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Overview of Needs

1. Structured Literacy Instruction

  • Explicit, systematic, and multisensory instruction
  • Focus on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension

2. Spelling and Writing Support

  • Structured spelling programs that focus on patterns and rules
  • Use of technology: speech-to-text, spellcheck, word prediction tools
  • Sentence starters or graphic organisers for writing tasks

3. Reading Accommodations

  • Audiobooks or text-to-speech software
  • Extra time on tests and assignments
  • Instructions read aloud
  • Reduced reading load where appropriate

4. Classroom Supports

  • Notes or summaries provided in advance
  • Visual aids and chunked instructions
  • Minimised copying from the board
  • Quiet space for reading or testing

5. Emotional and Social Support

  • Praise effort and progress, not just accuracy
  • Help build confidence and reduce anxiety
  • Support peer relationships and classroom participation

What you might notice

These signs can vary with age, but common indicators include:

  • Reading Difficulties
  • Struggles with decoding (sounding out words)
  • Slow and laborious reading
  • Frequent guessing of words
  • Difficulty reading aloud
  • Avoids reading tasks

Writing and Spelling Challenges

  • Poor spelling, even of common words
  • Inconsistent spelling within the same piece of writing
  • Messy handwriting
  • Difficulty organising written thoughts

Language Processing

  • Trouble following multi-step instructions
  • Difficulty retrieving the right word (“tip-of-the-tongue” moments)
  • Confusion with similar-sounding words
  • Mispronunciations or mixing up words

Other Signs

  • Poor time management or trouble with sequences
  • Difficulty learning days of the week, months, or times tables
  • Low self-esteem or frustration with schoolwork

Strategies

  • Try using off-white or cream background for writing
  • Avoid worksheets or PowerPoint slides that look too ‘busy’. Keep it very simple.
  • Use headings to break up text where appropriate, and bulleted lists to organise information.
  • Use a multi-sensory approach (visual and kinaesthetic, pictures and objects).
  • Try to link concepts to real life, concrete examples.
  • Use clear, unambiguous language and keep redundant information to a minimum.
  • Provide visual support for new vocabulary.
  • Keep clutter in the classroom to a minimum.
  • Help with organisation by providing timetables/schedules for the lesson, checklists, equipment lists etc.

Resources Interventions and Activities

1. The British Dyslexia Association (BDA)

  • Overview: The BDA is one of the leading UK organizations providing information, support, and resources for individuals with dyslexia. They offer resources for educators, parents, and individuals, including dyslexia-friendly teaching methods, assessments, and advocacy.
  • Resources: Fact sheets, training for teachers, conferences, and a dyslexia helpline.
  • Website: www.bdadyslexia.org.uk

2. Dyslexia Action

  • Overview: Dyslexia Action offers a range of diagnostic services, training courses, and support for both individuals and schools. They also provide online learning for educators and tutors to improve their knowledge about dyslexia.
  • Resources: Dyslexia screening, one-to-one tutoring, online programs, and free resources for parents.
  • Website: www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk

3. The National Literacy Trust

  • Overview: The National Literacy Trust is a UK charity focused on improving literacy skills across the country. They have a wealth of resources, including support for dyslexia and literacy difficulties.
  • Resources: Research, free downloadable resources for parents and educators, and programs like “Words for Life”.
  • Website: www.literacytrust.org.uk

4. SEN Support (Special Educational Needs)

  • Overview: SEN Support is an online resource providing a collection of tools for educators working with students with special educational needs, including dyslexia. The site includes dyslexia-friendly teaching strategies and advice on identifying and supporting students with learning difficulties.
  • Resources: Information on classroom strategies, teaching techniques, and interventions for dyslexia.
  • Website: www.sensupport.co.uk

5. The Dyslexia-SpLD Trust

  • Overview: The Dyslexia-SpLD Trust is a collaboration of leading dyslexia and SpLD (Specific Learning Difficulties) organizations in the UK. They provide a wealth of information, including best practices and practical resources for educators working with students with dyslexia.
  • Resources: Free downloadable materials, links to training providers, and guidance for schools.
  • Website: www.thedyslexia-spldtrust.org.uk

6. The National Association for Special Educational Needs (NASEN)

  • Overview: NASEN is an organization that supports educators, schools, and professionals in meeting the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). They offer resources for supporting dyslexia in schools, including training and advice for teachers.
  • Resources: Webinars, publications, and a SEND toolkit for schools.
  • Website: www.nasen.org.uk

7. SpLD (Specific Learning Difficulty) & Dyslexia Support

  • Overview: This site offers detailed information and guidance on identifying and supporting students with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties (SpLD).
  • Resources: Guidance for parents and teachers, strategies for supporting learners, and links to relevant resources and assessments.
  • Website: www.spld.co.uk

8. The Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre

  • Overview: The Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre is one of the UK’s most respected specialist centres offering assessment, training, and support for dyslexia. They offer a range of individualized programs and teacher training workshops to support learners and educators.
  • Resources: One-on-one assessments, training for schools, and free resources for parents.
  • Website: www.helenarkell.org.uk

9. BBC Bitesize – Dyslexia Support

  • Overview: BBC Bitesize provides a range of interactive resources, including advice and strategies for students with dyslexia. They offer both audio and visual learning methods to support dyslexic learners.
  • Resources: Interactive learning tools, quizzes, and videos to help students with dyslexia in reading, writing, and mathematics.
  • Website: www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize

10. Dyslexia in the UK (Dyslexia UK)

  • Overview: Dyslexia UK provides educational resources, assessments, and dyslexia support to individuals and schools across the UK. They provide clear, structured advice on teaching strategies for students with dyslexia.
  • Resources: Information on identification, support programs, and strategies to help both children and adults with dyslexia.
  • Website: www.dyslexiauk.org

11. Dyslexic.com

  • Overview: Dyslexic.com is a UK-based platform that offers resources, including learning tools, books, and software specifically designed for people with dyslexia.
  • Resources: Books, articles, and guides to help parents and educators understand dyslexia and how to support learners.
  • Website: www.dyslexic.com

Key Tools and Apps for Supporting Dyslexia in the UK:

  1. Ghotit Real Writer: A writing assistance tool specifically designed for dyslexic individuals, focusing on grammar and spelling.
  2. SnapType: A mobile app that allows students with dyslexia to complete written assignments using a smartphone or tablet.
  3. Co:Writer: A word prediction tool designed to support children with dyslexia by suggesting words as they type.