When most people hear the word dyslexia, they immediately think of reading challenges—letters being reversed, slow reading, or difficulty sounding out words. While these are certainly common characteristics, dyslexia is much more complex.
As an educational psychologist serving families in Santa Clarita and surrounding communities, I often help parents understand that dyslexia impacts multiple areas of daily life—not just reading. Recognizing these broader challenges can lead to earlier support, better strategies, and more confidence for your child.
Below are five lesser-known but very real challenges many individuals with dyslexia experience.
- Weak Short-Term Memory
Many individuals with dyslexia struggle with short-term (working) memory. This can show up in ways that are easy to overlook or misinterpret.
For example, your child might:
- Forget multi-step directions (“Go upstairs, grab your shoes, and bring your backpack”)
- Lose track of what they were just told
- Struggle to retain information long enough to complete a task
This is not a lack of effort—it’s a difference in how the brain processes and holds information. In school, this can impact everything from following instructions to completing assignments independently.
- Spatial Awareness Challenges
Dyslexia can also affect how someone understands space and positioning.
You might notice:
- Difficulty distinguishing left from right
- Trouble organizing materials on a page
- Messy handwriting or inconsistent spacing
These spatial challenges can extend beyond academics and into everyday tasks like sports, driving (for teens), or even navigating new environments.
- Difficulty with Navigation
Many individuals with dyslexia have a weaker internal “map” of their surroundings.
This may look like:
- Getting lost easily—even in familiar places
- Difficulty remembering routes
- Relying heavily on landmarks rather than directions
For younger children, this might mean trouble finding their classroom or remembering where items are kept. For older students and adults, navigation apps often become essential tools.
- Difficulty Remembering Numbers
While dyslexia is language-based, it can also impact how numbers are processed and remembered.
Common struggles include:
- Remembering phone numbers or addresses
- Recalling math facts quickly
- Keeping track of sequences (like steps in a math problem)
This can sometimes overlap with dyscalculia, but even without a formal math disorder, many individuals with dyslexia report challenges with numbers.
- Challenges Receiving Verbal Spelling
One of the most frustrating (and often misunderstood) challenges is difficulty processing verbally spelled information.
For example:
- If someone spells a word out loud (“C-A-T”), the brain may not easily assemble it into the word cat
- Spelling over the phone can be especially difficult
- Writing down dictated spelling may feel overwhelming
This is because dyslexia affects phonological processing—the ability to connect sounds with symbols—which is essential for both reading and spelling.
Dyslexia Is a Different Way of Processing, Not a Deficit
It’s important to remember: dyslexia is not a measure of intelligence. Many individuals with dyslexia are highly creative, intuitive, and strong problem-solvers. However, without the right support, these hidden challenges can lead to frustration, anxiety, and a loss of confidence.
Understanding the full picture of dyslexia allows parents, teachers, and professionals to provide more targeted and compassionate support.
When to Seek Testing for Dyslexia
If your child is experiencing several of the challenges listed above—especially alongside reading or spelling difficulties—it may be time to consider a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation.
An evaluation can:
- Identify your child’s unique learning profile
- Clarify whether dyslexia or another learning difference is present
- Provide recommendations for school and home support
- Help qualify your child for accommodations
If you’re searching for dyslexia testing near me in Santa Clarita, working with a licensed educational psychologist can give you clear answers and a path forward.
Final Thoughts
Dyslexia is more than difficulty with reading—it affects memory, processing, navigation, and everyday functioning in ways that are often invisible.
The good news? With early identification and the right support, individuals with dyslexia can thrive—in school and beyond. Contact me today to learn more!
