Dyslexia Is More Than Just Reading Trouble
- Garry Anderson
- Sep 1
- 7 min read
When most people hear the word dyslexia, they think of reading problems - letters getting mixed up, words jumping on the page, or slow reading speed.
And while reading challenges are a big part of dyslexia, they're not the whole story.
Dyslexia is a language-based difference that affects how the brain processes written and spoken information. It doesn't just make reading hard - it can also impact spelling, memory, organisation, and even confidence in the classroom.
This blog breaks down what dyslexia really is, what signs to look out for, and how we can support dyslexic learners in practical, respectful ways - at school and at home.
What Is Dyslexia, Really?
Dyslexia isn't just about mixing up letters or reading slowly - it's a difference in how the brain processes language. It affects reading and spelling, yes, but it can also impact memory, organisation, and how well someone can follow instructions or get their ideas onto paper.
It's not caused by poor teaching or lack of effort. It's also not a sign of low intelligence. In fact, many dyslexic learners are highly creative, resourceful, and skilled at problem-solving - they just need the right support to show what they're capable of.
A Simple Definition
Dyslexia is a lifelong difference in how the brain processes written and spoken language. It mainly affects skills like reading, writing, and spelling - especially when it comes to recognising words quickly, sounding out new words, and remembering how they're spelled.
People with dyslexia often have strengths in areas like problem-solving, creativity, and big-picture thinking. But because reading and writing are such a big part of school, their difficulties can be misunderstood as laziness or lack of effort - which isn't true.
Dyslexia doesn't mean someone isn't smart. It just means they learn in a different way - and need support that works for them.
Signs Beyond Reading
Dyslexia is most often spotted when a child struggles to read - but the signs go far beyond reading itself.
Because dyslexia affects how the brain handles language, memory, and sequencing, it can also show up in many other areas of learning and daily life.
Here are some common signs that might be missed:
Spelling Difficulties: Spelling can seem unpredictable or inconsistent, even with common words.
Writing Struggles: Getting ideas onto paper can be slow, frustrating, or overwhelming.
Poor Working Memory: Trouble remembering instructions, sequences, or what was just said.
Directional Confusion: Mixing up left and right, or struggling with spatial language like "before" and "after."
Organisation Problems: Forgetting homework, losing things, or struggling to plan tasks.
Slow Processing Speed: Taking longer to read, respond, or complete tasks - not due to lack of focus or effort.
Avoidance Behaviours: Refusing to read out loud, acting out, or avoiding schoolwork altogether.
These signs are often misunderstood. A pupil might look like they're "not paying attention" or "not trying hard enough" - when in reality, their brain is working twice as hard just to keep up.
Common Misunderstandings
Because dyslexia isn't always visible - and because every learner with dyslexia is different - it's often misunderstood.
Many of the struggles dyslexic learners face are blamed on behaviour, attitude, or effort. But the reality is very different. These misunderstandings can lead to missed support, frustration in the classroom, and a serious knock to self-esteem.
Let's look at two of the most common myths - and why they're not true.
"They Just Need to Try Harder"
This is one of the most damaging myths about dyslexia - and sadly, one of the most common.
Dyslexic learners are often working twice as hard as their peers, just to keep up with reading, spelling, and writing tasks. But because their difficulties aren't always obvious, it can look like they're not trying hard enough.
In reality, no amount of effort can make a dyslexic brain process language in a "typical" way. That's not how dyslexia works. These pupils don't need pressure - they need the right kind of support.
When adults say things like "just concentrate" or "you're not putting in enough effort," it doesn't motivate a dyslexic learner - it shames them. Over time, they may start to believe they're not capable, no matter how hard they try.
Understanding the difference between ability and access is key. Dyslexic pupils are just as capable - they just need a way in that matches how they learn.
"They'll Grow Out of It"
Another common misunderstanding is the idea that dyslexia is just a phase - something children will grow out of once they get more practice or mature a bit.
But dyslexia isn't something you outgrow. It's a lifelong difference in how the brain processes language.
What can change over time is how well a person is supported, and how confidently they learn to work with their brain instead of against it. With the right teaching, tools, and strategies, dyslexic learners can thrive - but the underlying differences don't disappear.
Assuming a child will "catch up eventually" often leads to delays in support. And the longer we wait, the more frustration and self-doubt build up. Early intervention matters - but so does long-term understanding.
How Dyslexia Affects School Life
Dyslexia doesn't just show up during English lessons - it can affect a learner's whole school experience.
From reading and writing, to following instructions, remembering what was said, and keeping up with the pace of the day, dyslexia can impact confidence, motivation, and mental wellbeing. And because many of these challenges happen behind the scenes - in the way the brain processes information - they often go unnoticed or misunderstood.
Let's look at both the academic and the emotional impact dyslexia can have in a school setting.
Reading and Writing Challenges
Reading and writing are two of the most visible struggles for learners with dyslexia - but the challenges go deeper than just slow reading or messy spelling.
Some of the most common difficulties include:
Reading Accuracy: Words may be misread, skipped, or confused with similar ones.
Reading Fluency: Reading is often slow and effortful, making it hard to focus on meaning.
Spelling: Even simple or familiar words may be spelled incorrectly or inconsistently.
Written Expression: Getting thoughts onto paper can be overwhelming. A child might have brilliant ideas but struggle to organise them or write them down fast enough.
Punctuation and Grammar: These rules can feel hard to grasp or remember, especially under pressure.
Copying from the Board: This involves reading, memory, handwriting, and spatial awareness all at once - which can be exhausting and lead to mistakes.
These challenges often lead to frustration, avoidance, or shutting down altogether - not because the pupil doesn't care, but because the task feels too hard or tiring to even begin.
Hidden Impacts
Not all the effects of dyslexia are visible on the page. Some of the biggest challenges are emotional - and often go unnoticed.
Over time, dyslexic learners may begin to feel:
Frustrated: They know they're trying, but it doesn't show in their results.
Embarrassed: Especially if they're asked to read out loud or their mistakes are pointed out in front of others.
Anxious: Constantly worried about being called on, falling behind, or failing.
Withdrawn or Avoidant: They might seem disengaged, when really they're trying to protect themselves from repeated failure.
Exhausted: Trying to keep up in a classroom not built for their brain is tiring. Many dyslexic learners experience mental fatigue every day.
These hidden impacts can affect confidence, relationships, and willingness to try - far beyond the reading task itself.
That's why it's so important to support the whole child, not just their reading level.
What Actually Helps
The good news? With the right support, dyslexic learners can absolutely thrive.
Dyslexia doesn't go away, but it comes much more manageable when pupils are taught in a way that works for their brain. That means using structured, consistent strategies - not just giving more time or "letting them off" tricky tasks.
Support should be clear, respectful, and strengths-based - helping the learner feel capable and confident, not broken or behind.
Let's look at some of the most effective tools and strategies that can make a real difference.
Practical Classroom and Home Strategies
Supporting a dyslexic learner isn't about lowering expectations - it's about changing how we help them get there.
Here are some simple, effective strategies that can be used in school and at home.
Evidence-based programmes like Alpha to Omega, Nessy, or Sounds-Write can build strong reading foundations through repetition, structure, and multi-sensory learning. | |
Use Assistive Technology | • Text-to-Speech tools let pupils listen to written instructions or text. • Speech-to-Text helps them say their ideas instead of writing. • Audio books offer access to stories without the reading barrier. |
Provide Visual Supports | • Colour-coded steps • Word banks • Mind Maps These give structure and reduce memory load. |
Break Tasks into Smaller Steps | Chunking big tasks into clear, manageable parts can reduce overwhelm and build confidence. |
Support Working Memory | Use checklists Repeat instructions Let pupils write things down or use visuals to remember steps. |
Allow Alternative Ways to Show Learning | Instead of written tasks, let pupils: • Record a voice note • Make a comic strip • Build a model • Talk through their ideas |
Focus on What they Can Do | Celebrate creativity, problem-solving, humour, or big-picture thinking. Dyslexic learners often shine in ways that don't show up on paper - and they need to know that those strengths matter too. |
Key Takeaways
Dyslexia isn't just about struggling to read - it affects memory, organisation, writing, confidence, and how a learner experiences the classroom as a whole.
But with the right understanding and support, dyslexic pupils can do brilliantly. They don't need to be "fixed" - they need to be taught in a way that works for them.
When we stop asking "What's Wrong?" and start asking "What helps?", everything changes.
Final Thoughts
Dyslexia is not a limitation - it's a different way of thinking, learning, and seeing the world.
By recognising the full picture of what dyslexia really is, we can shift the focus from struggle to support, and from deficit to strength. The earlier we understand and adapt, the more confident and successful our learners can become.
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