3 Children, young people and dyslexia

Recognising the signs of dyslexia early in a child’s education is crucial for providing the necessary support and interventions. While teachers and Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCo) play a vital role in this process, for a wide range of reasons children are not always diagnosed as being dyslexic in schools. Parents can take proactive steps by familiarising themselves with the characteristics of dyslexia and engaging in open dialogue with educators about their child’s needs. Additionally, seeking advice from organisations like the British Dyslexia Association can provide further guidance and resources to support a child suspected of dyslexia.

There may be other reasons why a child is not tested for dyslexia at school, despite them struggling with some of the basics. This might be because there are costs to the school once your child is recognised as having dyslexia, as at this point, your child’s education will fall under the SEND Code of Practice, which sets out guidance on the special educational needs and disability (SEND) system for children and young people aged from 0 to 25, as well as being covered by The Disability Act 2016. This means that the school must act and provide your child with the correct interventions to help them succeed academically. If your child is not recognised as having a Special Need or formally diagnosed as dyslexic, then they are not covered by these statutory acts and the cost to the school is less.

As you’ve learned, the impact of undiagnosed learning difficulties on children can be profound, affecting not only their academic performance but also their mental health and social interactions. Without proper diagnosis and support, children may experience increased frustration, leading to behavioural issues that can result in exclusion from school settings. Early identification and tailored educational strategies are crucial for these children to thrive and reach their full potential, highlighting the importance of awareness and resources for learning difficulties. The BDA provide a wealth of guidelines and tips on how one can support their child with homework, reading, handwriting, etc.