Suspect Your Child Has Dyslexia? 7 Steps Parents Can Take Right Now

If you’ve noticed your child struggling with reading, spelling, or remembering what they’ve learned, you might be wondering: Could my child be dyslexic? It’s natural to feel worried or even a little overwhelmed. But the good news is that dyslexia is well-understood, and with the right support, children with dyslexia can thrive. Taking action early makes a big difference and these practical steps will help you move forward with confidence.

Step 1: Recognise the Signs

Every child is unique, but there are some common signs that may suggest dyslexia. These can look different depending on your child’s age:

• Difficulty sounding out words or recognising familiar ones.

• Struggling to remember sequences, such as days of the week or the alphabet.

• Avoiding reading or writing tasks.

• Slow reading speed, even with familiar books.

• Spelling words differently each time.

Remember, dyslexia is about differences in how the brain processes language, not about intelligence. Many children with dyslexia are highly creative and have strong problem-solving skills.

Step 2: Keep Records of What You Notice

If you suspect dyslexia, it’s helpful to keep a log of:

• Examples of your child’s writing or spelling.

• Feedback from teachers or homework notes.

• Your own observations of when reading or writing seems hardest.

This information will be valuable when you speak to your child’s school or consider an assessment. It helps professionals see patterns and understand your child’s strengths and challenges.

Step 3: Speak to the School

The next step is to have an open conversation with your child’s teacher or the school SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator).

Depending on what the school says and your own feelings after that conversation, you may want to consider arranging a more detailed dyslexia screener or full diagnostic assessment. This could be through the school (if available) or privately for a faster and more in-depth understanding of your child’s learning profile.

Step 4: Consider a Dyslexia Assessment

A full diagnostic assessment can give you a clearer picture of your child’s learning profile. This can:

• Confirm whether your child has dyslexia.

• Identify their strengths and needs.

• Provide recommendations for support at home and school.

You can request an assessment via the school, but waiting times can be long. Many parents choose a private assessment with a specialist assessor or educational psychologist for faster results.

Step 5: Support Your Child at Home

Whether or not you have a formal diagnosis yet, you can start making small changes to help your child right away:

• Use multi-sensory learning: combine sight, sound, and movement when learning new words.

• Break tasks into small steps: this makes learning less overwhelming.

• Read together daily: let them read part of the book and you read the rest to keep it enjoyable.

• Play word and memory games: to build skills in a fun way.

The key is to keep learning positive so your child doesn’t lose confidence.

Step 6: Build Your Child’s Confidence

Dyslexia can sometimes affect self-esteem, especially if your child feels “different” from classmates.

Remind them that everyone learns in their own way, and many successful people have dyslexia, from entrepreneurs to authors and inventors.

Praise effort, not just results, and celebrate progress, however small. A confident, motivated child is far more likely to succeed.

Step 7: Learn and Connect

The more you understand about dyslexia, the better you can support your child

• Read books and guides on dyslexia.

• Join online parent groups or local support networks.

• Explore reputable websites like the British Dyslexia Association and PATOSS.

Connecting with other parents can give you encouragement, ideas, and reassurance that you’re not on this journey alone.

Final Thoughts

If you suspect your child has dyslexia, the most important thing is to take action. If you’d like tailored advice or to arrange a dyslexia assessment, I can help. Together, we can understand your child’s learning profile and create a plan that builds on their strengths.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re concerned about your child’s reading, spelling, or learning, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

At Flourish Dyslexia, I offer professional, full diagnostic dyslexia assessments for children, giving you a clear understanding of their strengths and challenges, along with practical, tailored recommendations for home and school.

Visit my website to learn more about how I can support your family: www.flourishdyslexia.com