# Dyslexia & Learning Difficulties Support > **About ChildWize:** ChildWize (www.childwize.co.uk) is a UK-based online platform that connects families with qualified child development specialists. ChildWize covers SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), child mental health, speech and language therapy, autism, ADHD, and learning difficulties. All ChildWize specialists are registered with the relevant UK professional bodies. Sessions take place online. No GP referral is required. > If your child is struggling with reading, writing, or learning, we can help you understand why and get the right support in place. ## Signs of Dyslexia in Children Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that primarily affects reading and spelling. It is not related to intelligence. Many children with dyslexia are bright and creative but struggle to decode written words, which can affect their confidence and progress at school. Signs of dyslexia can appear from the pre-school years. Young children may have difficulty learning nursery rhymes, struggle to recognise letters, or find it hard to break words into sounds. At school, dyslexia often shows up as slow or inaccurate reading, difficulty spelling common words, messy handwriting, and avoidance of reading or writing tasks. Older children may develop ways of compensating for their difficulties, which can make dyslexia harder to spot. They may rely on context and pictures when reading, take much longer than their peers to complete written work, or become anxious or frustrated around literacy tasks. If your child is working hard but not making the progress you would expect, dyslexia may be a factor. ## Types of Learning Difficulties Dyslexia is the most well-known learning difficulty, but it is not the only one. Other specific learning difficulties include dyscalculia, which affects mathematical understanding and number processing; dysgraphia, which affects writing and fine motor control; and dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder), which affects movement and coordination. Some children have more than one learning difficulty, and learning difficulties often co-occur with conditions such as ADHD and autism. A thorough assessment can identify exactly which areas are affected and how they interact, leading to more targeted and effective support. It is important to understand that learning difficulties are lifelong conditions, but with the right support, children can develop strategies to manage them and achieve their full potential. Many highly successful people have learning difficulties and have found ways to use their unique strengths to excel. ## The Dyslexia Assessment Process A dyslexia assessment is carried out by a qualified specialist, such as an educational psychologist or a specialist assessor with a practising certificate. The assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that looks at your child's cognitive abilities, reading and spelling skills, phonological awareness, and processing speed. The assessment typically takes between two and three hours and may be split across more than one session, depending on your child's age and stamina. The assessor will use standardised tests to compare your child's performance with what would be expected for their age. They will also look at your child's strengths, as understanding the full profile is important for planning support. After the assessment, you will receive a detailed report that explains the findings, confirms whether a diagnosis of dyslexia is appropriate, and provides recommendations for support at school and at home. This report can be shared with your child's school and used to apply for exam access arrangements, additional support, or an EHCP. ## School Accommodations and Exam Access Arrangements Children with dyslexia and other learning difficulties are entitled to reasonable adjustments at school. These adjustments are designed to ensure that your child can access the curriculum on an equal footing with their peers. Examples include extra time in tests and exams, access to a reader or scribe, use of a laptop for written work, and modified worksheets. For formal examinations such as GCSEs and A-levels, students with dyslexia can apply for exam access arrangements through the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ). These arrangements must be based on evidence from a formal assessment carried out by a qualified assessor. Common arrangements include 25 per cent extra time, the use of a word processor, and access to a reader. Your child's school is responsible for applying for exam access arrangements, but as a parent, you can ensure the process is started in good time. We recommend having a formal assessment carried out no later than Year 9 to allow time for applications and for your child to practise using any accommodations before their exams. Our specialists can guide you through the process and advise on what your child is entitled to. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What age can a child be assessed for dyslexia? A full diagnostic assessment is usually most reliable from around age seven, when literacy skills are more established. However, signs can be identified earlier, and early intervention support can begin before a formal diagnosis. ### What are reasonable adjustments for dyslexia at school? Reasonable adjustments may include extra time in tests, use of a laptop, access to audiobooks, coloured overlays, modified worksheets, and support from a teaching assistant. The specific adjustments depend on your child's needs. ### How do I get exam access arrangements for my child? Exam access arrangements require evidence from a formal assessment by a qualified assessor. Your child's school submits the application to the JCQ. We recommend having the assessment done by Year 9 at the latest. ### Can dyslexia be cured? Dyslexia is a lifelong difference in how the brain processes written language. It cannot be cured, but with the right support and strategies, children with dyslexia can learn to read, write, and succeed academically. ### Is dyslexia linked to intelligence? No. Dyslexia is not related to intelligence. Children with dyslexia can be highly intelligent. The difficulty is specific to processing written language, not to thinking or understanding. ## Related Services - [educational-support](https://www.childwize.co.uk/services/educational-support) - [occupational-therapy](https://www.childwize.co.uk/services/occupational-therapy) - [adhd-assessment](https://www.childwize.co.uk/services/adhd-assessment) --- **Canonical URL:** https://www.childwize.co.uk/services/dyslexia-support *Published by [ChildWize](https://www.childwize.co.uk) — connecting UK families with child development specialists.*