​Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty (SpLD), impacting on a child's reading and writing ability, thought to affect about 10% of the population. Some of the main cognitive difficulties a child may experience are:

• Weaker verbal short-term and working memory

• Difficulties with phonological awareness (being able to blend, segment and manipulate the speech sounds they hear in words)

• Slower verbal processing speed

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​​​These difficulties are likely to affect an individual's spelling, reading and writing ability. For some individuals this can be quite mild, but for others there may be greater challenges. If your child is persistently struggling with their literacy attainment, despite appropriate educational opportunities and support, then this is likely to have an impact on their self-esteem. A diagnostic assessment will lead to your child having a better understanding of their differences and particular learning styles as well as their strengths.

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As well as difficulties with reading, spelling and writing, dyslexia can affect day-to day and classroom activities such as remembering a set of instructions, copying from the board, finding the correct words to use in conversation, as well as organisation. 

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Dyslexia is different in every individual and may change over the years depending on the level of support they receive, environmental factors and other possible co-occurring difficulties. 

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Dyslexia is not connected to a child's intellectual ability, and there are many strengths that a dyslexic child will have. It is important to focus on these strengths in order to develop strategies and techniques suited to their learning style.