How can I support a child with dyslexia in reading and writing? 

Parenting Perspective 

Embracing Their Unique Way of Learning 

Thanks to greater understanding of dyslexia, supporting a child at home with this challenge is not impossible. In fact, with patience and creativity, your child’s unique way of learning can be embraced, not battled. Many children with dyslexia struggle with recognising letters, spelling or reading aloud, yet they are often bright, imaginative and full of potential. 

Using Multi-Sensory Methods 

Start by removing any fear of failure. Celebrate effort and small steps forward. Use multi-sensory methods whenever you can. Let your child trace letters in sand, work with magnetic letters or try finger painting words. The more senses involved, the stronger their memory will be. Read aloud together and point to words as you go. Audiobooks can also help children who understand better by listening. 

Keeping Tasks Small and Being Patient 

Keep tasks small and break big lessons into manageable pieces. Try coloured overlays or larger fonts if they help your child see words more clearly. Be ready to repeat lessons as many times as needed, and do so with patience and warmth. Smile at your child and remind them that learning is not a race. 

Over time, this gentle approach builds your child’s confidence and shows them that they can learn to read and write, step by step. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us that each soul is created with its own strengths and challenges, all part of Allah Almighty’s perfect wisdom. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Ash-Shams (91), Verse 7–8: 

‘And [by] the soul and He who proportioned it. And inspired it [with discernment of] its wickedness and its righteousness. ‘

This reminds us that every mind is shaped by Allah Almighty’s design, nothing is a mistake. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5678, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘There is no disease that Allah has created, except that He also has created its treatment. ‘

Share this Hadith with your child in gentle words: Allah Almighty knows their struggle and gives tools to help. Make Dua together: O Allah, bless my tongue, my eyes, and my mind to read and write well. Tell stories of great Muslims who overcame difficulties through Sabr and trust. Remind your child that reading slowly does not make them less intelligent, every letter they try to read or write is an act of effort that carries reward. By supporting your child’s needs with patience and trust in Allah Almighty’s plan, you help them grow in confidence, learning that their worth is not tied to how fast they read, but to their courage and faith as they keep trying, InshaAllah.