Lab Learning and Speech

22/05/2026

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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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...

12/05/2026

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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12/05/2026

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

Functional literacy describes the skills needed for everyday life in our complex society. Improving it for adults may be Australia’s biggest challenge.

05/05/2026

“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

04/05/2026

Learn the official definition of dyslexia, as well as facts and common myths.

30/04/2026

30/04/2026

Learning difficulties present in different ways…. Early identification … early intervention

In the early years, parents might notice challenges with sounding out words, blending, or slow, effortful reading.

But in the teenage years, these same underlying difficulties can show up as:• Trouble understanding what they’ve read• Taking hours to complete homework• Feeling overwhelmed by large amounts of text• Difficulty summarising or identifying key ideas• Avoidance, frustration, or shutdown around schoolwork.

✨ The earlier we recognise the signs, the better the outcomes—but it’s never too late to provide the right support.
LAB Learning and Speech have just opened up extra spots for term 2 -face-to-face and online.

To learn more head to https://lablearningandspeech.com.au/contact/
Or call 0401231522

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27/04/2026

Big news! 🎉
LAB Learning and Speech has opened a satellite clinic in Anna Bay to better support families who have found it difficult to travel to our Raymond Terrace location.
Thanks to your feedback, we’re making it easier to access high-quality support closer to home.

✨ Limited spots now available
✨ Support for dyslexia and a range of learning difficulties

Get in touch via https://lablearningandspeech.com.au/contact/ to secure your place, learn more or call Regional Manager Jason on 0409905166.

23/04/2026

19/04/2026

Imagine starting school excited to learn to read—trying your best every day—only to realise it’s not getting easier like it is for everyone else.

While your your friends begin reading fluently, write and spell easily, you’re still struggling to break apart or blend sounds. You start to feel frustrated, embarrassed, and unsure why it’s so hard. Slowly, confidence fades or school becomes something you dread.

This is the experience of many children with dyslexia.

This article highlights the mental health risks associated with dyslexia are often shaped by repeated experiences of struggle, stress, and comparison with others, along with strategies to assist. Thanks University of Iowa for this article on such an important topic.

From a clinical perspective: early identification and the right instruction are critical.

https://irrc.education.uiowa.edu/blog/2022/10/intersection-dyslexia-struggles-reading-and-mental-health?fbclid=IwZnRzaARSDvxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEegiy3tAu4341d6NdevDYDqlqX1sWf7nUEV0pp3nl1OtjOo9FGXHfSBWR37G8_aem_NZgAH5nu2gVRC6125mhOvw

Learn more about the mental health impacts and strategies to help children with dyslexia.