Unlocking the Mystery of Dyslexia: Why The Right Assessment Matters
When a child struggles with reading, it can affect so much more than just grades. Confidence, motivation, and even enjoyment of school can take a hit. One of the most common learning disabilities that impacts reading is dyslexia, but what many parents don’t realize is that dyslexia isn’t just one thing. There are different subtypes, and understanding which one your child may be experiencing is key to getting the right support.
The Different Types of Dyslexia
Phonological/dysphonetic dyslexia: This subtype is characterized by difficulty with phonemic awareness and decoding, which makes it difficult for the child to break down words into their component sounds. In addition, children with this type of dyslexia often have weak auditory processing skills and struggle with speech perception and production.
Surface dyslexia: This subtype is characterized by difficulty with word recognition and is often caused by a lack of visual memory. Children with surface dyslexia may have trouble recognizing words by sight, even if they have been taught the correct spelling. Children with surface dyslexia often have difficulties with letter reversals and have difficulties reading words that look similar but have different meanings (e.g., "bent" and "bend") or pronunciations.
Mixed dyslexia: This subtype is a combination of phonological and surface dyslexia. Children with mixed dyslexia may have difficulty with both phonemic awareness and visual memory.
Comprehension deficits: This subtype is characterized by difficulty with understanding the meaning of written text, even when the child can read the words correctly. Children with comprehension deficits may have trouble with vocabulary, text structure, and inferencing.
Why Subtypes Matter
A psychoeducational assessment can help identify not just if your child has dyslexia, but which areas of reading are the hardest. This matters because the best intervention for one child may not help another. For example, phonological dyslexia calls for intensive work on sound awareness, while surface dyslexia benefits from strengthening visual memory and sight word recognition.
At Chickadee Psychology, we use in-depth neuropsychological assessment tools to get to the root of reading challenges, going beyond basic academic tests to uncover whether difficulties are phonological, visual, or comprehension-based.
The good news: dyslexia is one of the most highly treatable learning disorders.
Dyslexia is one of the most studied (and most treatable!) learning disorders. Research shows that early intervention makes a world of difference. With the right supports, children with dyslexia can become confident, capable readers who thrive in school and beyond.
Next Steps
If you’ve noticed your child is working much harder than peers just to keep up with reading, or if homework is turning into a daily struggle, a dyslexia assessment in Calgary could provide the clarity and direction you need. At Chickadee Psychology, we’ll help you understand your child’s unique learning profile and provide practical, evidence-based strategies that make a real difference.
Concerned about your child’s reading? Reach out today to schedule a consultation.
