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Dyslexia - SPELD Foundation
Literacy & Clinical Services
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Learning difficulties
Learning Difficulties
An overview of learning difficulties and specific learning disorders
Dyslexia
A specific learning disability in reading is commonly called dyslexia.
Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia can appear as difficulties with spelling and/or trouble putting thoughts on paper.
Dyscalculia
A learning disorder related to mathematics is commonly referred to as Dyscalculia
Other disorders that can affect learning
Information regarding other conditions that can affect learning
Families
Families
Information and advice for parents and carers of children with learning difficulties
When should a child be assessed?
Information on the assessment and diagnosis of learning disorders
What is involved in an assessment?
Information on the assessment and diagnosis of learning disorders
How can families support children?
Information on how parents can assist and support their children in all aspects of learning
Where can I learn more about learning disorders?
Adults
Adults
An overview of learning difficulties in adults and support options
Can adults have learning disorders?
Information on how learning disorders can affect adults in the workplace and when undertaking further education
When should an adult be assessed?
Information on the assessment and diagnosis of learning disorders
What support is available for adults?
Information on how DSF can assist and support you and what provisions can be made in the workplace and when completing further studies
Where can I learn more about learning disorders?
Professionals
Professionals
Information for professionals working with individuals with learning difficulties
Schools
Services and information for schools and educational organisations
Teachers and Tutors
Advice and information for teachers.
Allied Health Professionals
Information for Speech Pathologists and Psychologists
Resources
Free Resources
Download free resources for all ages
DSF developed resources
Learn more about our specifically designed literacy resources
Resources for Families
Access a variety of free resources to to assist families with children learning from home
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Purchase books, activities and other literacy tools from the DSF online store.
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Find out about upcoming events for parents, students and professionals.
Online Learning
Learn more about our Understanding Learning Difficulties e-Learning course
Clinical Services
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Tutoring
DSF maintains a register of qualified specialist tutors for children and adults.
DSF Literacy Clinics
Individual and small-group tutoring for students in Perth and Albany.
Dyslexia - SPELD Foundation
Literacy & Clinical Services
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Learning difficulties
Learning Difficulties
Dyslexia
Dysgraphia
Dyscalculia
Other disorders that can affect learning
Families
Families
When should a child be assessed?
What is involved in an assessment?
How can families support children?
Where can I learn more about learning disorders?
Adults
Adults
Can adults have learning disorders?
When should an adult be assessed?
What support is available for adults?
Where can I learn more about learning disorders?
Professionals
Professionals
Schools
Teachers and Tutors
Allied Health Professionals
Resources
Free Resources
DSF developed resources
Resources for Families
Online store
DSF Library
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Our Services
Workshops and Events
Online Learning
Clinical Services
Tutoring
DSF Literacy Clinics
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Families
Educational Support
How can families support children?
Educational Support
Emotional Support
Advocacy
Boost - a workshop for parents
Families
In this section
Families overview
When should a child be assessed?
What is involved in an assessment?
How can families support children?
Educational Support
Emotional Support
Advocacy
Boost - a workshop for parents
Where can I learn more about learning disorders?
It is common for parents to want to assist their child’s literacy and numeracy learning by providing additional support within the home environment.
There are a variety of ways to incorporate literacy and numeracy learning into everyday life, including:
Developing a language-rich home environment by talking with, and listening to, your child;
Incorporate word games which focus on developing your child’s phonological awareness skills, including games involving rhyming, syllable division, identifying individual sounds within words, and manipulating sounds within words;
Reading books to your child and listening to them read aloud; and,
Using incidental teaching opportunities to develop your child’s understanding of literacy and numeracy concepts. For example, when grocery shopping, ask your child questions such as, “How many apples would you need if each family member gets one apple?”
Additionally, parents may also wish to provide more targeted support at home in order to develop their child’s literacy and/or numeracy skills. When providing targeted literacy and numeracy support, it is important to note that:
Short, frequent sessions (e.g., 15 to 20-minute blocks, 3-4 times per week) are likely to be of more benefit than one longer session; and,
Programs or resources being used should be evidence-based, and involve explicit, systematic and sequential teaching of the concepts being learnt.
More Information
For more information regarding how to select a high-quality educational program, as well as examples of recommended programs, please see the Understanding Learning Difficulties – A Guide for Parents website.
Selecting a program
Learn more about what to look for when selecting an intervention program
What programs are recommended?
Learn more about recommended programs and resources to avoid
Information Sheet - Phonics Programs
Download our information sheet on suitable phonics programs
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