Lab Learning and Speech

Many children are told they’ll “catch up” —but a wait-and-see approach is not recommended, as it can allow the gap to grow over time.

In our latest blog, we discuss:

• why early reading difficulties should not be ignored
• how reading skills build step by step
• why small gaps can become larger over time
• the importance of phonological awareness, letter-sound knowledge and decoding
• how early, evidence-based intervention can support confidence and learning

Read the full article here:
https://lablearningandspeech.com.au/why-waiting-can-make-reading-difficulties-harder-to-overcome/

LAB Learning and Speech offers comprehensive assessments to help identify your child’s strengths and areas that may require support, while guiding the right pathway forward.

0401 231 522
https://lablearningandspeech.com.au/contact/

Learn. Achieve. Believe.

References
Cunningham, A. E., & Stanovich, K. E. (1997). Early reading acquisition and its relation to reading experience and ability 10 years later. Developmental Psychology, 33(6), 934–945. https://doi.org/10.1037/0012-1649.33.6.934
National Early Literacy Panel. (2008). Developing early literacy: Report of the National Early Literacy Panel. National Institute for Literacy.
National Reading Panel. (2000). Teaching children to read: An evidence-based assessment of the scientific research literature on reading and its implications for reading instruction. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Seidenberg, M. S. (2017). Language at the speed of sight: How we read, why so many can't, and what can be done about it. Basic Books.
Snow, C. E., Burns, M. S., & Griffin, P. (Eds.). (1998). Preventing reading difficulties in young children. National Academy Press.
Stanovich, K. E. (1986). Matthew effects in reading: Some consequences of individual differences in the acquisition of literacy. Reading Research Quarterly, 21(4), 360–407. https://doi.org/10.1598/RRQ.21.4.1
Torgesen, J. K. (2004). Preventing early reading failure. American Educator, 28(3), 6–19.
Wolf, M. (2018). Reader, come home: The reading brain in a digital world. Harper.

Treatment for Learning Difficulties Australia - Online - LAB Learning Clinic Treatment for learning difficulties Australia. Therapy for difficulties with reading, writing, spelling & mathematics - Hunter, NSW or online

Understanding the Cognitive Load of Dyslexia

Dyslexia is more than a reading difficulty—it increases the cognitive effort required for everyday learning.

Many individuals with dyslexia use broader, less efficient brain networks during reading and language tasks, meaning activities that appear simple often require significantly more mental effort.

Understanding the science behind this invisible effort helps us move beyond asking, “Why aren’t they trying harder?” to recognising just how hard they are already working.

At LAB Learning and Speech, we believe that understanding each child’s strengths and areas requiring support is the foundation for effective, individualised intervention—helping every child Learn. Achieve. Believe.

It’s Day 2 of PD for the LAB team…. Dysgraphia and the writing brain.

Reading doesn't develop naturally like speech.
While most children acquire spoken language through everyday interactions, reading requires the brain to build entirely new neural pathways.

Successful reading depends on:
• Phonological awareness
• Letter-sound knowledge
• Decoding skills
• Language comprehension

Research shows that explicit, systematic instruction helps children develop these critical foundations for literacy success.
The earlier difficulties are identified, the greater the opportunity to change a child's learning pathway.

Early intervention builds strong foundations for lifelong learning.
Read the full blog on our website for practical strategies, research insights, and signs to look for.

https://lablearningandspeech.com.au/reading-doesnt-develop-naturally-like-speech-why-early-intervention-matters/

Is your child “Falling through the cracks” ?

A new Australian research article highlights what many families of children with dyslexia already know: parents are often identifying reading difficulties early, but still struggling to access timely, evidence-based support at school.

One parent described it simply: “Every year you’ve got to start again.”

“Parents continue to express frustration with these systemic inconsistencies, noting that delayed or missed diagnoses can significantly impact their child’s confidence and mental health (Wilmot et al., Citation2023).”

Thanks LDA for the access, what an informative article!

From a school’s perspective we have large class sizes, busy curriculum and limited funding…

At LAB Learning and Speech, we believe every child deserves to learn-achieve-believe.
Early identification matters. Evidence-based intervention matters.

We love working with families, schools and individuals to assist those that are falling through the cracks to learn-achieve-believe (LAB).

If you suspect your child is falling through cracks book an individualised assessment to:
-identify the cracks
-the strengths
- and what evidenced based supports are recommended to support you child.

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“Falling through the cracks”: parents’ perceptions of a dyslexia diagnosis and support in Australian primary schools This study investigates Australian parents’ experiences with identification and support of primary school-aged children diagnosed with dyslexia. From the parent perspective, it evaluates whether re...

Some children are not ignoring you.
They are trying to understand.

When a child struggles to follow instructions, answer questions, or find the right words, it can look like they are not listening or not trying. In reality, they may have Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) - a hidden difficulty that affects how they understand and use language.

They might need more time to process what you say. They might lose track in conversations. They might want to communicate but not know how to get the words out.

How we respond matters. Slowing down, using clear language, and giving one step at a time can make a real difference to a child’s confidence, behaviour, and relationships.

More children are affected than most people realise.
Understanding this can change everything.

Please share to help more people understand.

Free DEVELOPMENTAL LANGUAGE DISORDER (DLD): PRINTABLE GUIDE POSTER

LIKE the photo and comment "LANGUAGE" and we will send you a message with a link to a free PDF of this resource.

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This article highlights a confronting reality: more than 1 in 3 Australian adults struggle with functional literacy.

At LAB, we see firsthand how early identification, evidence-based intervention, and strength-based support can change a child’s trajectory — not just academically, but for life. Functional literacy can impact confidence, employment, mental health, and participation in everyday life.

This is why evidence-based support, early identification and intervention matters.

Need clarity on your child’s strengths and areas that may require support?

www.lablearningandspeech.com.au

https://theconversation.com/more-than-1-in-3-australian-adults-are-functionally-illiterate-how-can-we-fix-this-277375?fbclid=IwZnRzaARwHSRleHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQAAAZZLMpkIHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR4GxkhTuu7bXnbDAV10dsXtM00JCwl9B_VtBTjhxTMpx9f2MP-eFiCbeEvuDw_aem_FUgKUhIKmpcBOI5IJ4nyag

More than 1 in 3 Australian adults are functionally illiterate. How can we fix this? Functional literacy describes the skills needed for everyday life in our complex society. Improving it for adults may be Australia’s biggest challenge.

“Accommodations level the playing field for students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities—they do not give an unfair advantage.”

The right supports don’t change expectations—they give students access to show what they truly know.

Understanding this difference is key when advocating for your child .
The International Dyslexia Association has a great info sheet for educators and parents. ...well and truly worth the download :)

🔗 Learn more: https://dyslexiaida.org/accommodations-for-students-with-dyslexia/

Require more assistance? Want more clarity in understanding your child's strengths or areas requiring support? Head to https://lablearningandspeech.com.au/ and contact us today

Defining Dyslexia – National Center on Improving Literacy Learn the official definition of dyslexia, as well as facts and common myths.