The International Dyslexia Association defines dyslexia as:
“A specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction.”
Whew — that’s a mouthful, right?
In simpler terms:
Dyslexia means the brain processes language differently.
It makes reading, spelling, and decoding words harder, but it has nothing to do with intelligence.
Let me say that again: dyslexia has nothing to do with how smart your child is.
Their brain isn’t broken — it’s simply wired differently.
They’re just taking a different path to get to the same destination.
And when given the right tools and teaching, children with dyslexia thrive — often in ways that might surprise you.
What Dyslexia Isn’t
Let’s bust some myths about dyslexia:
🚫 Dyslexia is not about being lazy.
🚫 Dyslexia is not something you “grow out of.”
🚫 Dyslexia is not linked to low intelligence.
Many children with dyslexia have remarkable intelligence and creativity.
The real problem?
Many traditional school methods do not align with how dyslexic brains learn best.
Sometimes, early signs are mistaken for “just needing more practice.”
But research tells a different story.
Recognizing the Signs of Dyslexia
In her book, Overcoming Dyslexia, leading researcher Dr. Sally Shaywitz highlights the common signs of dyslexia.
A child with dyslexia may:
Struggle to connect letters to sounds.
Find it hard to read simple, one-syllable words (like “bat,” “pit,” “hop”).
Complain that reading is “too hard” and avoid it.
Mispronounce unfamiliar words.
Pause or hesitate a lot when speaking.
Struggle to find the right word or confuse words that sound alike.
Make random guesses at words while reading.
Substitute, skip, or mispronounce words during oral reading.
Read choppily or with lots of stops and starts.
Struggle with spelling.
Have messy handwriting.
Show signs of low self-esteem.
If you’re nodding along to some of these, breathe.
You don’t have to figure it all out at once.
Small steps forward make a big difference.
When you look at these clues, it’s easy to understand why school can feel so overwhelming.
If you recognize your child in some of these signs, you’re not alone, and you haven’t missed the boat. Recognizing it now is powerful.
Why Dyslexic Learners Feel Exhausted
Imagine spending your entire school day working twice as hard — just to survive.
And even after all that effort, your child isn’t thriving — they’re simply surviving.
That’s what it’s like for a child with dyslexia.
By the end of the day, they’re drained.
No wonder some children say they hate school or think it’s “boring.”
Wouldn’t you feel the same if every assignment felt like pushing a boulder uphill, with no help, and everyone watching?
Understanding Behaviour
If your child is “always in trouble at school,” take a step back.
If reading and writing feel impossible, of course they’ll act out, fidget, distract, or avoid work.
It’s not about bad behaviour — it’s about coping.
When a child’s learning needs aren’t being met, the frustration has to go somewhere.
And sometimes, it shows up as behaviour challenges.
The Importance of Early Support
If your child has dyslexia — or you suspect it — early support can make all the difference.
And if you’re finding out now — no matter how old your child is — it’s still the right time.
It’s never too late for the right kind of support to make a difference.
The earlier we step in with the right approach, the easier it is for your child to build the skills they need to thrive.
Dyslexia often runs in families.
Sometimes when a child is diagnosed, it comes to light that a parent or grandparent struggled too — but back then, support wasn’t always available.
You’re not alone in this journey.
Every child’s path to reading success looks different — and that’s okay.
Dyslexia isn’t about being broken.
It’s about finding the right key to unlock reading in a way that finally makes sense.
The Reality About Schools and Dyslexia
Although research about dyslexia has been around for decades, surprisingly few teachers are trained to recognize or properly support it.
That’s why parent knowledge and advocacy matter so much.
You can be the person who changes the story for your child.
If your child is not in a dyslexia-focused school, they will need your help along the way.
You don’t need to be a reading expert to help your child. You need clear information, a few tools, and a heart that keeps showing up. And you already have that.
The Upside of Dyslexia
It’s not all doom and gloom. Dyslexia has its strengths, too!
Here are some signs of strength:
A great imagination
Ability to figure things out
Enjoyment of solving puzzles
Out-of-the-box thinking
Talent at building models (whether that’s planes, helicopters, or woodworking)
Ability to see the “big picture”
Strong listening comprehension
Talent in the arts or sports
What a Child with Dyslexia Needs to Succeed
Your child can thrive in literacy with the right support, no matter their starting point.
You should educate yourself. After all, you are their strongest advocate and biggest fan.
So where do you start?
Learn what kind of instruction dyslexic brains actually need.
It’s called Structured Literacy — and it’s a game-changer.
Structured Literacy teaches reading in a clear, step-by-step manner. It starts with sounds, progresses to words, and then to sentences.
It’s logical. Predictable.
And yes, there are ways you can support it at home, even if you’re not a teacher.
(You can read the complete Parent Guide here.)
If you’ve walked the path of disappointment with other methods, you’re not alone. True support isn’t a matter of working harder — it’s about working smarter.
If you want to know what Structured Literacy looks like at home, you’re in the right spot. I’ll make it simple for you as we go along.
One step at a time, one day at a time.
You can definitely ask questions such as: “What type of reading instruction is being used?” or “Is my child getting explicit phonics instruction?”
These are important questions, and I can help you know what to look for.
You might run into people who say things like “they’ll catch up” or “don’t label them.”
I’ve heard it all.
But knowing the truth about dyslexia isn’t about labels — it’s about opening doors.
You’re not overreacting. You’re advocating.
Final Words
Feeling unsure about how to start the conversation with your child?
Begin gently.
You could say, “Reading can be a tricky puzzle for you, can’t it? That’s not your fault. Your brain simply has its own unique learning style. Now that we’re aware, let’s find the right support together.”
It’s all about reassurance.
You and your child aren’t behind.
You’re exactly where you need to be — starting here, starting now.
And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
You don’t have to do everything at once — or break the bank. Start with what you can do right now: learn, ask questions, get support. I’ll guide you to the resources that make the most sense for your family.
There are incredible resources, strategies, and communities waiting to support you.
I know this can feel like a lot right now.
But I want you to know this: the moment you start learning, asking, exploring — you’re already doing something incredible.
You’re not behind.
You’re moving forward.
And most importantly — you’re not alone.
I’ll be right here, guiding you one step at a time.