What Parents Often Notice

You might be seeing things like:

• Difficulty recognising letters or sounds
• Struggling to sound out words
• Reading slowly or guessing words
• Avoiding reading altogether
• Difficulty remembering words they’ve already learned
• Becoming frustrated or upset during reading tasks

These challenges can look different depending on your child’s age and stage of learning.

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Is This Normal or Something More?

It’s normal for children to take time to learn to read. However, it may be worth exploring further if:

• Reading is significantly harder than for other children the same age
• Progress seems very slow over time
• Your child becomes distressed or avoids reading tasks
• Difficulties continue despite practice and support

In some cases, ongoing reading challenges may be linked to a learning difficulty such as dyslexia.

Specific Learning Disorder Support

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Common Reasons Children Struggle to Read

1. Learning to Read Takes Time
Some children simply need more time, repetition, and support to build early literacy skills.


2. Gaps in Foundational Skills
Reading relies on several underlying skills, including:

• Phonological awareness (understanding sounds in words)
• Letter recognition
• Memory and processing skills

Difficulties in these areas can make reading harder.


3. Dyslexia (Specific Learning Disorder in Reading)
​Dyslexia is one of the most common causes of persistent reading difficulties.
Children with dyslexia may:

• Have trouble decoding words
• Struggle with spelling
• Read slowly and with effort

Learn More about Dyslexia Support

4. Attention and Concentration Difficulties
Some children find it hard to focus on reading tasks, which can impact progress over time.

5. Confidence and Emotional Factors
If reading feels difficult, children may:

• Avoid practice
• Become frustrated
• Lose confidence

This can create a cycle where reading becomes even harder.

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Signs Your Child May Need Extra Support

​It may be helpful to explore support if your child:

• Is not recognising common words
• Struggles to connect sounds to letters
• Avoids reading tasks regularly
• Is falling behind at school
• Becomes upset or frustrated with reading

Signs of Dyslexia by Age

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What To Do Next (Step-by-Step)

​1. Speak with Your Child’s Teacher

• Ask how your child is progressing
• Understand what support is already in place

2. Support Reading at Home

• Keep reading sessions short and positive
• Focus on encouragement rather than pressure
• Read together regularly

3. Monitor Progress Over Time

• Are skills improving with support?
• Are the same challenges continuing?

4. Consider Professional Support
If concerns continue, support from allied health professionals can help identify underlying challenges and provide strategies.

5. Consider an Assessment
A formal assessment can:

• Identify strengths and difficulties
• Clarify whether a learning disorder such as dyslexia may be present
• Guide targeted support strategies

How to Get a Learning Assessment in WA

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How We Can Support Your Child

Occupational Therapy (OT)

• Visual processing and tracking
• Attention and task engagement
• Supporting participation in school tasks

​Speech Pathology (SP)

• Reading and literacy development
• Phonological awareness
• Language comprehension

Psychology Assessments

• Cognitive and academic assessments
• Identification of learning disorders such as dyslexia
• Clear reports for school support

Counselling Support

• Building confidence around learning
• Managing frustration and anxiety
• Supporting emotional wellbeing

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

• Understanding avoidance behaviours
• Supporting engagement in reading tasks
• Practical strategies for home and school

​
School & Parent Support

• Strategies for home reading
• Collaboration with teachers
• Building consistent routines

Telehealth Across WA

• Access support from anywhere
  
• Flexible options for families
  

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When to Seek Help
​
​You don’t need to wait for your child to fall further behind.
It may be helpful to seek support if:

• Reading difficulties are ongoing
• Your child is becoming frustrated
• Progress is slower than expected

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Not Sure?
​
If you’re unsure what’s causing your child’s reading difficulties, we can help guide you through the next steps.
Contact us to get started
Ask about reading support or assessments
Access services across Perth, Mandurah, and WA

​Book a free 20-minute call with our team

Our team is here to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us an email here

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Have a question? or need more information

Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us a message

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Phone: 08 9586 3934

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