You know the song: your child’s spelling looks like a minefield (“comment” becomes “co ment”, “aujourd’hui” turns into some unknown creature). But have you noticed that they tell captivating stories? That they solve puzzles before anyone else? That they can memorise entire song lyrics after three listens? Here is the secret many parents overlook: a dysorthographic child is not a “less capable” child. They are a child with a brain that works differently—and that brain often has superpowers nobody thinks to look for.
Why nurture strengths rather than fight weaknesses
Neuroscience has shown us this: a child who grows up hearing “you’re just no good at spelling” eventually comes to believe they are not intelligent. Full stop. This is what psychologists call a psychological “glass ceiling”. The reverse is also true: a child who is encouraged in what they do well develops resilience in the face of their challenges. They become a “warrior” rather than a “victim”.
Dysorthographia is a challenge, yes. But it is also a gateway to discovering unexpected abilities. And here is the funny part: these strengths are often NOT linked to spelling at all. They come from elsewhere. They come from the way a dysorthographic brain sees the world.
The hidden talents we don’t notice enough
Unfiltered creativity
Dysorthographic children make unusual connections. They mix ideas the way others mix colours on a palette. A misspelt word becomes a joke. A spelling error sparks a new idea. Their thinking is more associative and less linear. This is exactly the brain of creatives, inventors and artists.
What to watch for: Does your child invent original stories? Do they draw, compose, imagine worlds? Praise these talents. Really. Every time.
Narrative intelligence
Many dysorthographic children excel orally. They recount, describe and persuade. Their spoken language is rich—it is simply the written transcription that poses a problem. This is the mark of a verbal intelligence in full swing. Journalists, lawyers, salespeople, coaches… all need this strength.
What to watch for: How do they speak in front of the class? How do they explain a game to their friends? How do they stand up for themselves or negotiate? Professional superpowers are hiding here.
Hyperfocus and perseverance
When a dysorthographic child loves something, they don’t let go. Pokémon, mechanics, Roman history, astronomy… they become a learning machine. They watch, re-read and ask a thousand questions. This tenacity is rare and precious. It is what changes the world.
What to watch for: What do they concentrate on for hours without losing focus? How do they go from beginner to expert in their passions? This is their trademark.
Empathy and sensitivity
Paradoxically, many dysorthographic children are extremely sensitive to other people’s emotions. Perhaps because they have themselves suffered from judgement, they recognise pain in others. They console, they support, they see beyond appearances. This is what is called emotional intelligence.
What to watch for: How do they react when a friend is hurting? How do they handle conflict? Value their ability to pay attention to others.
How to (truly) identify your child’s strengths
It is tempting to fixate on the school report. But real observation takes time and curiosity. Here is how to do it without becoming a “too much” parent:
- Observe outside school. At home, in leisure activities, with family. This is where real strengths show themselves, free from the pressure of school judgement.
- Listen without correcting. When they tell a story, resist the urge to point out every mistake. Just listen. You will see: their thinking is often brilliant.
- Ask open questions. “What did you find easy today?” rather than “Why didn’t you get a better mark in French?”
- Note the moments of flow. When do they lose track of time while doing something? Bingo: that is where they truly shine.
- Ask their teachers (the real ones). Not only about spelling. “Where do you see them at ease? How do they take part in class?” Sometimes teachers notice things we miss.
How to cultivate and amplify these strengths
Creating opportunities for success
If your child is creative, offer them projects that call for it: a drawing competition, a video, a musical creation. If they excel orally, encourage presentations, debates and podcasts. The idea? For their brain to tell itself regularly, “I am good at this.”
And this is crucial: success in maths or sport ALSO counts towards restoring the self-esteem that school may have damaged. We too often forget that it is overall confidence that rewires the brain when facing difficult learning.
Telling a different story
Stop saying (even inwardly): “He has a spelling problem”. Say instead: “His brain works differently. He finds it hard to automate spelling, but he excels at [creativity/oral skills/logic/etc.]”. This simple reframing changes everything. For them. For you.
And above all, tell them directly. Not “you’re not useless”, but “you’re really good at telling stories” or “I love how you always find odd solutions that work”. Children believe what they are repeatedly told.
Integrating dysorthographia into a positive identity
Here is a counterintuitive truth: valuing a dysorthographic child does not mean denying the challenge. It means helping them see it as one part of who they are, neither good nor bad, just… a particularity. A bit like being left-handed: it poses challenges, but it also creates unique strengths.
Debunking the myths surrounding dysorthographia helps the child avoid blaming themselves. They are not “lazy” or “not very intelligent”. They have a brain that processes spelling differently. Full stop. And in other areas, they can be (and often are) brilliant.
Tools to support without overwhelming
Of course, spelling still needs to be worked on. But doing it in a positive way makes all the difference. Help at home works better when common teaching pitfalls are avoided and when you alternate between spelling challenges and activities in which the child feels competent.
Educational games, gamified apps and playful writing challenges: all of this is positive reinforcement. It is “we’re making progress together” instead of “let’s correct your mistakes”.
What if it were a disguised advantage?
Here is a radical thought: what if dysorthographia were a window onto discovering your child’s true strengths? An invitation to look beyond grades, to value what really matters—their creativity, resilience, heart and curiosity?
Many dysorthographic adults tell the same story: “I discovered my talent when I stopped fighting against what I was bad at, and started cultivating what I was good at.” It changed their lives.
You can give your child that same chance. Not by ignoring dysorthographia, but by putting it in its proper place: a real difficulty, but not their definition. Their definition is everything they know how to do WELL.
Frequently asked questions
Will valuing strengths make dysorthographia worse?
No, quite the opposite. A confident and motivated child progresses better than a discouraged one. Confidence is the soil in which learning takes root. Valuing strengths creates that environment.
My child doesn’t seem to have any particular talents. What should I do?
Every child has some. Perhaps you have not yet spotted them (or they have not been given the chance to develop them). Try different activities: sport, arts, music, science, DIY, volunteering. Strength often reveals itself through exploration.
How can I talk to my child about dysorthographia without hurting them?
Be honest and kind. “You have dysorthographia. Your brain processes spelling differently. It means you need more time for some things. But look how good you are at [this].” Honest + positive = gradual healing.
To find out more
Fédération Française des Associations de Dyslexie et Troubles Associés (FFDYS) — Resources, articles and advice to support your child. The leading French website on dys disorders, including dysorthographia.
HAS (Haute Autorité de Santé) — Official recommendations on the diagnosis and support of dysorthographia within educational and medical settings.
MDPH (Maison Départementale des Personnes Handicapées) locale — Resources on school adjustments and support to adapt to your child’s unique situation.
