How do you know if your child is dyslexic?

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that affects reading and related language-based processing skills. It is characterised by difficulties with accurate and fluent word recognition, poor spelling, and decoding (the ability to convert letters into sounds). These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive skills and the provisions of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.

Here are some signs and symptoms that may indicate dyslexia in children:

- Difficulty learning to read and write

- Slow and inaccurate reading

- Difficulty with spelling

- Difficulty with rhyming words

- Difficulty with letter-sound association

- Difficulty understanding what they read

- Difficulty with comprehension and summarisation of text

- Confusion with similar words

- Frequent skipping, repeating, adding or substituting of words

- Lack of awareness of their own errors

It's important to note that these signs and symptoms may also be associated with other learning difficulties or conditions, so a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional, such as a developmental psychologist, educational psychologist or speech-language pathologist, is necessary to confirm a diagnosis of dyslexia.