Dyslexia
Detailed Description
Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder that affects reading and related language-based processing skills. It is characterised by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition, poor spelling, and decoding abilities.

Early Signs (Preschool)
Delayed Speech Development: Later than typical talking milestones and difficulty pronouncing words.
Difficulty Learning Letters: Struggles to recognise letters, learn the alphabet, or connect letters to sounds.
Rhyming Challenges: Difficulty recognising or generating rhyming words.

School-Age Signs
Reading Difficulties: Slow and laborious reading, often guessing words or skipping parts of words.
Poor Spelling: Inconsistent or incorrect spelling, often phonetic in nature (e.g., “sed” for “said”).
Problems with Reading Comprehension: Difficulty understanding what has been read despite being able to read the words.
Avoidance of Reading: Reluctance to read aloud or for pleasure due to the effort involved.
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Other Related Signs
​Writing Challenges: Poor handwriting, difficulties with spelling, and trouble organising thoughts on paper.
Memory Issues: Difficulty remembering sequences, such as the alphabet, days of the week, or maths facts.
Directionality Confusion: Mixing up left and right, and struggling with concepts of time and sequencing.

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Support Strategies for Children with Dyslexia
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Enhancing Reading Skills
Multisensory Instruction: Use multisensory teaching methods that engage visual, auditory, and kinesthetic-tactile pathways simultaneously.
Phonics-Based Programs: Implement structured phonics programs to improve decoding skills.
Guided Reading Practice: Provide guided reading practice with appropriate levelled books.
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Supporting Writing and Spelling
Explicit Spelling Instruction: Teach spelling rules explicitly and use visual aids like word walls.
Graphic Organisers: Use graphic organisers to help structure written work and organise thoughts.
Assistive Technology: Incorporate assistive technology such as speech-to-text software, audiobooks, and spelling and grammar checkers.
Academic AccommodationsExtended Time: Allow extra time for reading assignments and tests.
Reading Supports: Provide text-to-speech software or audiobooks for reading assignments.
Modified Assignments: Adjust the length and complexity of reading and writing assignments.
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Building Self-Esteem
Strength-Based Approaches: Focus on the child's strengths and talents to build confidence and motivation.
Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement to celebrate achievements and progress.
Support Groups: Connect the child with support groups or peer mentoring programs for children with dyslexia.

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Steps to Get a Diagnosis for Dyslexia
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1.Observing Signs and Symptoms:
Parents and caregivers should keep a detailed record of their child's reading and writing challenges, including any difficulties with phonics, spelling, and comprehension.
2.Consult an Occupational Therapist and/ or Speech Pathologist:
Schedule an appointment with your child's OT/ SP to discuss concerns. The OT/SP will conduct an initial evaluation and may use a combination of formal and informal assessments or screening tools to screen for dyslexia.
You can also discuss your concerns with your child’s Paediatrician and ask their office if they provide screening assessments for Specific Learning Disorders or recommend you contact a service such as DSF (Dyslexia Speld Foundation for a Comprehensive Assessment of Specific Learning Disorder)
3.Referral to a Specialist:
If the OT/SP suspects dyslexia, they will discuss this with you, offer to prepare a report of their findings and suggest that you book your child in with a specialist, such as a child psychologist or educational psychologist, for a comprehensive Specific Learning Disorder evaluation.
4.Comprehensive Evaluation:
The specialist will conduct a detailed assessment, which may include:
Developmental history and parental interviews.
Observations of the child's reading and writing skills.
Standardised tests and diagnostic tools 
5.Diagnosis and Recommendations:
Based on the evaluation, the specialist will provide a diagnosis and recommendations for intervention and support. This may include:
Reading interventions.
Academic accommodations.
Educational support plans (e.g., Individualised Education Plans).
6.Developing an Intervention Plan:
Collaborate with the diagnosing healthcare professionals including providing a copy of your child’s diagnostic report/assessment findings to your OT/SP they will work with you to create a comprehensive intervention plan tailored to the child's needs. This plan should address reading, spelling, writing, and comprehension skills.
7.Ongoing Monitoring and Support:
Regularly review and adjust the intervention plan as the child progresses. Ensure ongoing communication and collaboration between parents, healthcare providers, and educators to provide consistent support.

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Learning Difficulties/Specific Learning Disorders (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia) FAQs​
Q: What are learning difficulties? 
A: Learning difficulties are neurological conditions that affect specific academic skills such as reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), and maths (dyscalculia).
Q: How can Occupational Therapy assist children with learning difficulties? 
A: OT can help improve fine motor skills, handwriting, organisational skills, and strategies for learning. Therapists may use multisensory approaches to support reading, writing, and maths skills.
Q: How are learning difficulties/Specific Learning Disorders diagnosed? 
A: Learning difficulties are typically diagnosed through educational and psychological assessments, which may include standardised tests, observational checklists, and academic performance evaluations

Have a question? or need more information

Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3634 or send us a message

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​Referrals to Belong Health
We are Medicare and Private Health fund registered for Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology.

EPC/Team care arrangements/Chronic disease (CDM) or GP management plans and self-referrals are all acceptable.

WA NDIS Registered Provider  

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Medicare
You can get a referral from your/your child’s GP for OT on a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan this gives you 5 sessions for OT per calendar year with a $53 rebate available on each session or a Helping Children with Autism/PDD/ or an eligible disability package (20 sessions between allied health professionals, as set up by a Paediatrician/Psychiatrist) which gives your child under 16 years a $75 rebate per session for the 20 sessions, you can use up to 10 sessions per Health Professional (up to 10 for OT) and you will need a separate referral letter from your child’s Paediatrician for each Allied Health Professional you are seeking services from. 

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Private Health
Your Private Health fund may cover up to 75% of the cost of OT sessions if this is included in your cover, be sure to call them or check your policy for details.

No referral or self referral
You do not require a referral for accessing OT

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NDIS Registered Provider
We are an NDIS Registered Provider
Whether you or your child have NDIS funding that is NDIS Managed, Third Party Plan Managed or you are Self-Managing your funds, you are able to use your funding to cover the full cost of therapy services plus travel costs. You will need provide us with your/your child’s NDIS number and plan details ahead of your first session. Once you have booked a session or contacted us, our team will be in touch to discuss our service agreement and provide you with our services price list. 

13 Littleton st, Falcon

Phone: 08 9586 3934

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OFFICE HOURS:         MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8:30am - 4:30pm

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