In our latest video, we sit down with two paediatric Speech Pathologists from Allied Kids Therapy in Melbourne to talk about dyslexia, their work with children and families, and why understanding each child’s individual strengths and support needs matters.
Sophia and Adam work in paediatric allied health in Melbourne, supporting children with communication, language and literacy development. In this six part mini series, we explore Dyslexia from a range of angles. Join us for the first interview where they discuss dyslexia and separating myths and facts
“It’s a really significant brain difference where children and adults can have trouble with the finer nuances of reading and spelling.” – Adam, Speech Pathologist
Dyslexia can affect a range of skills including phonological awareness (noticing and working with the sounds in words), reading fluency and spelling, which can also affect reading comprehension. Importantly, dyslexia is not a reflection of a child’s intelligence, effort or potential. Children with dyslexia have their own individual strengths, interests and ways of learning, just like every other child.
Myth: Dyslexia means you won’t be successful
Fact: Dyslexia does not reflect a person’s intelligence or what they can achieve. Adam explains that many intelligent and successful people have dyslexia, and that understanding how their brain works can help children build confidence and find strategies that support them.
“When I got this diagnosis as an adult, I was suddenly validated that all of those experiences weren’t a reflection of my intelligence, and it was just something that was different in my brain.” – Sophia, Clinical Operations Manager and Speech Pathologist
Myth: Dyslexia means seeing letters backwards, reversing letters or words
Fact: Dyslexia is more complex than reversing letters or words. It relates to difficulties developing reading and spelling skills and can present differently from child to child. It can include difficulties with working with the sounds in words, reading fluency, comprehension and spelling.
Myth: Children will simply grow out of dyslexia
Fact: Dyslexia is a lifelong learning difference. However, with appropriate support, children can build literacy skills and develop strategies that support participation in learning and everyday life.
Working with the whole family
Supporting a child with dyslexia is not just about what happens during a therapy session. A family-centred approach means understanding what matters to the child and family, identifying practical goals and working together on strategies that can be used in everyday life.
“I think all of our therapy that we do really needs to focus on the individual child. And as much evidence and research there is, it’s really about understanding who’s in front of us and what’s important to them, and then we could provide the best supports for them.” – Adam, Speech Pathologist
For our Speech Pathologists, support starts with understanding each child, what is important to them and the areas they are finding difficult. Working collaboratively with parents, carers, educators and other professionals helps identify practical strategies and provide consistent support across home and school.
What motivates our clinicians?
Every child brings different strengths, interests and goals to therapy. For our clinicians, seeing children build skills that make everyday communication, learning and participation easier is an important part of why they love working in paediatric Speech Pathology.
“We think about what we can build into our therapy that already incorporates what they’re strong at, already incorporates their interests to make sure that therapy is meaningful and has that impact across their life that they’re going to remember as adults.” – Sophia, Clinical Operations Manager and Speech Pathologist
At Allied Kids Therapy, our Speech Pathologists work alongside children and families using practical, evidence-based and neuro-affirming approaches. We can also support families who have questions about their child’s literacy development or whether a dyslexia assessment may be appropriate.
Have questions about dyslexia or your child’s literacy development? Contact Allied Kids Therapy to learn more about our Speech Pathology service and dyslexia assessment services in Melbourne.
At Allied Kids Therapy, we’re here to support your child and your family.
We’re a team of paediatric specialists working together to help kids build skills and momentum in everyday life. When you’re ready, we’re ready. Let’s take the next step together.
