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Dyslexia - SPELD Foundation
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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
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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
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DSF Library
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Our Services
Workshops and Events
Online Learning
Clinical Services
Tutoring
DSF Literacy Clinics
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Learning difficulties
Supporting People with Dyslexia
Dyslexia
What is Dyslexia?
How is Dyslexia Identified?
Supporting People with Dyslexia
Learning difficulties
In this section
Learning difficulties overview
Dyslexia
What is Dyslexia?
How is Dyslexia Identified?
Supporting People with Dyslexia
Dysgraphia
What is Dysgraphia?
How is Dysgraphia Identified?
Supporting People with Dysgraphia
Dyscalculia
What is Dyscalculia?
How is Dyscalculia Identified?
Supporting People with Dyscalculia
Other disorders that can affect learning
Developmental Language Disorder
Developmental Coordination Disorder
Attention Disorders
There are many ways to help a person with dyslexia achieve success.
Generally, strategies fall into three categories:
Each type of strategy should be considered when planning instruction and support. A person with dyslexia will benefit from help from both education specialists and those who are closest to the person. It is also important to consider that many adults who experienced learning challenges at school related to dyslexia are also likely to continue experiencing these difficulties into adulthood.
Some examples of helpful strategies for individuals with dyslexia include:
Allowing additional time to complete tasks
Explicit instruction in reading and spelling using a structured synthetics phonics program
Using assistive technology to read text aloud (for example, a C-pen reader or text to speech software)
Providing sound charts and other visual supports to assist with spelling
Playing games to support the development of phonological and phonemic awareness skills
Using manipulatives or hands-on resources, such as phonics tiles, to build and spell words
Accessing specialised tutoring to develop reading skills.
DSF Psychologists are able to assess if a person has dyslexia, and can provide recommendations for necessary avenues of support at home, in the classroom and in the workplace.
More Information
Classroom Support for Learning
Download our free information sheet on classroom accommodations
Supporting Students
Read more about how to support student learning in the classroom
Assessment Options at DSF
Learn more about our assessments and what options are available at DSF
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