Dyslexia in Children

Understanding Dyslexia & How it Affects Learning

What is Dyslexia in Children?

If your child struggles with reading, spelling, or keeping up in school, you may wonder if dyslexia is the cause. Dyslexia often goes undiagnosed, leaving children feeling frustrated and anxious in academic settings. They may:

  • Read slowly and struggle with comprehension.
  • Spell words phonetically rather than correctly.
  • Find it hard to express ideas in writing.
  • Avoid reading aloud or completing homework.

However, dyslexia isn’t a sign of low intelligence – it’s a learning difference. Dyslexic children are often bright, creative, and intuitive thinkers who simply need the right tools to unlock their potential.

How do I know if it's dyslexia

How Do I Know If My Child Is Dyslexic?

Dyslexia in Children

Parents often ask: Is my child dyslexic? It’s a question Barbara Hoi, founder of Sydney Dyslexia, once asked herself about her own son. Despite his intelligence, he struggled in school, had poor marks in reading and comprehension, and found spelling difficult.

Through years of working with dyslexic children, Barbara realised that dyslexia is not a learning disability—it’s a learning difference. Dyslexic children think visually, and they thrive when taught using methods that align with their strengths.

  • They don’t need to be “fixed” – they need the right strategies.
  • Empowerment comes from tailored learning tools that improve focus and confidence.
  • A dyslexia assessment can help identify the best approach for your child.

Signs of Dyslexia in Children

Every child is different, but here are some common indicators of dyslexia:

Struggles with reading fluency & comprehension.

Spells words how they sound instead of correctly.

Finds writing frustrating and difficult to organise.

Excels in creative, hands-on, or intuitive tasks.

Becomes anxious or frustrated with schoolwork.

Avoids reading aloud or completing homework.

How We Can Help – Dyslexia Assessments for Children

Our assessments go beyond academic testing. We focus on understanding how your child learns best and creating a clear path forward.

During a Dyslexia Assessment, We Identify:

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Your child’s learning style - how they process information

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Their unique strengths and challenges

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Their level of motivation and readiness for change

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A personalised plan tailored to their needs

To book an assessment, click below or take a free online dyslexia test.

Dyslexia Training for Children

If your child is ready to make a change, our One Year School program provides structured, tailored support for visual and tactile learners.

  • One-on-one coaching & small Zoom classes.
  • Spelling, writing, and reading comprehension support.
  • Focus & attention strategies for ADHD & learning challenges.
  • Grammar, maths, and core academic skill-building.

Instead of struggling with traditional methods that don’t work for dyslexic learners, our program removes learning barriers and fosters confidence—all without medication.

From Struggle to Success: Real Stories of Dyslexic Children

Awarded school captain and speech contest winner

“Hi Barbara, I have finished all my words!!! And guess what, I have become school captain and won the speech contest. Thank you so much for everything.”
Sam - 11 years old

Former Client

Improved confidence, spelling and behaviour

Here are the changes I experienced: Isabella’s spelling improved exceptionally, her concentration became more focused, she is learning easier in class and became calmer. Barbara, I’ll add that Isabella’s behaviour is more rational, she very rarely becomes hysterical when stressed but is able to calm herself down or have the sense to remove herself from the stressful situation.
Lis

Mother of Isabella

Better confidence, attention and academic success

My son… had problems at school, academically (especially reading and spelling) and with his behaviour. He was put on Ritalin to contain his hyperactivity, but after … 9 months, his personality had changed dramatically, he had no appetite, slept badly and was apathetic. After finishing the course with Barbara, I noticed within two weeks a huge change in his confidence. The teacher also commented at the time about his improved attention span. Within that time, especially 3 – 4 months after starting, a real difference started to set in academically, which reflected in his school report. He started Year 5 in …a new school (who didn’t) notice any learning difficulties or signs of hyperactivity. He gets honours and credits on a regular basis, is very focussed and achieves highly in every aspect. Never went back on Ritalin. We are very happy.”

Margot

Mother of Daniel - 9 years old

Unlock Your Child’s Potential & Build Learning Confidence

The right support can turn frustration into confidence and success