10/10/2026
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month 📚
Dyslexia is a language-based learning difficulty affecting word reading and/or spelling. Difficulties can involve accuracy, speed or both—and every student has their own profile of strengths and challenges.
Some students struggle to read words accurately. Others read correctly but slowly and with considerable effort. For some, spelling remains a greater challenge than reading.
Why do speech pathologists work in this space? Because literacy is language. Reading and spelling connect spoken sounds, written letters and meaning. Speech pathologists with expertise in literacy assess and support these skills, alongside vocabulary, comprehension and written expression.
Looking beyond reading and spelling matters too. Some students have strong spoken language skills, while others have language difficulties alongside dyslexia. ADHD and maths difficulties can also co-occur.
Support can begin before a diagnosis. Explicit, systematic teaching helps build literacy skills, while adjustments such as text-to-speech and extra time help students access learning and demonstrate what they know.
Understanding the individual helps us provide the right support.
For more information, visit:
• SPELD NSW: https://www.speldnsw.org.au/information/dyslexia/
• Dyslexia-SPELD Foundation: https://dsf.net.au/learning-difficulties/dyslexia
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