical Psychology, our team of kind and welcoming psychologists takes a supportive approach to dyslexia assessments. We strive to conduct a thorough, evidence-based assessment, ensuring each child feels comfortable throughout the process.
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