Dyslexia is a lifelong, neurobiological learning difference that primarily affects how the brain processes written language. It is important to know that dyslexia is not a reflection of intelligence, vision, or effort; rather, it is a difference in how the brain connects the sounds of speech to the letters on a page.
In Marisa’s words at Sensory Learning Services, it is a case of needing to “teach the way they learn.”
What is Dyslexia?
At its core, dyslexia is a difficulty with phonological processing. This means the brain struggles to:
- Identify the individual sounds that make up words (phonemes).
- Map those sounds onto letters or groups of letters (phonics).
- Retrieve those sounds quickly enough to read fluently.
Signs to Look for in Your Child
The signs of dyslexia change as a child grows. While many children occasionally reverse letters like b and d when they are young, persistent patterns in the following areas may indicate dyslexia.
1. Early Years (Preschool – Year 1)
Before a child even begins formal reading, you might notice:
- Delayed Speech: Taking longer to start talking or using “baby talk” for longer than peers.
- Rhyming Struggles: Difficulty recognising or coming up with rhyming words (e.g., not realising “cat” and “hat” rhyme).
- Word Confusion: Mixing up sounds in long words (e.g., saying “hellicopter” instead of “helicopter” or “aminal” instead of “animal”).
- Difficulty Learning the Alphabet: Struggling to remember the names of letters or the sounds they make.
2. Primary School Years (Year 2 – Year 6)
Once formal schooling begins, signs often become more apparent during literacy tasks:
- Slow, Laborious Reading: Reading word-by-word with a lot of effort, or losing their place on the page frequently.
- Guessing Words: Using the first letter or a picture to “guess” a word rather than sounding it out (e.g., seeing “house” and saying “home”).
- Spelling Inconsistency: Spelling the same word three different ways in one paragraph, or spelling words exactly as they sound (e.g., “sed” for “said”).
- Avoidance & Frustration: A strong reluctance to read aloud or do homework, often leading to “tummy aches” or behavioural outbursts before school.
3. Associated “Hidden” Signs
Because dyslexia affects information processing, you may also see:
- Difficulty Following Instructions: Struggling with multi-step directions (e.g., “Put your shoes on, grab your hat, and meet me at the car”).
- Working Memory Issues: Forgetting what they just read or struggling to hold a sentence in their head long enough to write it down.
- Left/Right Confusion: Persistent trouble telling left from right or learning to tie shoelaces.
The “Gift” of the Dyslexic Mind
While the school system can be a challenge, many children with dyslexia are “big picture” thinkers. They often show remarkable strengths in:
- Creative Problem Solving and “outside the box” thinking.
- Visual-Spatial Skills (excellent at building, puzzles, or art).
- Empathy and Social Intelligence due to their need to adapt and observe.
If you notice these signs, early intervention is key. Marisa and the team at Sensory Learning Services specialise in using the Science of Reading to bridge these gaps through multi-sensory techniques that make the “code” of language finally click.
Meet Your Specialist: Marisa Schreier
Founder & Dyslexia Specialist Tutor
With a background in Linguistics from Edith Cowan University and a deep passion for the Science of Reading, Marisa has spent decades mastering the art of literacy intervention. Her career includes significant roles as a language support teacher at the Telethon Speech and Hearing Centre and as a registered specialist with The Dyslexia – SPELD Foundation of WA.
Marisa specialises in supporting students with:
- Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs): Dyslexia and Dysgraphia.
- Attention Disorders: ADHD and focus challenges.
- Communication Needs: Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).
- Cognitive Support: Strategies for students with poor working memory.
Our Evidence-Based Approach
We don’t believe in a “one size fits all” model. By drawing on research-based principles and the latest in literacy science, Marisa selects the specific program that aligns with your child’s unique cognitive profile.
Programs we utilise include:
Every session is multi-sensory, encouraging students to become active participants in their learning through immediate feedback and joyful, engaging activities.
Tutoring Services & Locations
We offer three flexible ways to access specialist support across Perth:
After-School Tutoring
(Floreat)
Convenient afternoon sessions held in a focused learning environment.
Location: St Nicholas Parish Hall, 84-86 The Boulevard, Floreat.
Availability: Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday | 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm.
10-Week Intensive Intervention (Woodlands)
A high-impact program designed to build foundational skills rapidly.
Location: Woodlands.
Availability: Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday | 8:00 am & 9:00 am.
In-School Tutoring
We partner with schools to provide support within the student’s familiar environment during school hours.
Service Areas: City of Stirling, Town of Vincent, Town of Cambridge, and Town of Claremont.
Why Choose Sensory Learning Services?
- 15 Years of Specialised Experience: Deep expertise in SLDs and neurodiversity.
- Personalised Progress Monitoring: We constantly differentiate and adjust plans based on real-time student data.
- Safe & Supportive Environment: We build trusting relationships so students feel safe to take risks and grow.
- Linguistic Focus: Our interventions are backed by a formal understanding of language structure and processing.
Ready to help your child thrive? Contact Marisa today to discuss your child’s needs and book an assessment.