Unlocking Dyslexia: Why Working Memory Holds the Key

Discover how working memory impacts children with dyslexia and why understanding it could be the game-changer for parents and educators alike.

When we think of dyslexia, we often picture a child struggling to read, spell, or decode letters. But what if the real issue lies behind the scenes — in the brain’s ability to hold onto information long enough to use it?

That’s the role of working memory. And for many children with dyslexia, it’s the hidden challenge that’s been overlooked for far too long.

What Is Working Memory?

Working memory is like the brain’s sticky note. It allows us to hold and manipulate information in the short term — such as remembering a sentence while reading, following a two-step instruction, or holding onto the sounds in a word long enough to blend them.

It’s a vital part of something bigger: executive function — the system that helps us plan, organise, concentrate, and manage our thinking.

For children with dyslexia, working memory is often under pressure. And that affects much more than reading and spelling.

Signs That Working Memory Might Be the Problem

Parents often tell me, “I know they’re bright, but they just keep forgetting things.”

Educators notice it too: pupils who start strong but lose focus halfway through, struggle to copy from the board, or forget what they were meant to do after they leave your side.

These are all classic signs of working memory difficulties — and when we miss them, we risk mislabelling children as distracted, lazy, or disorganised.

Why This Matters So Much

When working memory is overloaded, everything slows down. Your child or pupil may:
- Struggle to decode words despite phonics support
- Miss out key sounds in spelling
- Forget instructions or abandon tasks part-way through
- Avoid writing because they can’t hold the sentence in their mind

And because they know they’re struggling, they often begin to doubt themselves. Confidence drops. Anxiety creeps in. Behaviour changes.

The Good News? You Can Make a Difference

Once you understand how working memory works — and how to support it — everything changes.

You can:
- Reduce overload through structure and routines
- Use memory-friendly strategies in reading and writing
- Give instructions in a way your child can actually follow
- Build confidence without constant repetition or frustration

The Course: Unlocking Dyslexia

That’s exactly why I created my digital course:
Unlocking Dyslexia: Supporting Children with Working Memory Challenges

It’s designed for both parents and educators, and includes:
- Clear video lessons (no jargon, just real insight)
- Practical strategies that actually work in real life
- Downloadable tools for home and school
- Guidance on how to talk to teachers, SENCOs, and support staff

👉 Learn more about the course [insert course link]

Free Download

Not ready for the full course?
Start with my free resource:
📥 Working Memory Guide + Checklist — spot the signs and learn what to do.

[Insert lead magnet opt-in link]

Written by Hulya Mehmet BSc Hons MRCSLT
The Communication Expert | Consultant