What is dyslexia and does my child have it?

By April 23, 2017 September 5th, 2024 Dyslexia
A child with dyslexia finding it hard to learn to read and spell

Understanding Dyslexia: How OneOnOne Children’s Therapy Can Help

Many people have heard the term “dyslexia,” but it is often misunderstood. Dyslexia refers to a pattern of learning difficulties associated with poor reading and spelling abilities. At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy in Bondi Junction and Mascot, we specialise in diagnosing and supporting children with dyslexia, helping them overcome challenges and thrive academically.

How is Dyslexia Diagnosed?

In our Bondi Junction and Mascot clinics, we use the DSM-5 description to diagnose dyslexia. Dyslexia is identified as a specific learning disorder with impairments in:

  • Word reading accuracy
  • Reading rate or fluency
  • Comprehension of what is being read

Reading is a complex process, and different children can have trouble with various parts of this process. When diagnosing dyslexia, we assess two main reading pathways: the Non-Lexical Pathway and the Lexical Pathway.

The Two Pathways for Reading

Non-Lexical Pathway (Phonological Dyslexia)

The non-lexical pathway involves sounding out words. Children use this pathway to decode words by recognising letters and blending sounds together.

Challenges with the Non-Lexical Pathway:

  • Recognising letters: Difficulty in identifying letters correctly.
  • Remembering sounds: Struggling to remember the sounds associated with letters, especially complex ones like ‘ou’, ‘igh’, and ‘ough’.
  • Blending sounds: Finding it hard to blend individual sounds together to form words.
  • Sustaining skills: Difficulty maintaining these skills over longer reading periods.

Lexical Pathway (Surface Dyslexia)

The lexical pathway involves recognising whole words quickly and matching them to their meanings. This pathway helps children read fluently without needing to sound out every word.

Challenges with the Lexical Pathway:

  • Sounding out words: Relying heavily on sounding out words instead of recognising them instantly.
  • Recognising whole words: Difficulty in quickly recognising whole words.
  • Matching meanings: Struggling to match recognised words to their meanings promptly.
  • Comprehension: Reading words correctly but having limited understanding of what they are reading.

Mixed Dyslexia

Some children may experience challenges with both reading pathways. This means they might struggle with both phonological and surface dyslexia, making reading even more challenging.

What To Do If You Suspect Dyslexia

If you’re concerned about your child’s reading abilities, the next step is an assessment. Dyslexia presents differently in each child, and targeting the specific area of reading that is breaking down is crucial. This is why an assessment is critical. The most effective reading programs are evidence-based and tailored to the child’s specific needs. We also want to diagnose dyslexia so we can support each child emotionally.

Our Approach: Sounds Write

At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, our Speech Pathologists use the Sounds Write approach, which is backed by extensive research and best practice literacy instruction. Sounds Write is effective for children of all ages, from early learners to high school students, who need to develop functional reading skills.

Why Sounds Write?

Sounds Write is recognised by leading reading scientists and reflected in major literacy reports, including:

  • US National Reading Panel (2000)
  • Australian National Inquiry into the Teaching of Literacy (2005)
  • UK Rose Report (2006)

This approach is designed to help children acquire the basic skills needed for effective reading, focusing on both whole word recognition and phonics.

Early Intervention is Key

If you are concerned about your child’s literacy, early diagnosis is essential. Sounds Write can be used with children before they start school if their early literacy skills are slower to develop.

We’re Here to Support You

At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to grow and thrive. Our clinics in Bondi Junction and Mascot are not just spaces for therapy—they are places where children can discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential. We offer a holistic approach to dyslexia therapy and early intervention, addressing the unique needs of each child we support.

Reach Out for Support

If you’re concerned about your child’s literacy or want to learn more about how our Speech Pathology services and the Sounds Write approach can help, OneOnOne Children’s Therapy is here to assist.

Contact Us Today

Call us at (02) 8065 7837 or email us. You can also book a free 30-minute phone call to discuss how we can support your child’s unique journey.

We are a dedicated team of Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Psychologists, serving families in Bondi Junction and Mascot, Sydney’s Eastern suburbs. Our clinics provide exceptional intervention for children with learning difficulties, autism, developmental delays, and disabilities, ensuring they receive the best possible care and support. You can red more about dyslexia in our blogs.

Take the first step towards empowering your child with the skills they need to succeed. Contact us today and see how we can make a difference!