A dyslexia diagnosis—or more accurately, an identification—can feel like a lot to take in. You may have noticed your child struggling with reading, or perhaps a teacher recommended an evaluation. Now you have answers—but also questions. What does this learning difference mean? And what should you do next?

You’re not alone in wondering where to begin. This article will walk you through what dyslexia is, what a diagnosis means for your child’s learning, and what steps you can take right now to support them at home and school. We’ll explain how dyslexia is diagnosed, why the REED Charitable Foundation uses the term “learning difference,” and how you can build a strong, encouraging environment for your child’s growth and success.

By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of your child’s needs, the resources available, and the many ways you can help your child thrive.

What is Dyslexia?

Children with dyslexia often have trouble matching letters to sounds, which makes it harder to sound out words when reading and to spell them accurately when writing. They might also read more slowly, mix up letters in words, or find it challenging to organize written work. However, dyslexia is not caused by poor teaching, lack of effort, or vision problems. And it certainly isn’t a reflection of a child’s intelligence — most students with dyslexia have average or above-average intelligence, and many show strengths in creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Every child with dyslexia is unique. Some may experience only mild challenges with reading. In contrast, others may struggle more significantly or have additional difficulties with tasks like working with numbers or remembering sequences.

What Does It Mean When Dyslexia Is Identified?

Having dyslexia formally identified provides clarity. It helps explain why your child may be struggling with reading and writing, removing uncertainty or misplaced blame. This understanding can bring relief to both you and your child.

The identification process also highlights your child’s strengths. Many children with dyslexia excel in areas like art, music, engineering, or storytelling. Recognizing both the challenges and the talents is essential to supporting their growth and confidence.

Dyslexia often runs in families, so other relatives may have experienced similar learning differences. It’s not something a child will simply “grow out of,” but with targeted support, they can become strong readers and succeed in school and beyond.

How is Dyslexia Identified?

A comprehensive evaluation by a specialist is the standard way dyslexia is identified. This may take place through the school system or with a private psychologist or educational specialist.

The assessment typically includes tasks that measure reading, spelling, memory, language, and cognitive processing. Vision and hearing screenings are often included to rule out other factors that might affect reading ability.

Parents and teachers are important contributors to this process, offering observations from daily learning experiences. Family history is also considered. The aim is to build a well-rounded understanding of how your child learns and what kinds of support will be most effective.

Some schools may use terms like “specific learning disability in reading” rather than explicitly naming dyslexia. If that happens, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.

What Should You Do After Dyslexia Is Identified?

Once dyslexia has been formally identified, the next step is to take action. While understanding the learning difference is valuable, the support your child receives will have the most significant impact on their ability to thrive as a reader.

Begin by sharing the evaluation results with your child’s school. This can open the door to structured support through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan. These tools can provide targeted assistance in reading and writing, and may include accommodations such as extended time on tests, modified instructional approaches, or access to specialized interventions.

It’s also essential to use a reading approach that is systematic and evidence-based for children with dyslexia. These programs focus on phonics, decoding, and fluency. They use step-by-step methods and lots of repetition. Trained teachers or tutors can guide your child through these lessons.

At home, show support by being patient and encouraging. Reading might still be hard for your child, but your belief in them matters. Celebrate small wins. Focus on their effort, not just the result.

Keep open communication with teachers. Ask how your child is doing. Share what works at home. Work together to adjust strategies as needed.

Is Dyslexia a Learning Disorder or a Learning Difference?

At REED Charitable Foundation, we refer to dyslexia as a learning difference — and that choice is intentional.

Dyslexia is a learning difference that makes reading, writing, and spelling harder. It doesn’t mean a child isn’t smart, isn’t trying hard enough, or is less capable. It simply means their brain processes language differently.

While in clinical and legal contexts, dyslexia is often categorized as a learning disorder or learning disability (based on medical diagnostic standards like the DSM-5 or educational laws like the IDEA), at REED Charitable Foundation we use the term learning difference when talking with students, families, and the public. Here’s why:

• Language Matters: The terms “disorder” and “disability” can have unintended negative connotations, implying something is wrong or broken. It’s essential to use language that empowers students and reflects their full potential.

• Celebrating Neurodiversity: By calling dyslexia a learning difference, we highlight that diverse ways of thinking and learning enrich our communities. Dyslexia is not a deficit — it’s a difference in how the brain is wired.

• Strengths-Based Approach: Many individuals with dyslexia excel in creativity, spatial reasoning, problem-solving, and leadership. Framing dyslexia as a difference helps shift focus from what is hard to what is strong.

• Reducing Stigma: Using inclusive and supportive language helps build self-esteem and encourages students to advocate for themselves and believe in their abilities.

Of course, when accessing formal support services, such as special education, accommodations, or medical evaluations, it’s essential to recognize that official documents will often use the terms learning disorder or learning disability. These terms help secure necessary legal protections and access to services.

Still, in our everyday conversations, educational programs, and advocacy efforts, we prefer to speak in a way that reflects hope, strength, and understanding.

At REED Charitable Foundation, we see dyslexia not as a flaw to be fixed but as a difference to be supported — and a strength to be celebrated.

How can you help your child with dyslexia?

Helping your child at home is just as important as what happens at school. Start with a calm, steady routine. Children with dyslexia often do better when they know what to expect.

Set aside time to read together every day. Choose books at your child’s reading level or even a little below. Let them read out loud to you and take turns. Use audiobooks, too. Listening to stories helps build vocabulary and comprehension.

Break homework into smaller steps. Give your child short breaks to avoid frustration. If that helps, use simple tools like highlighters, lined paper, or colored overlays.

Praise effort. Say things like, “You worked so hard on that word!” or “I love how you didn’t give up.” These small moments of encouragement can boost your child’s confidence.

Also, support your child’s strengths. If they love drawing, build that into schoolwork. If they like hands-on tasks, use games or building activities to teach new ideas. Creative outlets can help balance the frustration they may feel in school.

Finally, look after your child’s emotional well-being. Kids with dyslexia may feel embarrassed or think they aren’t smart. Make sure they know that everyone learns differently—and that’s okay.

Can a child with dyslexia succeed in school?

Yes! With the right support, children with dyslexia can do very well in school. The key is early help, appropriate interventions, and a team that works together: you, your child, teachers, and specialists.

Some kids will always read more slowly, and that’s okay. Others may catch up with their peers after a few years of decisive intervention. Every child’s path is different.

Keep an eye on your child’s progress. Ask for regular updates from teachers. If something isn’t working, speak up and ask for changes. You are your child’s best advocate.

Also, teach your child to speak up for themselves. Over time, they can learn to ask for what they need—extra time, audiobooks, help with spelling, or another way to show what they’ve learned.

Let them know that many successful people have dyslexia. Inventors, authors, business owners, and artists have all faced this challenge and thrived.

What support is available for families?

You don’t have to go through this alone. There are many resources for families with a child who has dyslexia.

Start with your child’s school. Ask if there are support groups, reading specialists, or workshops for parents.

Look for local or national groups like the International Dyslexia Association or Understood.org. These offer free information, expert advice, and stories from other families.

Consider a tutor trained in structured literacy or multisensory reading instruction. This can make a big difference, especially if your child is still struggling after getting school support.

Don’t forget about your own support, too. It can be hard watching your child struggle. Connect with other parents. Ask questions. Take breaks. You’re doing a great job by showing up and learning more.

What’s the most important thing to remember?

The most important thing to know about a dyslexia diagnosis is this: your child can learn. Your child is capable. Your child is more than their struggles.

Dyslexia does not mean your child is broken. It means they need to learn differently—and that is something you can help make happen.

Support at home, strong school partnerships, and the right tools can lead your child to success. Although reading may always take more effort, your child can still enjoy school, feel confident, and do well in life.

Learning that your child has dyslexia is a turning point—it gives you clarity. A diagnosis helps you understand both their struggles and their strengths, and it opens the door to the targeted support they need to thrive.

Talk to your child’s school or doctor if you’re unsure where to start. You can also look for a local expert in learning differences. There are people and programs out there who can help.