Dyslexia
When Reading Is a Struggle, Understanding Comes First
At KidsHeart Medical Center, we help children who are bright, curious, and capable — but who find reading unusually difficult. Dyslexia is not about intelligence. It’s about how the brain processes language.
Many children with dyslexia go unnoticed until frustration builds — at school, at home, and within themselves. That’s why early identification and the right support make all the difference.
Our child psychologists offer focused evaluations and school-friendly support plans across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Al Ain.
What Is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder that affects:
- Reading accuracy and fluency
- Spelling and decoding skills
- Phonological awareness (understanding sounds in words)
Children with dyslexia may:
- Struggle to sound out words
- Mix up letters or skip words while reading
- Avoid reading out loud
- Read slowly or with visible effort
- Shows strong verbal understanding but poor written work
Dyslexia often runs in families and can appear alongside ADHD, anxiety, or other learning challenges.
When Should You Consider an Evaluation?
You may want to speak to a specialist if your child:
- Struggles with reading despite normal classroom instruction
- Avoids reading or shows frustration when asked to read
- Spells the same word differently in one sentence
- Can speak clearly but can’t easily read or write
- Is falling behind in reading levels despite overall effort
- Has a family history of dyslexia or reading difficulties
You don’t need to wait for a school referral — your concern is enough to begin.
How We Evaluate and Support Dyslexia
Here’s our step-by-step process:
- Detailed Learning and Development History: We explore milestones, school reports, and past efforts.
- Standardized Reading and Language Tests: These measure phonics, comprehension, and fluency.
- Cognitive and Processing Assessments: We evaluate memory, attention, and language skills.
- Diagnosis and Explanation: If dyslexia is confirmed, we explain what it means — clearly and practically.
- Educational Planning: We guide therapy referrals, tutoring options, and school accommodations.
The goal isn’t just diagnosis — it’s better learning, less frustration, and restored confidence.
Why Families Trust KidsHeart
- Child psychologists trained in reading and learning evaluations
- Calm, child-friendly testing environments
- Clear guidance for families and schools
- Collaboration with teachers, tutors, and special educators
- Services available in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Al Ain
Because a struggling reader deserves more than “try harder,” they deserve the right tools.
Dr. Dolly Habbal
Consultant Psychologist – PhD in Clinical Psychology
Dr. Deiaaeldin Adel Hosny
Consultant Clinical Psychologist – American Psychology Association & British Psychological Society
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Struggling Reader at Home? Let’s Find Out Why — and What Can Help
We provide a full assessment for all Specific Learning Disorders, with a clinical report and intervention programs.
- Mild, Moderate, Severe. Specify if: With impairment in reading (specify if with word reading accuracy, reading rate or fluency, reading comprehension).
- With impairment in written expression (specify if with spelling accuracy, grammar and punctuation accuracy, clarity, or organization of written expression).
- With impairment in mathematics (specify if with number sense, memorization of arithmetic facts, accurate or fluent calculation, accurate math reasoning).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. It’s a brain-based difference in how language is processed, not a problem with eyesight.
It’s lifelong, but children can develop excellent strategies with the right support.
Not always. Many children thrive in regular classrooms with targeted accommodations.
Yes. Specialized reading interventions and structured literacy programs are very effective.
No — early signs appear by age 5–6, and early help is most effective.