Dyslexia & Dysgraphia Screening in Hercules, CA
Early Reading & Writing Support for Children
For many families, and even within schools, early signs of dyslexia or dysgraphia can be easy to miss at first.
If your child is struggling with reading, writing, spelling, or handwriting during homework time, you can trust the patterns you’re noticing. Many bright, capable children quietly struggle for months or even years before receiving the right support.
Rosaura founded Great Aspirations Educational Therapy to identify learning differences early in students and provide a clear path forward before gaps grow wider, frustration sets in, and self-esteem is affected.
For families in Hercules and nearby Contra Costa County communities, early screening is one of the most effective ways to prevent long-term academic and emotional challenges related to dyslexia and dysgraphia.
Get clear, personalized insight into what your child needs next.
Why Early Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Screening Matters
When learning differences like dyslexia or dysgraphia go unidentified, children don’t just struggle academically. They often begin to internalize what’s happening.
What starts as confusion can quietly turn into frustration, avoidance, or a loss of confidence.
Dyslexia and dysgraphia screening helps:
-
Identify potential learning differences early
-
Provide direction for appropriate support
-
Prevent unnecessary frustration and self-doubt
-
Support stronger long-term academic outcomes
Children with dyslexia and dysgraphia are often highly intelligent and capable. With the right support, they can thrive. The earlier you understand what your child needs, the sooner you can support them effectively.
Signs of Dyslexia or Dysgraphia in Children
Dyslexia (Reading-Related Signs)
You may be noticing:
-
Difficulty learning letter sounds or recognizing words
-
Slow or frustrating reading progress; guessing words instead of sounding them out
-
Trouble spelling even familiar words
-
Losing interest in activities that involve reading (books, instructions, word-based games)
-
Avoiding reading or becoming emotional around reading tasks
-
Increasing frustration, anxiety, or loss of confidence around school
Dysgraphia (Writing-Related Signs)
You may be noticing:
-
Messy, inconsistent handwriting
-
Strong verbal skills but difficulty expressing ideas in writing
-
Avoiding writing tasks or becoming emotional around homework
-
Rushing through assignments or saying “I’m done” quickly to escape the task
-
Difficulty organizing thoughts on paper
-
Writing that feels slow, effortful, or overwhelming
Not Sure If Your Child Needs Dyslexia Screening?
If you’ve found yourself searching things like “why is my child struggling to read” or “does my child have dyslexia,” you’re not alone. Many families begin looking for answers long before a formal diagnosis is considered. Families searching for dyslexia or dysgraphia screening near Hercules, CA often come to Great Aspirations Educational Therapy for personalized, one-on-one support.
Dyslexia and dysgraphia screening can help you take the next step with confidence.
Schedule a Private Dyslexia & Dysgraphia Screening Consultation
Each session with Great Aspirations Educational Therapy is private and tailored to your child’s age and needs. The process is designed to feel calm and supportive.
For dysgraphia, Rosaura supports students using Handwriting Without Tears; a structured program designed by occupational therapists to build motor-memory, fine motor skills, and writing fluency.
And for dyslexia, Rosaura uses the Feifer Assessment of Reading (FAR); a comprehensive, brain-based dyslexia screener that goes beyond traditional academic testing. It helps identify not only the presence of dyslexia but also the specific type: Dysphonetic Dyslexia, Surface Dyslexia, Mixed Dyslexia, or Reading Comprehension Deficits.
After the Screening
You won’t be left wondering what it all means. You’ll receive:
-
A clear explanation of findings
-
Insight into your child’s learning profile
-
Thoughtful recommendations for next steps
-
Guidance on school support, educational therapy, or referrals if needed
The goal is to replace uncertainty with clear direction, so you know how to help your child move forward.
Early Action and Support
Rosaura collaborates closely with families and schools to ensure children are supported from all sides.
Her approach is:
-
Strengths-based
-
Individualized
-
Collaborative
-
Focused on building confidence, not just skills
With the right approach, a child can feel understood and capable. Early action builds confidence before frustration turns into self-doubt and prevents gaps from widening over time.
We are very grateful for Rosaura helping our dyslexic daughter feel successful in school. She is always a joy to work with, and she’s bilingual too!
Parents of A. B
Thank you for your unfailing belief in my granddaughter and your positive reinforcement, and your objective results that speak for themselves.
Grandmother of Makayla
She has a genuine concern for her students and is such a delight to work with. Her educational knowledge and skills are impeccable.
E.B
Serving Families Across Contra Costa County
Great Aspirations Educational Therapy is based in Martinez and works with families throughout Contra Costa County.
Many of the students Rosaura supports come from communities including:
-
Hercules
-
Walnut Creek
-
Pinole
-
Rodeo
-
Crockett
-
El Sobrante
-
San Pablo
-
Richmond
-
Martinez
Whether you’re just beginning to notice concerns or you’ve been searching for answers for some time, support is available.
Rosaura’s services are designed to empower the entire support team - parents, educators, counselors, and advocates - so that every student can thrive with confidence and dignity. You can learn more about ongoing support on our Educational Therapy Services page.
Frequently Asked Questions
01
What’s the difference between school-based and private screening?
Many families seek screening when their child continues to struggle despite classroom support or after concerns are raised by teachers. School screenings are often limited in scope and may not identify the specific type of reading or writing challenge. A private screening offers deeper insight, is typically faster to schedule, and includes personalized guidance from an experienced Educational Therapist, like Rosaura.
02
Do you work with families from Hercules and nearby communities?
Yes. Many families travel from Hercules, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, and surrounding Contra Costa County communities for dyslexia and dysgraphia screening services.
03
How do I know if my child needs dyslexia or dysgraphia screening?
Some early signs of learning differences include:
-
Trouble following directions or remembering routines
-
Difficulty with fine motor tasks like drawing or writing
-
Delayed speech or language development
-
Emotional outbursts during learning tasks
-
Avoidance of reading or pre-academic play
These signs are often misattributed to behavior or immaturity. A dyslexia or dysgraphia screening can help clarify whether these challenges are part of a learning difference.
04
What is the new California dyslexia screening law?
Starting in the 2025–26 school year, California public schools are required to screen all K–2 students for signs of dyslexia. However, each school district determines how to implement the screening, and it may take time for the process to be consistent and effective.
You can explore more FAQs, created to provide clarity, reduce stigma, and support the professionals and families working together to help children thrive.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
If you’ve been noticing patterns but aren’t sure what they mean yet, you’re in the right place.
You don’t need to wait for things to get worse, or for someone else to confirm your concerns, to take a thoughtful next step. Many families reach out simply looking for guidance, and that’s a great place to start.