More About CDC
Questions & Answers
About the Caribbean Dyslexia Centre
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What is the Caribbean Dyslexia Centre (CDC)?
The Caribbean Dyslexia Centre is a regional organisation dedicated to changing the way dyslexia is understood, supported, and celebrated across the Caribbean. We work with students, parents, educators, and communities to provide expert assessment, specialist support, educator training, and advocacy because we believe every dyslexic mind deserves the opportunity to thrive.
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What does the Caribbean Dyslexia Centre stand for?
We stand for the belief that dyslexia is not a limitation it is a different way of thinking. We stand for every student who has ever been told they are not smart enough, not trying hard enough, or simply not enough. We stand for a Caribbean where different minds are not just accommodated but genuinely celebrated.
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Is the Caribbean Dyslexia Centre only based in Barbados?
We are headquartered in Barbados, but our mission is regional. We work with families, schools, and educators across the Caribbean and are committed to expanding our reach so that no dyslexic student is left without support regardless of which island they call home.
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Is the Caribbean Dyslexia Centre a non-profit organization?
Yes. We are a non-profit organization driven entirely by our mission. Every dollar we raise goes directly toward supporting students, training educators, and building awareness across the region.
Understanding Dyslexia
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What exactly is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects the way a person processes language and written information. It can make reading, spelling, writing, and processing written language more challenging, but it does not reflect a person's intelligence or potential.
At the Caribbean Dyslexia Centre, we believe dyslexia is a different way of processing information not a limitation. Our approach focuses on understanding how each individual learns while identifying and developing their unique strengths. -
Is dyslexia a learning disability?
Dyslexia is commonly described as a specific learning difficulty or learning disability that primarily affects literacy. However, it is important not to define a person by the areas they find difficult.
Dyslexic individuals can have significant strengths in areas such as creative thinking, problem solving, communication, visual thinking, and making connections. Our focus is on understanding the whole learner not simply the difficulty. -
Does dyslexia mean my child is not intelligent?
Absolutely not.
Dyslexia has no direct relationship with intelligence. A child can be highly intelligent and still experience significant difficulty with reading, spelling, writing, or other aspects of literacy.
Sometimes a student's ability is hidden behind the way they are being asked to demonstrate what they know. Understanding how that student learns can help reveal capabilities that traditional measures may overlook. -
How common is dyslexia?
Dyslexia affects approximately 1 in 5 people worldwide, making it the most common learning difference. In any given Caribbean classroom, it is likely that several students are dyslexic many of whom may never have been identified.
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What are some signs of dyslexia?
Dyslexia can look different from person to person and can change as a child develops. Some possible signs include persistent difficulty with reading, spelling, phonological awareness, decoding words, written expression, or remembering sequences.
However, experiencing one or more of these difficulties does not automatically mean a child has dyslexia. A professional assessment is needed to understand the individual's learning profile. -
Can dyslexia be cured?
Dyslexia is not a condition that needs to be cured, it is a lifelong difference in how the brain processes information. With the right support, strategies, and understanding, dyslexic individuals can excel academically, professionally, and personally. Our focus is not on fixing dyslexia but on unlocking the potential that already exists within every dyslexic learner.
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Is dyslexia hereditary?
Research suggests that dyslexia does run in families. If a parent, sibling, or close relative is dyslexic, there is an increased likelihood that other family members may be as well. This is one reason why early awareness and assessment are so important.
For Parents
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How do I know if my child might be dyslexic?
Some common signs include difficulty learning to read despite genuine effort, inconsistent spelling, avoiding reading tasks, confusing similar letters or words, and performing significantly better verbally than in written work. If you recognize these signs in your child, the most important next step is to seek a formal assessment. Trust your instincts parents often notice what schools miss.
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My child's school says there is nothing to worry about. Should I still get an assessment?
Absolutely. A formal assessment provides clarity that observation alone cannot. It gives you, your child, and their school a clear picture of how your child learns and what they need to succeed. If something feels off, it is always worth investigating further.
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What age can a child be assessed for dyslexia?
We work with learners of varying ages. Early identification is always beneficial, but it is never too late to seek an assessment. Whether your child is in primary school or secondary school, understanding how they learn is always a valuable step forward.
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How do I book an assessment with the Caribbean Dyslexia Centre?
Simply visit our website at caribbeandyslexiacentre.org and complete the appointment request form, or reach out to us directly at info@caribbeandyslexiacentre.org. Our team will guide you through the process from there.
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What happens after an assessment?
Following an assessment, you will receive a detailed report outlining your child's learning profile their challenges, their strengths, and recommended strategies for support. We will walk you through the findings and discuss the best path forward together.
For Parents
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How do I know if my child might be dyslexic?
Some common signs include difficulty learning to read despite genuine effort, inconsistent spelling, avoiding reading tasks, confusing similar letters or words, and performing significantly better verbally than in written work. If you recognize these signs in your child, the most important next step is to seek a formal assessment. Trust your instincts parents often notice what schools miss.
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My child's school says there is nothing to worry about. Should I still get an assessment?
Absolutely. A formal assessment provides clarity that observation alone cannot. It gives you, your child, and their school a clear picture of how your child learns and what they need to succeed. If something feels off, it is always worth investigating further.
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What age can a child be assessed for dyslexia?
We work with learners of varying ages. Early identification is always beneficial, but it is never too late to seek an assessment. Whether your child is in primary school or secondary school, understanding how they learn is always a valuable step forward.
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How do I book an assessment with the Caribbean Dyslexia Centre?
Simply visit our website at caribbeandyslexiacentre.org and complete the appointment request form, or reach out to us directly at info@caribbeandyslexiacentre.org. Our team will guide you through the process from there.
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What happens after an assessment?
Following an assessment, you will receive a detailed report outlining your child's learning profile their challenges, their strengths, and recommended strategies for support. We will walk you through the findings and discuss the best path forward together.
Assessment & Diagnosis
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When should my child be assessed for dyslexia?
If you have ongoing concerns about your child's reading, spelling, writing, or language development, it is worth seeking professional advice rather than waiting for the difficulties to disappear.
Early understanding can help families and educators put appropriate support in place and prevent a child from developing the belief that they are simply "not good at school." -
How do I know if my child needs an assessment?
Consider seeking an assessment when difficulties with literacy persist despite appropriate teaching and support, particularly when they begin to affect your child's confidence, academic performance, or willingness to engage with learning.
An assessment can help provide clarity about how your child learns, where support is needed, and where their strengths lie. This aligns with the Centre's four-step approach: recognise the signs, seek professional assessment, build the right support, and embrace the difference. -
What happens during a dyslexia assessment?
An assessment looks beyond whether a student can read or spell. It seeks to understand the individual's learning profile, including areas of strength and areas where additional support may be needed.
The results provide a clearer picture that can help guide educational strategies and appropriate support. -
Can an assessment tell us what my child is good at too?
Yes. Understanding strengths is an important part of understanding the learner.
The goal should not simply be to identify what a student struggles with. A meaningful assessment should help build a fuller picture of how that individual thinks and learns so that their strengths can be developed alongside areas requiring support.
Getting Involved & Giving Back
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How can I support the Caribbean Dyslexia Centre?
There are several ways to support our work through a one-time or recurring donation, corporate sponsorship, volunteering your expertise, or simply spreading awareness in your community. Every form of support makes a real difference to the students and families we serve.
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How are donations used?
Every donation goes directly toward funding student assessments, specialist tutoring, educator training, and community awareness initiatives. We are committed to transparency and responsible stewardship of every contribution we receive.
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Does the Caribbean Dyslexia Centre accept corporate sponsorships?
Yes, and we welcome them warmly. Corporate partners play a vital role in helping us expand our reach across the region. Please contact us at info@caribbeandyslexiacentre.org to discuss sponsorship opportunities and how your organisation can make a lasting impact.
💎 Find More Information
How do I stay up to date with the Caribbean Dyslexia Centre?
Follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter through our website. We regularly share updates, awareness content, campaign news, and resources to keep our community informed and connected.
