At what age can dyslexia be diagnosed? One of the most common questions parents ask is whether a child must be eight years old before dyslexia can be identified.

Applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) can feel overwhelming. Supporting a child's learning, especially when they face challenges with reading, writing, or spelling, is crucial. This guide aims to provide clarity and confidence throughout the process. Eye-level view of a student filling out a form at a desk Understanding What DSA Is and Who Can Apply DSA is a government-funded scheme in the UK. It offers financial help to cover the costs of specialist equipment, supp

When a child struggles with reading, writing, or spelling, it can be worrying. I understand how challenging it is to watch them face difficulties that seem to hold them back. One of the most important steps you can take is to consider a dyslexia diagnosis. This process is not just about labels; it opens doors to understanding, support, and tailored strategies that can transform a child’s learning experience. A child working with a dyslexia specialist teacher Understanding the

A dyslexia assessment provides clarity about a person’s learning profile and opens the door to the right support. It can lead to exam adjustments, specialist teaching, and practical strategies that make reading and writing more manageable. For many, the greatest benefit is understanding how they learn best. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of a dyslexia assessment, how to recognise the signs in children and adults, and the strategies and support that can follow. The B

Phonics is essential. It gives children the code. But decoding words is not the end goal of reading, it is the starting point. Skilled readers do not sound out every word. They recognise most words instantly and read with enough ease to focus on meaning. So what changes between a child who is “doing phonics” and one who is a fluent reader? A child absorbed in reading a storybook, highlighting the joy of fluent reading The shift from decoding to recognition Early reading relie

Working memory plays a crucial role in how we learn and process information. When it is weak, it can create challenges that affect academic performance and everyday tasks. For parents concerned about learning difficulties, understanding what working memory is, how to recognize signs of weakness, and its connection to SpLDs such as dyslexia can provide valuable insights and guide support strategies. A child’s study space showing books and notes scattered on a desk What Is Work

Phonological awareness has become something of a buzzword in education—frequently mentioned, often misunderstood, and occasionally used interchangeably with other terms. Yet, for children learning to read and spell, phonological awareness is not just another educational concept; it is a foundational cognitive skill. Without it, literacy can feel like trying to assemble flat-pack furniture without the instructions—possible, but unnecessarily difficult. So, what actually is pho

Introduction Dyslexia is a common learning difference that affects how children process written and spoken language, particularly around reading, spelling, and writing. It has no link to intelligence — many dyslexic learners are bright, curious and articulate, yet experience unexpected difficulty with literacy tasks. Children develop at different rates, but when a number of signs appear consistently over time, it can be helpful to explore further. Below are ten signs that you

For many teens, writing can feel like a juggling act. They need to organise ideas, spell accurately, use correct grammar, and keep their handwriting neat, all at the same time. It’s no wonder that even capable students can struggle to produce writing that reflects their true thinking. The good news is that with structured strategies, practical practice, and the smart use of technology , developing writing skills in teens is very achievable. Breaking Writing Tasks Into Manage

Many parents notice that their child can read aloud fluently, but still struggles to make sense of what they’ve read. This can be worrying, especially for bright children who seem “capable” at first glance. The truth is that reading comprehension is about more than just decoding words . Even fluent readers can miss the meaning if the right thinking skills aren’t in place. Here’s how to help your child, with strategies that are practical and engaging. Why Fluent Readers Someti

Spelling problems in teens are more common than many parents realise — and they often look very different from the struggles younger children experience. By the time a child reaches their teens, spelling difficulties can affect confidence, writing fluency, and even participation in class , particularly when the gap between verbal ability and written expression is wide. If your teen struggles with spelling, it’s important to understand why it happens and, crucially, what real

Why some children read the words perfectly… but still struggle to understand the text. Many parents tell me the same thing: “She can read beautifully, but when I ask her what it means, she hasn’t got a clue.” It’s a common worry and an incredibly frustrating experience for children who can sound fluent but struggle to make sense of what they’ve read. The truth is this: Reading comprehension is not a single skill. It’s a whole network of abilities working together at the same

When a child is struggling with reading, parents are often left trying to untangle a confusing question: Is this dyslexia, or could it be something visual? The truth is that visual difficulties and dyslexia are two separate issues , assessed by two different types of professionals , and they each play a different role in a child’s reading journey. Co-occurrence is the Norm, Not the Exception It is well-known that co-occurring difficulties are prevalent in neurodevelopmental

When a child struggles with reading or spelling, adults often see only the surface: the muddled letters, the missed words, the guessing, the frustration. But underneath these moments sits something far more subtle — a cognitive skill called orthographic processing . It’s not a term most parents have heard, yet it quietly shapes how confidently a child moves through school. Understanding it can turn confusion into clarity, and overwhelm into a plan. In this article, I’ll walk

Spelling can be a major challenge for children, especially those with dyslexia. Parents often wonder how to help their kids improve spelling without causing frustration or stress. The good news is that there are effective strategies you can use at home to support spelling skills in a way that feels encouraging and manageable. This post shares practical tips tailored for children with dyslexia, helping you create a positive learning environment and build confidence. Understand

There’s been a lot of discussion recently about online dyslexia screening tests . Many families are understandably curious. These tools promise a quick and affordable way to find out whether a child might be showing signs of dyslexia. At Lizzy Morton Clarity Assessment, I really welcome this increased focus on dyslexia and the wider conversations it has sparked. It’s so positive that more parents and teachers are recognising the importance of early identification and are loo

A dyslexia assessment is much more than a series of tests. It is an opportunity to build a detailed picture of how an individual learns, identifying both strengths and areas of difficulty. The holistic assessment process is designed to answer important questions, provide clarity, and help individuals, families and schools understand what support may be helpful moving forward. before the Assessment session Initial Enquiry Call Start by arranging an initial enquiry call to disc

Because gifted children can appear to be doing well, their dyslexia may remain undiagnosed for years. Many parents picture dyslexia as something clear-cut. A child who struggles to read, writes letters backwards, or consistently falls behind in literacy. But for many bright, articulate children, dyslexia hides in plain sight. These children are often quick thinkers, excellent problem-solvers, and full of curiosity. They might speak beautifully, have a vivid imagination, and g

Exploring the Complex Interconnections of Learning Difficulties: Why Dyslexia Seldom Occurs in Isolation When a child is identified as having Dyslexia , many parents feel a sense of clarity. Finally, there’s a name for the challenges they’ve been seeing. Yet it often becomes clear that Dyslexia doesn’t explain everything. Many children with Dyslexia also experience difficulties with attention, coordination, organisation, maths, memory or language. Learning difficulties often

The way we define dyslexia is changing — and it’s a shift worth celebrating. For families, teachers, and professionals across the UK, these changes matter because they shape how children are identified, supported, and ultimately understood. In 2025, a new definition of dyslexia was introduced. It brings two important changes: a stronger recognition of co-occurrence with other learning differences, and a fresh focus on the underlying processes that cause reading and spelling d