Which Specialist Should You See If You Suspect Dyslexia in Your Child?

Noticing the Signs: When Reading Becomes a Daily Battle

You’ve seen it before dinner, after school, or even hidden behind tears at bedtime — your child gripping their homework sheet, struggling to read the simplest words. You know your child is smart. You see their creativity, their imagination, their humor. But reading? It feels like a mountain they’re trying to climb barefoot. And no matter how much you explain or encourage, something isn’t clicking. Maybe you’ve heard whispers of the word “dyslexia,” and now you find yourself wondering: could this be it?

Why Early Support Matters

If you’re even asking the question, that means your instinct is already working for your child. And here’s what we want you to know: you are not overreacting. Dyslexia affects about 1 in 10 children and can significantly impact academic confidence if left unsupported. But the earlier it’s identified, the better the tools and strategies available to help kids succeed — and thrive.

If you're unsure whether this is really dyslexia or just a normal delay, it may help to start by learning more about the difference between dyslexia and a simple reading delay. Understanding the nuances is often the first step toward knowing which path to take next.

Who Can Help: Understanding the Role of Each Specialist

The journey toward a diagnosis (or clarity) starts with a conversation — not with your child, but with a specialist who understands how kids learn. Here’s a breakdown of the professionals you might need to consult, and what each one brings to the table.

The First Step: Your Pediatrician

Before diving into cognitive assessments, it’s wise to speak with your child’s pediatrician. Often, they can rule out medical or sensory issues that might be interfering with reading, such as hearing or vision problems. While they can’t diagnose dyslexia themselves, they can refer you to the appropriate specialists.

The Educational Psychologist

An educational (or school) psychologist is often the go-to expert for diagnosing dyslexia. Through a series of assessments involving reading, writing, memory, and processing skills, they seek to understand how your child learns. The process may sound formal, but a good psychologist crafts their sessions to feel like play — taking away fear and allowing genuine capabilities to emerge.

These evaluations are often arranged through your school system, although private evaluations are also available. Here’s a deeper guide on school support options if your child is diagnosed.

The Speech and Language Therapist

You may associate speech therapy with stuttering or lisps, but these professionals are also rockstars in language processing. Children with dyslexia often have underlying difficulties with phonological awareness — the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words. A speech-language pathologist can assess and strengthen these foundational skills.

The Neuropsychologist

In more complex cases — especially when other challenges like ADHD or anxiety are involved — a neuropsychological evaluation can be helpful. These specialists conduct comprehensive testing that looks at attention, executive function, and emotional wellbeing alongside academic ability. While not always necessary, their insights can prevent misdiagnoses and ensure that all roots of the struggle are addressed.

Finding the Right Support Beyond Diagnosis

Once you have a diagnosis (or even a strong suspicion), what happens next? That’s when the magic begins. With the right strategies, children with dyslexia can not only learn to read — they can learn to love learning again.

Many families find that progress blossoms when educational materials are adapted to their child's learning style. For instance, auditory learners often benefit from hearing lessons instead of just reading them. Some apps and tools can now turn text-based schoolwork into audio formats — even transforming spelling lists or science notes into narrated adventures where your child stars in the story. One option parents have found helpful is the Skuli App (available on iOS and Android), which turns lessons into personalized audio journeys that make study time feel more like story time — a powerful shift for kids who struggle with traditional reading.

Other kids may respond better to short review quizzes based on their actual lessons. Taking a photo of a classroom worksheet and turning it into a fun Q&A session at home can build confidence while reducing overwhelm.

Support isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it often evolves with your child. Whether you’re adapting homework routines or planning for the leap to a new grade level, you may find this practical guide on helping your child with dyslexia prepare for middle school particularly helpful.

Emotional Support Is Just As Important

Beneath the academic challenges, there’s often a quieter pain: the child who feels ‘less than’ or ‘different.’ Diagnosing dyslexia isn’t just about reading. It’s about reclaiming your child’s confidence and helping them see themselves for who they truly are — not just measured by test scores, but by curiosity, resilience, and kindness.

Reinforcing self-worth is just as critical as phonics instruction. You can explore thoughtful strategies in this article on nurturing confidence in children with dyslexia.

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

It can feel overwhelming when the road ahead is unclear. But the truth is that dyslexia, while challenging, is also manageable — especially when caught early and addressed holistically. You’ve taken a brave, important first step by asking the right questions. From specialists and teachers to tools and sensory-friendly learning approaches, a strong support network awaits you and your child.

And don’t forget: joy belongs in the learning journey too. If you’re looking for ideas to keep your child engaged and curious, especially on tough days, this list of fun, dyslexia-friendly activities might be just the inspiration you need.

Your child’s learning difference is not a limitation. It’s a different path — one that, with the right guideposts, can lead to confidence, capability, and pride. And you are already walking it with them.