Everything your family needs to know about dyslexia

Julia Smith

Julia Smith

Julia is a Sydney born-and-raised mum of three girls. With over twenty years in the media industry, including four years with parenting publishers, she’s passionate about creating entertaining content that connects with parents. When she’s not working or parenting, you’ll find her binge watching TV and revenge-procrastinating about bedtime… or nerding out at gigs...
Updated on Oct 31, 2024 · 7 mins read
Everything your family needs to know about dyslexia

Most people have heard of dyslexia, but it doesn’t mean much more to them than the punchline of a bad joke.


In reality, dyslexia is a very common learning difficulty that affects many children in Australia and around the world, and it’s more than just mixing up letters. 

Simply put, people with dyslexia have brains that process language differently and it can affect them their whole life. 

Dyslexia is a form of neurodiversity (like ADHD and autism). It’s a natural variation in how people’s brains function and process information, and isn’t something that can be “fixed”, but rather a different way of thinking and learning should be understood and supported. 

While dyslexia is often associated with reading, it can also affect writing, spelling, and even maths skills.

These days, we’re becoming more aware, and supportive of the different types of brains we all have. It’s so important for parents to be aware of the different types of dyslexia and how they manifest in children – for early diagnosis, intervention and support systems that help your child reach their full potential. 

What is dyslexia?


Dyslexia is a neurological condition that affects how people understand and process written and spoken language. 

Kids with dyslexia often have difficulty with reading fluency, decoding words, and spelling. In previous generations (i.e. ‘back in the day’) these kids wouldn’t have been considered ‘book-smart’, but it actually has nothing to do with their intelligence and desire to learn.

So many people with dyslexia are highly intelligent and incredible problem-solvers, with especially impressive creativity and visual thinking. Early recognition and support can make a world of difference for children with dyslexia, allowing them to thrive in their academic and personal lives.


Types of dyslexia


Dyslexia comes in several forms, each affecting different areas of learning. Here’s a breakdown of the key types:

Dyslexia (reading dyslexia or phonological dyslexia)

 This is the most well-known type of dyslexia. Children with reading dyslexia struggle with recognising words, reading fluently, and decoding text. They may take longer to read, mix up the order of letters, or have trouble connecting sounds to their corresponding letters.

Dysgraphia (Writing Dyslexia) 

Dysgraphia affects a child’s ability to write. This can show up as messy handwriting, difficulty spelling, and trouble organising thoughts on paper. Even though the child may have brilliant ideas, getting them down on paper can be a huge challenge. 

This type of dyslexia can make written tasks at school especially frustrating.

Dyscalculia (Math Dyslexia) 

Dyscalculia impacts a child’s ability to understand numbers and mathematical concepts. Children with this form of dyslexia might struggle with counting, understanding time, reading clocks, or grasping basic math operations like addition or subtraction.

Auditory processing disorder

This type of dyslexia affects how the brain processes sounds. Children with auditory processing disorder may have difficulty following spoken instructions, distinguishing between similar sounds, or remembering details of what they’ve heard. This can lead to challenges in reading, as well as understanding conversations and classroom discussions.

Visual Processing Disorder

Visual processing disorder affects how the brain interprets visual information. Children with this condition might have trouble distinguishing between letters or shapes, recognising words, or tracking text as they read. They might skip lines, reread sentences, or feel overwhelmed by large blocks of text.

Dyspraxia 

While not officially classified as a form of dyslexia, dyspraxia is often linked with it and involves difficulty with motor coordination. 

For children with dyspraxia, handwriting can be especially challenging, and tasks that require fine motor skills may take extra effort.


The Aussie stats


In Australia, dyslexia is one of the most common learning disabilities. Research suggests that around 10% of the population has dyslexia, and many cases go undiagnosed, particularly in rural and remote areas where access to resources may be more limited. 

This means that around 1 in 10 Australian children are likely to have some form of dyslexia, though the severity and specific challenges can vary widely from kid to kid.

While schools and parents are becoming more aware of dyslexia, it’s still underdiagnosed, especially in girls. 

Boys are more frequently diagnosed, as their difficulties tend to be more noticeable in classroom behaviour, while girls may mask, and quietly struggle without drawing as much attention.

Dyslexia and other neurodiversity

There is also a decent-sized overlap between ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and dyslexia. Research suggests that about 20-40% of people with ADHD also have dyslexia. 

Both conditions affect different areas of the brain – dyslexia primarily affects language processing, while ADHD impacts attention, focus, and impulse control. However, the combined presence of both can make it even harder for these kids at school, particularly in tasks that require prolonged attention to reading and writing.

While the overlap between autism and dyslexia is less common compared to ADHD, research has found that autistic individuals are also more likely to have dyslexia than the general population. 

Studies estimate that between 6-8% of people with autism also have dyslexia. Autistic people can have a range of language abilities, and those with dyslexia may struggle more with reading comprehension, decoding words, or processing written language.

Signs of dyslexia in children (common and lesser-known)


Dyslexia can present in many different ways. Some common signs include:

  • Difficulty learning to read or sounding out words
  • Trouble recognising letters or associating sounds with letters
  • Struggling to spell, even with simple or frequently used words
  • Avoiding reading or writing tasks
  • Difficulty following multi-step instructions
  • Poor handwriting or difficulty organising written work

Lesser-known signs can also be telling:

  • Trouble telling left from right or mixing up directions
  • Difficulty learning new languages or picking up on rhyming patterns
  • Problems understanding jokes or idioms
  • Difficulty with time management or keeping track of personal belongings
  • Struggles with organisation and sequencing (such as remembering steps in a process)

If you notice several of these signs in your child, it may be time to explore the possibility of dyslexia with a professional.

How to seek a diagnosis


Seeking a formal diagnosis is the first step to helping your child access the support they need. In Australia, parents can approach this in several ways:

1. Speak to your child’s teacher

 If you’ve noticed some of the signs of dyslexia, your child’s teacher is a great starting point. They may have already observed similar challenges and can refer you to school-based assessments or external specialists.

2. Consult a GP or paediatrician 

Your family doctor or paediatrician can refer you to a psychologist or an educational specialist for a formal assessment. They’ll likely conduct a series of tests to evaluate your child’s cognitive and learning abilities.

3. See a specialist educational psychologist 

Educational psychologists can provide a comprehensive diagnosis, offering insights into your child’s learning strengths and challenges. A full evaluation typically includes reading tests, memory assessments, and sometimes cognitive testing.

Support services and resources for dyslexia in Australia


Once a diagnosis has been made, support services are available to help your child navigate their learning challenges. These services can make a huge difference in their academic progress and confidence.

SPELD NSW & SPELD Victoria
SPELD (Specific Learning Difficulties) is an organisation that offers resources, workshops, and support for families and teachers. They also provide assessments and recommendations for support plans.

SPELD NSW: (02) 9739 6277

PELD Victoria: (03) 9480 4422

Dyslexia Australia
An organisation that provides assessments, resources, and information for parents, teachers, and schools on how to support children with dyslexia.

Contact: 1300 662 205

Website: www.dyslexia-australia.com.au

Learning Links
Learning Links offers support through assessments, tutoring, and therapy for children with learning difficulties.

Contact: 1300 003 900

Website: www.learninglinks.org.au

Wrapping it up


We’ve come a long way from the days when Dyslexia just meant muddling up letters or words. 

For those among us with Dyslexic brains, it can be super challenging – especially when the typical school system isn’t built to support neurodiverse brains – but with the right support and early intervention, children can thrive and develop strategies to manage their difficulties.

If you spot any of these signs in your child, don’t be scared to reach out and talk to someone about it. A teacher, GP, or one of the above services. 

Seeking a diagnosis is the best way to ensure your child receives the help they need to succeed, both in and out of the classroom.

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