What Are the Rights of Dyslexic Students in Primary School?

When Learning Feels Like a Mountain

You're sitting at the kitchen table, it's 6:45 p.m., and your 8-year-old is staring blankly at the homework worksheet. The words don’t seem to make sense, letters float around, and frustration is mounting. You’d give anything to help them feel capable, smart—even proud. But instead, you watch them crumble again, whispering, "I'm just not good at school."

If your child has been diagnosed with dyslexia—or you suspect they might be—then you’ve likely felt this moment of helplessness. And more than once.

But here's something many parents don’t know: in France, and in many countries, children with dyslexia have specific rights at school. Rights that can change everything, if you know how to use them. In this article, we’re going to walk through what those rights are, how they work in real schools, and how you, as a parent, can advocate for your child with calm and confidence.

Understanding Dyslexia as a Recognized Learning Difference

Before diving into your child’s rights, it’s important to understand how dyslexia is officially regarded in education systems. In most countries, including France, dyslexia is recognized under the umbrella of learning disabilities. That classification gives it legal standing—and that matters when it comes to accommodations at school.

If you’re wondering whether dyslexia is officially considered a learning disability in school, this article offers a deeper explanation of educational policies and frameworks that apply.

Your Child’s Rights at School: What They Are and How They Work

In primary school, children with learning difficulties such as dyslexia are entitled to a range of support measures. These are not just "nice-to-have" accommodations—they are rights, protected by law.

1. The Personalized Support Plan (PAP)

The PAP (Plan d'Accompagnement Personnalisé) is one of the most common tools used in French primary schools to support students with learning difficulties. It’s not a medical document, but it is based on a diagnosis from a specialist (like a speech therapist or neuropsychologist). The PAP outlines specific accommodations your child needs on a daily basis—for example, more time to complete written tasks, reduced homework, or the use of a keyboard instead of handwriting.

One mother I spoke to said that after her son's PAP was approved, his confidence began to improve. "He no longer feared getting called up to the board. He knew he could explain his thinking, even if he couldn’t write it all down perfectly."

2. Disability Recognition and MDPH

For children with more severe difficulties, you can also approach the MDPH (Maison Départementale des Personnes Handicapées) to request further recognition and support. This might result in additional classroom help (like a teaching assistant) or technological support tools.

This process can feel bureaucratic and exhausting. Take it one step at a time, and don't be afraid to ask the school or a local education support service to walk you through it.

3. Examination Accommodations

Even in primary school, your child has the right to take tests under conditions that consider their learning profile. This could mean:

• Having more time
• Being allowed to listen to the questions rather than read them
• Using a computer to type instead of writing by hand

These accommodations matter, not just because they help your child succeed, but because they reshape their relationship with learning. When the system begins to adapt to the child, rather than the other way around, everything shifts.

Supporting Your Child Between School and Home

While legal rights provide formal help in school, what happens at home can be just as important. Dyslexic children often experience fatigue and anxiety linked to schoolwork, even with support plans in place.

This article on school fatigue in children with dyslexia sheds light on why your child comes home utterly wiped out—and how you can build more rest into their daily rhythm.

At home, try to shift the atmosphere around learning. For many dyslexic children, written language is a source of stress. That’s why engaging alternative pathways—like audio, visuals, or interactive formats—can make a huge difference. For example, with some apps, you can turn a lesson photo into an audio adventure where your child gets to be the main character. (Skuli does this quite beautifully, even using your child's first name to personalize the experience.) Suddenly, learning isn’t something to be dreaded—it’s an adventure they look forward to.

If you’re looking for tools and platforms that can bring more fun and ease into your child's learning journey, we’ve compiled a list of top apps and resources here, including tips for daily use.

Trust Yourself as Your Child’s Advocate

No one knows your child’s experience better than you do. But navigating support plans, meetings with teachers, and school policies can leave you feeling like you have to become an expert overnight.

You don’t. But you do need to be persistent. Calm, clear, and consistent. Many parents find it helpful to create a simple binder of all reports, plans, school communications, and notes. That way, when you sit down with teachers or administrators, you're grounded and prepared.

And remember: most educators want to help. Often, they simply don’t know how. When you come in with clarity and kindness, you're building a bridge—not a battle.

Celebrating Progress in All Its Forms

Sometimes progress comes quietly: your child voluntarily reads a paragraph aloud. They finish homework without tears. They say, “I’m good at math,” when last year they wouldn’t touch their workbook.

These are victories. Celebrate them. And keep reminding your child that being dyslexic doesn’t mean being less intelligent—it means learning differently. And that difference can become a strength.

To help your child see and feel their own potential, it’s worth exploring digital tools that reinforce self-confidence—especially those that turn lessons into play. This article on learning while having fun might offer some ideas to lighten your daily routine.

Above all, remember: your child has a right to learn, thrive, and feel seen. And with the right support—both legal and emotional—they absolutely will.