The Four Dys – Understanding Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia and Dyspraxia is a clear, printable educational poster that explains common learning difficulties and coordination differences in children and young people. This downloadable PDF helps adults recognise the signs of specific learning difficulties and neurodevelopmental conditions that affect learning, behaviour and daily life.
The poster explains that while all children struggle at times, these difficulties are ongoing, more significant than expected for a child’s age, and not linked to intelligence or poor parenting.
It covers:
Dyslexia – difficulties with reading and spelling, including slow reading, mixing up letters and weaker written work despite strong spoken language.
Dyscalculia – maths learning difficulties affecting number sense, times tables, telling the time and handling money.
Dysgraphia – significant problems with handwriting and written expression, such as slow, uneven writing and limited written output.
Dyspraxia (DCD) – a coordination difficulty affecting motor skills, organisation, following instructions and everyday tasks.
Each section outlines what the condition is, how it can look at home or in school, and the emotional impact such as frustration, anxiety or shutdown.
This resource is ideal for parents, carers, teachers, SENCOs, social workers and other professionals supporting children and teenagers with SEN, SEND, ADHD or additional needs. It supports early identification, understanding and appropriate support so young people can build confidence and reach their potential.
