How Dyslexia Affects Learning and What You Can Do Next

Your child has just been diagnosed with a Specific Learning Disorder for Reading, otherwise known as dyslexia. But what does this actually mean for their learning, and what should you do next?

It’s likely that your child’s diagnostic report mentioned terms like phonological processing, working memory, or processing speed—but what do these mean, and how do they impact your child’s ability to read and learn? Let’s break them down and explore strategies to help your child succeed.

Understanding How Dyslexia Affects Learning

Dyslexia is not a lack of intelligence or effort—it’s a neurological difference that affects the way the brain processes language. Each child’s experience with dyslexia is unique, but here are some common challenges they may face:

1. Phonological Processing – “Why does my child struggle with sounding out words?”

Phonological processing refers to the ability to recognize and manipulate the sounds in words. If your child struggles to match letters to sounds or blend sounds together when reading, this could be a key reason. This difficulty makes it harder to decode words, which is why reading can feel slow and frustrating.

2. Working Memory – “Why does my child forget instructions so easily?”

Working memory helps us hold and manipulate information in our minds. If your child struggles with remembering multi-step directions, recalling spelling rules, or keeping track of what they’ve just read, working memory challenges could be at play.

3. Processing Speed – “Why does reading take my child so long?”

Processing speed is the rate at which the brain takes in and responds to information. A slower processing speed means that even when a child understands a concept, it might take them longer to read, comprehend, and respond—leading to frustration and fatigue.

4. Reading Fluency and Comprehension – “My child can read the words, but they don’t seem to understand the story.”

Because decoding takes so much effort, your child might struggle to read fluently, which can affect comprehension. By the time they reach the end of a sentence or paragraph, they may have lost track of the meaning.

5. Self-Esteem and Anxiety – “My child says they hate reading and school.”

When reading feels like a constant struggle, children with dyslexia may feel frustrated, embarrassed, or even begin to believe they aren’t smart. This can impact their confidence, motivation, and emotional well-being.

What You Can Do to Help Your Child Thrive

Now that you understand how dyslexia affects learning, the next step is to find ways to support your child and build their confidence. Here’s where to start:

1. Structured, Multisensory Phonics Instruction

The most effective way to support a dyslexic learner is through structured, evidence-based phonics programs. These programs systematically teach letter-sound relationships using a multisensory approach—engaging sight, sound, touch, and movement to help your child build reading skills.

2. Embrace Assistive Technology

There are many tools that can help your child read and write with greater ease:

• Text-to-Speech (TTS): Reads text aloud, helping with comprehension.
• Audiobooks: Allow your child to enjoy books at their intellectual level without the frustration of decoding.
• Speech-to-Text: Helps with writing by allowing them to dictate their thoughts instead of struggling with spelling.

3. Modify Learning Expectations (And Advocate for School Support)

Your child may need classroom accommodations, such as:

•  Extra time for reading and writing tasks
• Access to audiobooks and oral instructions
• The option to respond verbally instead of in writing
• Breaking assignments into smaller, manageable steps

4. Use Visuals, Hands-On Activities, and Games

Since dyslexic learners benefit from visual and kinesthetic learning, try using:

• Picture-based learning(mind maps, diagrams, and color coding)
• Hands-on activities(letter tiles, magnetic letters, sand writing)
• Games that reinforce phonics and spelling in a fun way

5. Foster a Growth Mindset

Your child needs to know that dyslexia does not define their intelligence or potential. Encourage them by:

• Celebrating effort over perfection
• Praising their strengths (creativity, problem-solving, storytelling)
• Helping them discover a love for stories through audiobooks and read-alouds

6. Build a Support System

You are your child’s biggest advocate! Seek out:

• Specialist tutoring or structured literacy programs
• Parent support groups for encouragement and resources
• Schools that provide accommodations and inclusive learning environments

Final Thoughts: Your Child CAN Succeed

A dyslexia diagnosis might feel overwhelming at first, but with the right support, your child can become a confident learner. They just need the right tools, strategies, and encouragement to unlock their potential.

If you’re looking for a parent-friendly phonics program to support your child at home, stay tuned! We’re launching an evidence-based, easy-to-use phonics program designed to make reading success achievable for every child.

If you need support for your child please contact us at admin@thereadingspecialists.org or click on the WhatsApp button to enquire for help.