Teacher says my child might have dyslexia – what now?
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That moment when your child’s teacher approaches you with concerns about possible dyslexia can feel like the world stops spinning. Your heart pounds, your mind races with questions, and suddenly every reading struggle your child has experienced flashes before your eyes. You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed, confused, or even protective of your child. These emotions are completely normal and understandable.
When teachers raise concerns about dyslexia, they’re typically observing specific patterns in your child’s learning that suggest their brain processes reading information differently. They might notice your child struggling with letter sounds, having difficulty blending sounds together, reversing letters beyond the expected age, or reading much slower than peers despite obvious intelligence in other areas. The important thing to understand is that these observations aren’t about labeling your child or limiting their potential. Instead, think of this as identifying specific skills that need targeted development and training.
Your child’s brain has incredible potential for growth and change through neuroplasticity. Reading challenges aren’t permanent conditions but rather indicate areas where your child needs different teaching methods and more practice to develop strong reading skills. Many successful adults who struggled with reading as children have gone on to achieve remarkable things once they received the right type of instruction and support.
The key is to approach this situation with both urgency and optimism. Early intervention makes a significant difference, but remember that you’re not fighting against a disability – you’re working to develop your child’s reading skills using methods that match how their unique brain learns best.
Once teacher concerns have been raised, you have several pathways to explore, and understanding your options empowers you to make the best decisions for your child. You have legal rights when it comes to educational evaluations, and knowing these rights helps you advocate effectively.
School-based evaluations are available at no cost to you through federal laws that protect children with learning differences. You can request a comprehensive evaluation in writing, and the school has specific timelines they must follow. These evaluations typically include assessments of auditory processing, visual processing, reading skills, and overall cognitive abilities. The advantage of school evaluations is that they’re designed to determine what educational supports your child needs within the school setting.
Private evaluations offer another option and can provide more detailed information about your child’s specific learning profile. These evaluations often include more comprehensive testing of skills like auditory memory, visual discrimination, and processing speed. While private evaluations require financial investment, they can provide valuable insights that inform both school-based interventions and home support strategies.
Regardless of which path you choose, comprehensive testing should examine the underlying skills that support reading, not just reading performance itself. Skills like auditory discrimination and visual memory are foundational to reading success, and identifying specific skill areas that need development helps create targeted intervention plans.
Remember that evaluation results should focus on identifying your child’s learning strengths and the specific skills they’re developing, rather than what they cannot do. This approach maintains hope and motivation while providing clear direction for effective support.
Author Quote"
Research consistently shows that when adults believe children can learn and grow, children rise to meet those expectations.
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While you’re navigating the evaluation process, there are powerful ways to support your child’s reading development at home. These strategies can begin making a difference immediately and help build your child’s confidence during what might feel like an uncertain time.
Start by creating positive associations with reading through books that match your child’s interests rather than their current reading level. The goal is to maintain their love of stories and learning while they’re developing stronger reading skills. Read aloud together regularly, letting your child follow along and participate at whatever level feels comfortable for them.
Focus on building underlying processing skills through fun activities. Games that involve listening to sounds, such as rhyming games or identifying beginning sounds in words, help develop auditory processing skills. Visual activities like puzzles, matching games, and drawing can strengthen visual processing abilities that support reading.
Most importantly, use language that builds rather than limits. Instead of saying your child “can’t read well,” try phrases like “you’re learning to read” or “your reading skills are getting stronger.” Celebrate effort and progress, no matter how small. When your child works hard on reading, acknowledge that effort specifically: “I noticed how carefully you sounded out that word” or “You kept trying even when it was challenging.”
Implementing a growth mindset approach means helping your child understand that reading abilities can be developed through practice and good instruction. Share stories of successful people who had reading challenges as children but developed strong skills through persistence and appropriate support.
Create structured practice time that feels supportive rather than pressured. Short, positive practice sessions work better than long, frustrating ones. Always end reading time on a positive note, even if that means stopping mid-activity to celebrate something your child did well.
Key Takeaways:
1
Early Identification Means Better Outcomes: Teacher concerns about dyslexia are opportunities to begin targeted skill development that can make a significant difference in your child's reading progress.
2
You Have Rights and Options: Parents have legal rights to comprehensive evaluations and can choose between school-based assessments and private testing to understand their child's specific learning needs.
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Reading Skills Can Be Developed: Dyslexia challenges represent areas where children need different teaching methods and more practice, not permanent limitations on their learning potential.
Moving forward requires both immediate action and long-term perspective. If you’re working with the school system, prepare for meetings by writing down your observations about your child’s reading challenges and questions about the evaluation process. Come armed with information about your child’s strengths and interests, not just their struggles.
Ask specific questions during evaluation conferences: What exact skills does the testing suggest need development? What teaching methods have been most effective for children with similar learning profiles? How will progress be measured, and how often will we review and adjust the plan? What role can I play in supporting skill development at home?
Building your support team should include teachers, specialists, and other professionals, but remember that you remain your child’s most important advocate and teacher. You know your child better than anyone, and your observations and insights are valuable contributions to their educational plan.
Maintain high expectations while providing appropriate support. Research consistently shows that when adults believe children can learn and grow, children rise to meet those expectations. Your child needs to know that you believe in their ability to develop strong reading skills, even if it takes longer or requires different methods than you initially expected.
Focus on developing the whole child, not just reading skills. Children who struggle with reading need extra support for their self-confidence and emotional well-being. Ensure your child has opportunities to experience success in areas where they excel, whether that’s art, sports, building, or social skills.
Consider resources like the Learning Success All Access Program, which provides comprehensive approaches to developing the underlying skills that support reading success. These programs work on building the foundational cognitive processing skills that make reading easier, rather than just practicing reading itself.
To help your child develop a stronger growth mindset during this journey, consider our free course that teaches both parents and children how to embrace challenges and view mistakes as learning opportunities. Explore our growth mindset course.
Remember that receiving teacher concerns about possible dyslexia isn’t the end of your child’s academic story – it’s the beginning of a more targeted and effective approach to helping them develop strong reading skills. With appropriate support, high expectations, and evidence-based interventions, children who struggle with reading can and do become successful readers and learners.
Your journey may look different than you expected, but with the right support and mindset, your child can develop the reading skills they need to succeed academically and personally. Stay focused on growth, celebrate progress, and remember that your child’s unique brain has tremendous potential for learning and achievement.
Author Quote"
Your child’s brain has incredible potential for growth and change through neuroplasticity – reading challenges aren’t permanent conditions but rather indicate areas where your child needs different teaching methods.
"
Teacher concerns about possible dyslexia can feel overwhelming, but engaged parents who take proactive steps can help their children develop the reading skills they need for academic success. As your child’s first and most important teacher, you have the power to ensure they receive appropriate evaluation, evidence-based interventions, and the high expectations that fuel learning progress. Reading challenges don’t have to define your child’s educational journey when you have the right tools and support system. The Learning Success All Access Program provides comprehensive, research-based approaches to developing the underlying cognitive processing skills that make reading easier and more successful. Start your free trial today and give your child the foundation they need to become a confident, capable reader.
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