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Phonological memory plays a key role in how you process spoken language and learn to read and spell. Yet, it is often misunderstood. You might think that if someone struggles with phonological memory, they have a poor overall memory or that they must have dyslexia. That is not the case. In this post, I will explain what phonological memory is, how it differs from other types of memory, and why it matters for reading and spelling. I will also describe what a weakness in phonol

Which is bigger: 8 or 6? Is 48 closer to 50 or 100? If something costs £9, is £10 roughly enough? Most of us make judgements like these almost automatically. We don't need to count from one or work through a calculation because we have an understanding of the size of the numbers involved. This ability is linked to something called numerical magnitude processing. It's a term that many parents (and even many teachers) may never have come across. However, it is particularly impo

Living with undiagnosed dyslexia can be challenging, especially as an adult. You might have struggled with reading, writing, or processing information throughout your life without knowing why. Getting a formal diagnosis can be a turning point, offering clarity and access to support tailored to your needs. In the UK, the pathway to diagnosing dyslexia in adults is well-established but can feel complex if you’re unfamiliar with the process. I’m here to guide you through what to

For many families, the question is not simply whether a child struggles with reading, spelling, or written language. The harder question is whether paying for a

Living with dyslexia can present unique challenges, but it is important to know that you have legal protections designed to support your learning and working environment. These rights ensure that you receive fair treatment and reasonable adjustments to help you thrive. In this article, I will guide you through the key legal rights for dyslexia in the UK, explaining what they mean and how you can access the support you deserve. Dyslexia - What Are Your Legal Rights? Dyslexia i

Dyslexia and Maths Difficulties Dyslexia is a set of processing difficulties that affect the acquisition of reading and spelling. At the core of dyslexia is a difficulty with phonological processing (i.e., in phonological awareness, phonological processing speed, or phonological memory). Difficulties with working memory, processing speed, and orthographic skills are also common in dyslexia. It is estimated (BDA, 2026) that 60% of individuals with dyslexia also have difficulti

If you're considering a dyscalculia assessment in Berkshire or Oxfordshire, you're probably wondering what the assessment actually involves.

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 individuals 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

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 pr