Written by: Pearllyn Kang,
Deputy Director, SpLD Assessment Services
Receiving a diagnosis of dyslexia can bring a mix of emotions. Some parents feel relieved to finally understand why their child has been struggling, while others may feel worried or uncertain about what comes next.
The good news is that a dyslexia diagnosis is not the end of the journey. Rather, it is the beginning of understanding how your child learns best and finding the right support. With appropriate intervention, support from home and school, and encouragement along the way, children with dyslexia can continue to learn, grow and achieve their potential.
Here are five practical steps you can take after your child’s diagnosis.
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty (SpLD) that primarily affects the development of reading, spelling and writing skills. Individuals with dyslexia often experience difficulties with phonological processing, the ability to recognise and work with the sounds in spoken language. This makes learning to read and spell more challenging.
Dyslexia is lifelong, but with appropriate support and intervention, individuals can develop effective strategies and make significant progress. It is important to remember that dyslexia is not related to intelligence, motivation, or effort. Many individuals with dyslexia may also show strengths in areas such as creativity, problem-solving, and thinking outside the box.
Some children with dyslexia may also have other co-occurring conditions, such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dysgraphia, or dyscalculia. Understanding your child’s individual learning profile can help guide the support they need.
Your child’s teachers play an important role in supporting their learning. For a child with dyslexia, working closely with the school can help ensure that the right support is in place. Sharing the assessment findings with the school allows teachers to better understand your child’s strengths and areas of difficulty.
Depending on your child’s needs, schools may be able to implement classroom accommodations or adjustments to better support their learning. The recommendations in your child’s assessment report can serve as a useful starting point for discussions with the school, as the accommodations provided will depend on your child’s individual needs and how the school is able to support them.
Maintaining regular communication with your child’s teachers also helps ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals and can monitor your child’s progress over time.
Early and appropriate intervention can make a meaningful difference in helping children develop literacy skills and confidence.
Structured literacy intervention typically focuses on developing skills such as:
Dyslexia support may be available through your child’s school or through specialised literacy intervention providers. In Singapore, for example, eligible students may receive support through the School-based Dyslexia Remediation (SDR) programme in primary schools. Specialised programmes such as the DAS Main Literacy Programme also provide structured literacy intervention for students with dyslexia.
Your psychologist or other professionals involved in your child’s assessment can also advise on the most appropriate support based on your child’s individual profile.
Parents play an important role in supporting a child with dyslexia at home, helping them build confidence and reinforce what they are learning.
Some simple ways to support your child at home include:
Technology can also be a helpful support for children with dyslexia. Depending on your child’s age and needs, tools such as audiobooks or text-to-speech software may help reduce frustration while encouraging continued engagement with reading.
Remember that consistency is often more helpful than lengthy practice sessions. Short, positive learning experiences can help your child develop confidence over time.
A diagnosis of dyslexia affects more than your child’s reading and writing skills. Some children may feel frustrated when learning seems more difficult for them than for their peers, while others may begin to question their own abilities. As a parent, one of the most important things you can do is help your child understand their dyslexia and learn how to talk about dyslexia in a way that builds their confidence.
Talking openly about dyslexia can help your child make sense of their experiences. For many children, learning that there is a reason why reading and spelling have been challenging can be reassuring. It also gives them the language to better understand how they learn and to recognise that everyone has different strengths and challenges.
If you are wondering how to explain dyslexia to your child, consider the following:
Helping your child understand their dyslexia can build confidence, reduce feelings of self-doubt and encourage them to become active participants in their own learning. With understanding, encouragement and appropriate support, children with dyslexia can thrive both in school and beyond.
No two children with dyslexia have exactly the same strengths or challenges. The support that works well for one child may look different for another. Working closely with your child’s school and professionals can help ensure that support is tailored to your child’s individual needs.
Receiving a diagnosis can feel overwhelming at first, but it is also an important first step. Understanding your child’s learning profile allows you to make informed decisions and provide the support they need to grow in confidence and reach their potential.
If you would like to find out more about dyslexia, how to support a child with dyslexia, or the support services available at DAS, visit our website or speak to our team.
