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What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a learning difference that makes reading, writing, and spelling harder. It is not a problem with intelligence. People with dyslexia can learn — they just learn in a different way.

Dyslexia affects how the brain works with sounds and letters. Children with dyslexia may have trouble sounding out words or remembering how to spell them.

Dyslexia is common. With the right support, children with dyslexia can learn to read and do well in school.

Tutor teaching boy with dyslexia.

Signs of dyslexia

Every child is different, but here are some common signs:

In young children (age 5–7):

  • Trouble learning letters and sounds
  • Difficulty rhyming
  • Mixing up the order of sounds in words
  • Slow to learn simple words like “cat” or “the”

In older children:

  • Reading is slow or feels like a struggle
  • Avoids reading out loud
  • Spells the same word in different ways
  • Poor spelling or handwriting
  • Difficulty remembering what was just read
Physiotherapist guiding two children through a sensory learning activity in a dyslexia-friendly classroom.

Resources

Here are some helpful tools and websites about dyslexia:

Advocacy, awareness, and support across Canada

Tips and tools for families and educators

Register your child for tutoring

Want help in the London area? Learn more about our free tutoring program for children with dyslexia: