Dysorthographia is a specific disorder of written language.
It affects the ability to spell correctly, despite normal language comprehension and good academic learning.
But who should you consult for dysorthographia? Identifying the right professionals is essential for a reliable diagnosis and effective support.
When to consult for dysorthographia
Signs of dysorthographia often appear as early as primary school.
If a child makes numerous mistakes despite their efforts, confuses sounds, or writes phonetically, it is time to seek advice.
The earlier the assessment is carried out, the more effective the rehabilitation will be.
There is no need to wait for a teacher to become concerned: parents can themselves request a speech and language therapy assessment.
Early detection prevents discouragement and academic blocks.
The first step: the GP or the paediatrician
The general practitioner or the paediatrician is often the first point of contact.
They assess the situation, listen to the parents’ observations and refer the child to a speech and language therapist for a full assessment.
The GP may also recommend a neuropsychologist if they suspect an associated disorder (dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, etc.).
This first step is essential: it ensures appropriate referral and avoids confusion with a simple learning delay.
The professional who makes the diagnosis
It is the speech and language therapist who diagnoses dysorthographia.
During a speech and language therapy assessment, they evaluate:
- phonological awareness (links between sounds and letters);
- spelling and grammar rules;
- short-term verbal memory;
- the ability to identify and correct one’s errors.
The results confirm whether the disorder is present and define the areas for rehabilitation.
The speech and language therapy report then becomes the basis for medical and academic follow-up.
Other specialists to consult
Dysorthographia may occur on its own or alongside other disorders.
Depending on needs, the GP may refer to:
- an orthoptist, in cases of visual difficulties affecting reading;
- a psychomotor therapist, if motor difficulties accompany handwriting;
- a neuropsychologist, to analyse cognitive functions and memory;
- a child psychiatrist, if school-related anxiety is making the difficulties worse.
Each professional contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the child’s profile.
Where to find help and reliable resources
Once the diagnosis has been made, it is important to act quickly.
Speech and language therapy sessions provide targeted rehabilitation, but the work also continues at home.
Tools such as Dys’tap.io offer fun spelling and grammar exercises to support progress between sessions.
The LesDys.fr website, for its part, brings together articles, studies and practical advice to better understand dysorthographia and its solutions.
In summary
Knowing who to consult for dysorthographia helps you start the right process.
The GP refers, the speech and language therapist assesses and treats, and other specialists can complement the support.
Thanks to early, coordinated care, every child can make progress, regain confidence and rediscover the pleasure of writing.
