Apps for children with dysorthographia

Beyond spelling exercise apps, many apps can help a child with dysorthographia in everyday life: for writing, reading, staying organised or revising. Well chosen, they become genuine compensation tools. Here are the main categories and how to use them. The right digital tools, at the right time.

For writing

Word processing apps with a spell checker are the foundation. On a tablet or phone, they let your child write with the help of a built-in spell checker. These tools are the foundation.

Keyboards with word prediction suggest possible words from the first letters, which reduces mistakes. Voice dictation lets your child write by speaking. They reduce mistakes.

See voice dictation and word prediction. They work well together.

For reading

Text-to-speech apps read texts aloud. They are useful for instructions, lessons or rereading one’s own work. Listening helps understanding.

Some apps also let you adjust how a text is displayed: font, size, spacing, colours. They make reading less tiring. Reading becomes less tiring.

These tools are particularly useful if dysorthographia is accompanied by dyslexia. They are very useful for dyslexic children. See adapting a document.

For staying organised

Diary and reminder apps help your child note homework, tests and appointments without having to write everything by hand. Organisation becomes simpler.

To-do list apps let you break a task into steps and tick them off as you go. Tasks become clearer.

They are especially useful from secondary school onwards. They help a great deal at secondary school. See dysorthographia and organisation.

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For revising

Mind-mapping apps help organise lessons visually. Flashcard apps let you revise using the principle of spaced repetition. Revision becomes more effective.

Audio recording apps let your child record lessons and listen to them again. Hearing material aloud helps memorisation.

See mind maps. These tools are easy to get to grips with.

For practice

Spelling exercise apps offer playful activities for practice. They can complement remediation, provided they are well chosen. These apps can be motivating.

Opt for those designed by specialists and suited to your child’s age. The choice matters.

See spelling apps. They complement the work.

Choosing them well

Don’t multiply apps: a few well-mastered tools are worth more than a dozen poorly used ones. Choose according to your child’s real needs. Fewer tools, better used.

Try before you buy, read reviews, and ask advice from the speech therapist or an occupational therapist. Their advice is valuable.

Many useful features, such as voice dictation or text-to-speech, are already built into devices for free. Many are already available.

Screens and balance

Apps are useful, but mind screen time. Set clear rules, and make sure screens do not replace sleep, sport or family time. Balance matters.

Compensation tools used for homework do not raise the same issue as leisure screens. These tools are not leisure.

See dysorthographia and screens. Clear rules help.

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Questions that keep coming up

Which apps for a child with dysorthographia ?

Tools for writing (spell checker, voice dictation, prediction), reading (text-to-speech), organising (diary) and revising (mind maps). They combine well.