Is Dyslexia Considered a Learning Disability in School?

by Skuli | Available on AppStore + GooglePlay

• 3 min read

Understanding Your Child's Struggles in the Classroom

If you're reading this, chances are you've watched your child sit at the kitchen table, pencil in hand, tears welling up in frustration over a seemingly simple reading assignment. Maybe you've heard them say things like, “I’m just stupid,” or “I can’t do this,” and you've felt that quiet ache in your chest—the helplessness of wanting to support them, but not knowing where to start.

You are not alone. For children with dyslexia, school can feel like an uphill climb every single day. And for parents, navigating the educational system—full of jargon, acronyms, and inconsistencies—can be just as overwhelming. One of the most common questions parents ask is: Is dyslexia officially recognized as a disability in school, and what does that actually mean for my child?

Yes—But Recognition is Just the Beginning

The short answer is: Yes, dyslexia is recognized as a disability in most school systems. In legal and educational contexts, it's considered a specific learning disability that falls under the broader umbrella of “learning disorders.” That means your child may be entitled to official accommodations, support services, and even individualized learning plans such as an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or a 504 Plan, depending on where you live.

But here's the tricky part: Recognition does not always guarantee action. While scientific understanding of dyslexia has advanced significantly, the reality in many classrooms still feels outdated. Not every teacher has the training or tools to support a dyslexic learner effectively. And not every school approaches accommodations with the same level of sensitivity or urgency.

Seeing Beyond the Label

Let me share a story. A mother I once interviewed, Léa, suspected her daughter Camille had dyslexia when she was in second grade. Camille often reversed letters, took hours to complete a short reading, and dreaded going to school. Despite Léa’s concerns, the school initially brushed them off: “She’ll grow out of it.” It wasn’t until a full evaluation in third grade confirmed dyslexia that Camille began receiving accommodations like extra test time and simplified instructions. Even then, Léa had to constantly advocate to ensure the support was carried out properly.

This is a familiar journey for many parents. The diagnosis is just the first step. The real challenge is ensuring that recognition leads to meaningful, everyday changes in how your child experiences school. If that’s the road you’re on, know that receiving an official diagnosis can help unlock doors—but you may still need to push them open.

What Classroom Support Can (and Should) Look Like

When a child’s dyslexia is formally recognized by the school, you can push for accommodations that genuinely change how they learn—not just how they’re evaluated. These may include:

  • Taking tests orally rather than in writing
  • Using audio versions of lessons and books
  • Extended time on assignments or exams
  • Reduced homework loads when appropriate
  • Written instructions paired with visual or verbal explanations

Some schools also offer access to technology or software that supports reading and spelling. At home, tools like the Skuli App provide valuable reinforcement. For kids who find written words overwhelming, for instance, apps can transform lessons into audio or even story-based adventures that invite them into learning with excitement rather than dread. (One mom told me her son finally remembered a math rule—not because of a textbook, but because it showed up in one of Skuli’s audio adventures where he was the hero!)

Advocating for Your Child Without Burning Out

Chronic school stress, daily struggles with homework, and emotional lows can wear any parent down. If you’re knee-deep in this reality, give yourself credit—you’re doing incredibly hard, meaningful work. But you don’t have to do it alone. Resources like special education coordinators, supportive teachers, parent advocacy groups, and even online communities can make a world of difference.

Here are some practical next steps to consider:

Your Child’s Struggles Don’t Define Their Strength

Sometimes, I wish all parents could see their child the way I do when I read their stories—tenacious, curious, determined. Dyslexia isn't a measure of intelligence or effort. It's a different way of processing the world. And with the right recognition, the right support, and a lot of love (which you’re already giving in spades), your child can not only survive school—they can thrive.

So yes, dyslexia is considered a learning disability in school. But more importantly, it’s one part of who your child is. A part that, when fully understood, can be navigated with creativity, compassion, and a strong support system around them.