Child Learning Difficulties in the UK:
A guide to dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia signs, tests and support.

Introduction

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If you are worried about your child’s learning, behaviour or progress at school, you may be searching for answers such as “dyslexia test for children” or “how to tell if my child is dyslexic”.

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I work with families across Wiltshire and surrounding areas through Wiltshire SEN Assessment, providing clear diagnostic assessments and guidance for children with learning differences.

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This page explains the most common learning difficulties, how to recognise the signs and what steps to take next.

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Dyslexia test for children: signs and what happens next

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If you are looking for a dyslexia test for your child, it is usually because you have noticed ongoing difficulties with reading, spelling or writing. Common signs include slow reading, difficulty blending sounds, frequent spelling mistakes and avoiding reading or writing tasks.

 

When I assess a child, I carry out structured testing of reading, spelling, memory and processing skills to understand how they learn. After the assessment, I provide a clear report explaining whether dyslexia is present and what support will help at school and at home.

 

Dyslexia screening for children: what it shows (and what it doesn’t)

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A dyslexia screening can be useful as an early indicator, but it is not the same as a full diagnostic assessment.

 

Screening may highlight potential areas of difficulty in reading, spelling or processing skills. However, it does not provide a formal diagnosis or detailed understanding of learning needs.

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For a full and accurate picture, I recommend a complete diagnostic assessment through Wiltshire SEN Assessment.

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Dyscalculia test for children in the UK: signs and support options

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Dyscalculia affects a child’s ability to understand numbers, patterns and basic mathematical concepts. Signs may include difficulty with number sense, problems learning times tables, confusion with calculations and anxiety around maths tasks.

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When I assess for dyscalculia, I look at underlying cognitive and numerical processing skills to understand how the child processes mathematical information. Support may include targeted teaching strategies, structured learning approaches and school-based adjustments.

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Dyspraxia test: signs in children and next steps

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Dyspraxia affects coordination, organisation and motor planning, which can impact writing, physical activities and daily tasks. Signs in children may include poor handwriting, difficulty with coordination, struggles with organisation and slower completion of tasks.

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A full assessment helps identify whether dyspraxia is present and how it affects learning and daily functioning. I provide clear recommendations that can be used by schools and families to support development.

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How to tell if my child may be dyslexic

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Parents often ask how to tell if a child is dyslexic. Common indicators include difficulty learning to read, slow progress in spelling, trouble remembering instructions and frustration with written work.

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These signs do not confirm dyslexia, but they do indicate that an assessment may be appropriate. Through Wiltshire SEN Assessment, I help families understand whether an assessment is needed and what the next steps should be.

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Dyslexia vs other learning difficulties: understanding the differences

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Learning difficulties can overlap, which is why a full assessment is important.

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• Dyslexia mainly affects reading, spelling and language processing.

• Dyscalculia affects number understanding and mathematical reasoning.

• Dyspraxia affects coordination, organisation and motor skills.

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Children may have more than one learning difficulty, which is why a full diagnostic approach is essential to understand their needs accurately.

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Support for children with dyslexia in school and at home

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Once a child has been assessed, support can be put in place both at school and at home.

 

In school, this may include extra time, structured literacy support, assistive technology and differentiated teaching approaches. At home, support may include reading strategies, routine-based learning support and confidence-building approaches.

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I provide clear, practical recommendations after every assessment, so families and schools know exactly how to help the child move forward.

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Why choose Wiltshire SEN Assessment

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I provide specialist assessments for children with learning difficulties across Wiltshire and surrounding areas. My focus is on clear and accurate diagnosis, understanding how each child learns, practical recommendations for schools and parents and a supportive and straightforward process.

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If you are unsure whether your child needs an assessment, I can help you decide the most appropriate next step.

 

Find out more about me, my experience and qualifications.

Contact Wiltshire SEN Assessment to discuss your situation or book an assessment.

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FAQs

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What is a dyslexia test for children?

It is a structured assessment that looks at reading, spelling, memory and processing skills to determine whether dyslexia is present.

 

What is the difference between screening and assessment?

Screening gives an indication of risk, while a full assessment provides a formal diagnosis and detailed recommendations.

 

Can dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia overlap?

Yes, children can have more than one learning difficulty at the same time.

 

At what age can a child be assessed?

Children can usually be assessed once they have developed basic reading and writing skills, typically in early school years.

 

How does support help after diagnosis?

Support provides tailored strategies in school and at home to improve learning, confidence and progress.