IN CONVERSATION WITH VENISHIA NARA [ SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPIST AND AUDIOBIOLOGIST AT BELLAVISTA SCHOOL]

October is ADHD, Dyspraxia and Dyslexia Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about learning differences and the support children need to thrive in the classroom. Dyslexia is a difference in how the brain processes language and reading, and it is not a reflection of a child’s intelligence or effort.
In South Africa, dyslexia can still go undiagnosed, particularly when children face language barriers or limited access to appropriate assessments. Bellavista School, a specialist school in Johannesburg for children with barriers to learning, is developing dyslexia screening tools in local languages to help identify children who may need support earlier.
Dyslexia continues to go undiagnosed in South African classrooms. Bellavista is developing dyslexia screening tools in local languages, so no child has to wait for help simply because of the language they speak at home.