Dyslexia Portugal

08/09/2025

What is dyslexia?
It’s more than just “mixing up letters.” Dyslexia is a learning difference rooted in how the brain processes language. It often shows up as challenges with reading, spelling, and fluency — even when a child is bright and has had great teaching.

With the right support, children with dyslexia can thrive.

18/06/2025

Two structured literacy approaches I often get asked about are Orton-Gillingham and EBLI (Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction). Both can be incredibly effective, but they differ in style, pacing, and structure — as you’ll see in the graphic.

That’s why assessment is so important. Before I begin working with any learner, I carry out a detailed literacy assessment to understand where their strengths lie and where they may be struggling. From there, I can tailor the approach — sometimes that means using a traditional OG sequence, and other times it may mean something more integrated like EBLI.

There’s no single path to success — just the one that fits the child in front of us best.

12/06/2025

Now Booking: Intensive Dyslexia Support – July 2025

This July, I’m offering a limited number of individual, intensive dyslexia therapy sessions to help students strengthen their reading, spelling, and writing skills ahead of the new school year.

These sessions are particularly suited for:
• Students who would benefit from focused literacy support
• Children transitioning between schools, languages, or education systems
• Families spending the summer in Portugal and looking for meaningful academic support

Each student begins with an individual assessment to identify current strengths and areas of need. From there, I create a personalised therapy plan based on Orton-Gillingham principles, the Science of Reading, and multisensory, evidence-based instruction.

Sessions are delivered by a qualified dyslexia specialist with advanced training in structured literacy and extensive experience supporting diverse learners in international contexts.

✔️ Available online or in-person (near Cascais)
✔️ Flexible scheduling to fit your summer plans
✔️ Costs vary depending on the number of sessions per week

To learn more or reserve a place, please visit dyslexiaportugal.com and reach out via the contact page.

—
Susie Joyce
Specialist in Dyslexia & Literacy Support
MA Literacy Learning & Dyslexia | Certified Academic Language Therapist | Certified Orton-Gillingham Practitioner

Personalized dysexia support for children in Cascais, Sintra and Estoril with learning challenges. Expert-led services using Orton-Gillingham and evidence-based methods. Learn more.

09/05/2025

Awareness is the first step to empowerment. Dyslexia isn’t a limitation—ignorance is. Let’s break the stigma and open doors for every child to thrive.

31/03/2025

Neurodiversity is more common than many realize.
This chart breaks down how different types of neurodiversity show up in the general population.
• Dyslexia: ~20%
• ADHD: ~5%
• Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia, Autism: each 2–6%

Dyslexia alone affects 1 in 5 people, making it the most common learning difference—yet it’s still widely misunderstood and under-supported.

Understanding these numbers helps us better advocate, support, and celebrate the strengths that come with neurodiversity.

Made by Dyslexia

27/02/2025

29/02/2024

If you are interested in understanding how wellbeing can be incorporated into today’s education model this event will be of interest to you. The event is officially being supported by the UNESCO Chair of Education for Global Peace and Sustainability as well as the Portuguese Positive Psychology Association.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bilhetes-wellbeing-education-summit-thursday-14th-march-838633404087

29/01/2024

In my journey as a dyslexia specialist, there’s a guiding principle I hold dear: ‘Dyslexia is like an island of weakness surrounded by a sea of strengths.’ 🌊 This perspective is not just a statement—it’s a commitment to recognizing and nurturing the incredible array of abilities that those with dyslexia possess.

Dyslexia doesn’t define a person; rather, it’s a part of a rich tapestry that includes exceptional creativity, remarkable problem-solving skills, and a unique way of seeing the world. 🎨 People with dyslexia often excel in areas like art, engineering, strategic thinking, and empathetic communication. They’re innovators, visionaries, and out-of-the-box thinkers. 🚀

My role? It’s to empower these strengths. To turn ‘I can’t’ into ‘I excel at.’ We’re not just working on reading and writing; we’re unlocking potential in 3D thinking, storytelling, and so much more. 💡

21/11/2023

Words of wisdom from 🎯🎯

10/11/2023

Did you know, can often be spotted in the classroom by their "Spiky Profile"?

We score very highly in some things - often in the top percentiles - and very low in other things - often in the bottom percentiles.

This means we're great storytellers, but find spelling tricky. We're incredible lateral thinkers, but we struggle to remember times tables. We ask questions no one else has thought of, but have trouble getting our thoughts down on paper.

Understand more about by taking our new, FREE, training: Dyslexic Thinking in Schools - available NOW: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/modules/empower-dyslexic-thinking-schools/ in partnership with Microsoft Education

09/11/2023

Embracing the unique strengths that come from thinking differently: The founder of IKEA turned his dyslexia into a strength, revolutionizing the furniture world with innovative simplicity.