Important to Know

Dyslexia can look different for every child.

​Seeing one or two signs does not necessarily mean your child has dyslexia. However, if you notice:

• Multiple signs
• Ongoing reading difficulties
• Increasing frustration or avoidance

…it may be worth exploring further.

Learn More About Dyslexia Support

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Early Years (Ages 4–6)

Children at this stage are developing early literacy skills.

Possible Signs

• Difficulty learning letter names and sounds
• Trouble recognising rhyming words
• Difficulty hearing and identifying sounds in words
• Delayed speech or language development
• Difficulty remembering simple sequences (e.g. days of the week)

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Primary School (Ages 6–8)

This is when reading instruction becomes more structured.

​Possible Signs

• Difficulty sounding out (decoding) words
• Slow or effortful reading
• Guessing words instead of reading them
• Trouble remembering common sight words
• Difficulty spelling simple words
• Avoidance of reading tasks

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Primary School (Ages 8–12)

Reading demands increase significantly at this stage.

Possible Signs

• Ongoing difficulty with reading fluency
• Difficulty understanding what is read
• Struggles with longer or more complex words
• Poor spelling despite practice
• Avoidance of reading independently
• Reduced confidence in academic work

Why Is My Child Struggling to Read?

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What Causes Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a brain-based learning difference that affects how children process language, particularly:

• Sound awareness (phonological processing)
• Word recognition
• Spelling

​It is important to understand:

• It is not caused by lack of effort
• It is not related to intelligence
• With the right support, children can improve their reading skills

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Dyslexia vs “Just Behind”

Some children take longer to learn to read, but dyslexia is typically:

• Persistent over time
• More significant than expected for age
• Not resolved with standard teaching alone

​If reading difficulties continue despite support, further assessment may be helpful.

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What To Do If You Notice These Signs
​
1. Speak with Your Child’s Teacher

• Ask about reading progress
• Understand classroom observations

2. Support Reading at Home

• Keep reading positive and low-pressure
• Focus on consistency rather than intensity

3. Monitor Progress

• Are skills improving?
• Are the same difficulties continuing?

4. Consider Professional Support
Support from allied health professionals can help build reading skills and confidence.

5. Consider an Assessment
An assessment can:

• Identify strengths and challenges
• Clarify whether dyslexia may be present
• Provide recommendations for school and home

How to Get a Learning Assessment in WA

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How We Support Children with Dyslexia

Occupational Therapy (OT)

• Supporting attention and task engagement
• Visual tracking and processing
• Supporting school participation

​Speech Pathology (SP)

• Phonological awareness
• Reading and decoding skills
• Language comprehension

Psychology Assessments

• Cognitive and academic assessments
• Diagnostic clarification
• Detailed reports for school supports

Counselling Support

• Supporting confidence and self-esteem
• Managing frustration around reading
• Building resilience

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

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

​
Telehealth Across WA

• Access support regardless of location
  
• Flexible service delivery
  

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Dyslexia Signs Checklist

Dyslexia Signs Checklist

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When to Seek Support

It may be helpful to seek support if:

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

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Not Sure?
​
If you’re unsure whether your child’s reading difficulties may be linked to dyslexia, we can help guide you through the next steps.
Contact us to get started
Ask about reading assessments or support
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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