What is Dyslexia? Signs, Symptoms and Support Options in Brisbane East

Navigating the complexities of dyslexia can feel overwhelming for families in Redlands and Brisbane’s eastern suburbs. When reading becomes a daily struggle despite a child’s obvious intelligence and motivation, parents often experience confusion and concern. Dyslexia affects 3-7% of the population globally, touching the lives of many Queensland families who may not fully understand what their children are experiencing or how to support them effectively.

What Exactly is Dyslexia and How Does it Affect Learning?

Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental learning disorder characterised by difficulties with accurate or fluent word recognition, poor spelling, and decoding abilities. These challenges occur despite normal intelligence and adequate educational instruction. The condition stems from differences in how the brain processes language, particularly in the areas responsible for phonological processing—the ability to recognise and manipulate speech sounds.

At its core, dyslexia involves persistent challenges with:

• Connecting letters with their corresponding sounds (phonological processing)
• Recognising words automatically and reading fluently
• Processing information quickly, especially when transitioning between visual and verbal coding
• Utilising working memory effectively during reading and writing tasks

It’s important to understand that dyslexia exists on a continuum from mild to severe and can persist into adulthood. While there is no cure for dyslexia, early identification coupled with evidence-based interventions can significantly improve outcomes and help individuals develop effective strategies to manage their learning differences.

The neurobiological basis of dyslexia means it is not a reflection of intelligence or effort—many people with dyslexia demonstrate exceptional abilities in problem-solving, creative thinking, and spatial reasoning. These strengths can be leveraged in learning approaches that work with, rather than against, the dyslexic brain.

What Signs of Dyslexia Should Parents and Teachers Watch For?

The manifestations of dyslexia evolve as children develop, with different signs becoming apparent at various stages. Recognising these early indicators is crucial for timely intervention.

Preschool Years (Ages 3-5)

During these foundational years, children might display subtle signs that can indicate potential dyslexia:

• Difficulty learning and remembering nursery rhymes
• Struggles with rhyming games that most children enjoy
• Trouble recalling the sequence of stories or events
• Persistent word mispronunciations that exceed typical developmental patterns
• Delayed speech development compared to peers
• Difficulty learning the names of letters or numbers

Primary School Years (Ages 5-12)

As academic demands increase, dyslexia becomes more evident through:

• Confusion between visually similar letters (b/d/p/q)
• Inconsistent spelling patterns, even with frequently used words
• Slow, laboured reading with frequent guessing based on initial letters
• Avoidance of reading activities or distress when asked to read aloud
• Good comprehension when listening but poor understanding when reading independently
• Difficulties with sequencing (days of the week, months, alphabet)
• Trouble following multi-step instructions

Adolescence and Adulthood

Without appropriate support, dyslexia continues to present challenges:

• Difficulty skimming text or extracting key information
• Poor time management and organisational skills
• Workplace challenges with report writing, editing, or note-taking
• Heavy reliance on spell-check, audiobooks, and other compensatory tools
• Reading that remains slow and effortful despite years of practice
• Excellent verbal communication skills that contrast with written expression

Early identification of these signs allows for timely intervention, potentially preventing the secondary effects of dyslexia such as reduced self-esteem, anxiety about school, and behavioural issues that can arise from academic frustration.

How is Dyslexia Diagnosed in Queensland?

Obtaining a formal diagnosis of dyslexia in Queensland typically involves a comprehensive assessment process that examines various aspects of reading, language, and cognitive processing.

Assessment Process

A thorough dyslexia assessment generally includes:

1. Detailed developmental and educational history: Gathering information about early development, family history of learning difficulties, and academic progress
2. Standardised assessments: Measuring reading accuracy, fluency, comprehension, spelling, and writing skills
3. Phonological processing evaluation: Assessing abilities in sound manipulation, rapid naming, and phonological memory
4. Cognitive assessment: Examining intellectual abilities, working memory, processing speed, and executive functions

In Queensland, these assessments are typically conducted by multidisciplinary professionals including:

• Speech pathologists with specialisation in literacy
• Educational psychologists
• Specialist teachers with advanced training in learning difficulties

Assessment Providers in Brisbane East

Several services in and around Redlands and Brisbane’s eastern suburbs offer comprehensive dyslexia assessments:

• Dyslexia Queensland provides comprehensive screenings and assessments
• Speech pathology practices like The Learning & Literacy Clinic offer literacy assessments
• Educational psychology services conduct cognitive and academic evaluations

The cost of comprehensive assessments in Southeast Queensland typically ranges from $485 to $1,100, depending on the depth of evaluation and the professionals involved. Some assessments may be eligible for partial Medicare rebates under specific plans or private health insurance coverage.

An accurate diagnosis serves as the foundation for developing targeted intervention strategies that address the specific profile of strengths and challenges for each individual.

What Evidence-Based Interventions Work Best for Dyslexia?

Research consistently demonstrates that structured, systematic, and explicit instruction yields the best outcomes for individuals with dyslexia. These approaches directly target the core phonological deficits and provide the repetition and structured practice needed to build neural pathways for reading.

Structured Literacy Approaches

The most effective intervention programs share key characteristics:

• Multisensory techniques: Engaging multiple senses (visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic) simultaneously to strengthen learning
• Systematic phonics instruction: Teaching the relationship between sounds and letters in a logical, sequential order
• Explicit instruction: Directly teaching reading concepts rather than expecting students to infer rules
• Cumulative practice: Building upon previously mastered skills before introducing new concepts
• Diagnostic teaching: Continuously assessing progress and adapting instruction accordingly

Specific Programs and Approaches

Approach	Key Features	Suitable Age Groups
Orton-Gillingham	Multisensory, structured, sequential instruction focused on language elements	All ages, adaptable
Wilson Reading System	Systematic 12-step program targeting decoding and encoding	School-age through adult
SPELD Literacy Programs	Australian-developed structured literacy instruction	Primary and secondary
MultiLit	Australian research-based literacy intervention	Primary school focus
Sounds-Write	Linguistic phonics program with systematic instruction	Early years through adult

Supportive Technologies

Technology offers valuable support for individuals with dyslexia:

• Text-to-speech applications that read digital text aloud
• Speech-to-text software that converts spoken words to written text
• Digital libraries providing access to audiobooks
• Reading pens that scan and read printed text
• Electronic organisers and planning tools
• Spelling and grammar checkers with dyslexia-specific features

The most successful intervention approaches combine direct instruction with supportive technologies and accommodations tailored to the individual’s specific profile of strengths and challenges.

What School and Workplace Accommodations Support Success with Dyslexia?

With appropriate accommodations, individuals with dyslexia can fully access education and excel in the workplace. These adjustments don’t provide an unfair advantage—they level the playing field by removing barriers to learning and performance.

Educational Accommodations

Schools across Queensland can implement various supports:

• Extended time for reading tasks and examinations
• Access to recorded materials and audiobooks
• Permission to use speech-to-text or text-to-speech technology
• Modified assignments that assess knowledge without penalising for spelling
• Note-taking assistance or provision of teacher notes
• Alternative assessment formats (oral presentations instead of written reports)
• Separate, quiet locations for tests to minimise distractions

These accommodations may be formalised through individual education plans or reasonable adjustment plans within Queensland schools.

Workplace Accommodations

For adults with dyslexia, workplace adjustments might include:

• Additional time for document review and written tasks
• Access to assistive software for reading and writing
• Verbal rather than written instructions when possible
• Agenda provided before meetings to allow preparation
• Permission to record important discussions for later review
• Workplace mentoring or coaching focused on organisational strategies

Under Australian disability discrimination legislation, reasonable workplace accommodations are protected rights for individuals with diagnosed learning disorders like dyslexia.

The goal of accommodations is not to lower standards but to provide alternative pathways for demonstrating knowledge and completing tasks. With appropriate support, individuals with dyslexia often develop exceptional compensatory skills in problem-solving, creativity, and verbal communication that can become significant workplace assets.

What Local Resources Are Available in Brisbane’s Eastern Suburbs?

Families in Redlands and Brisbane East have access to various support services and resources for dyslexia:

Professional Services

• SPELD QLD: Located in Woolloongabba, SPELD offers specialist teacher services, workshops, and resources specifically designed for dyslexia and other learning difficulties.
• The Learning & Literacy Clinic in Cleveland provides speech pathology services focused on literacy development for children and adolescents with learning challenges.
• Dyslexia Australia conducts nationally recognised diagnostic assessments and provides guidance on intervention approaches.

Community Support

• Parent support groups that meet regularly in Brisbane’s eastern suburbs provide emotional support and practical advice for families navigating dyslexia.
• School-based learning support coordinators can help implement accommodations and connect families with appropriate resources.
• Libraries throughout Redlands and Brisbane East often offer accessible reading materials, including audiobooks and high-interest/low-difficulty texts suitable for dyslexic readers.

Online Resources

• The Australian Dyslexia Association provides evidence-based information tailored to the Australian educational context.
• Learning Difficulty Australia offers webinars, resource recommendations, and professional directories.
• The Queensland Department of Education website contains guidance documents for parents seeking support within the school system.

Utilising these local and online resources can help families build a comprehensive support network that addresses both the practical and emotional aspects of managing dyslexia.

Embracing Strengths While Supporting Challenges

Understanding dyslexia as a different pattern of brain organisation—rather than a deficit—helps focus on the remarkable strengths often associated with dyslexic thinking. Many individuals with dyslexia demonstrate exceptional abilities in areas such as:

• Three-dimensional thinking and spatial reasoning
• Creative problem-solving and connecting ideas in unusual ways
• Big-picture conceptual thinking
• Narrative reasoning and storytelling
• Entrepreneurial mindset and innovation

The most effective approaches to dyslexia acknowledge and nurture these strengths while providing targeted support for challenges. With appropriate interventions, accommodations, and encouragement, individuals with dyslexia can thrive academically, professionally, and personally.

Early identification and intervention remain the most powerful factors in positive outcomes. By recognising the signs of dyslexia early and accessing evidence-based support, families can help children develop effective strategies that will serve them throughout their lives.

If you have any concerns or questions about your child, please reach out to The Learning & Literacy Clinic today.