SPELD NZ is New Zealand’s leading provider of support services for specific learning disabilities (SLD), such as dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia.
Our nationwide network and proven expertise means we can support children and adults with dyslexia and other SLD in almost all areas of New Zealand.
Our Assessors and Teachers are rigorously trained, and specialise in delivering highly effective support to both children and adults with learning difficulties. Families/whanau, schools, medical centres, employers, government agencies and other providers often refer to us for help.
Our Assessors are experts in SLD/dyslexia diagnosis
A SPELD NZ diagnostic assessment is the first essential step in finding out why someone is having learning problems. Our qualified Assessors are meticulously trained to provide a detailed overview of learning and intellectual skills.
One-on-one tuition
Our Teachers are all qualified classroom teachers with specialised SPELD NZ training. They provide personalised tuition targeting each student’s needs, based on their assessment report.
Every SPELD NZ Teacher is classroom trained
Only those with teaching qualifications and classroom experience can train to become a SPELD NZ Teacher. This means they understand school curricula and can work well with schools to support their students. Then they undergo many hours of specialist training to become a SPELD NZ teacher.
Training
SPELD NZ offers NZQA-approved courses and professional development for teachers, special educational needs coordinators (SENCO), teacher aides, families and caregivers. We also host conferences and from time-to-time run community presentations and parent information evenings.
We help adults as well as children
While the majority of those we support are at school, many more adults are now seeking our help thanks to the growing recognition and understanding of dyslexia. It’s never too late to get help!
SPELD NZ provides life-long skills
The benefits of our services last for life. We help our clients to understand their learning difficulties, then we teach them techniques and tools to overcome these issues. For many of our clients, it’s the difference between a life of struggle and a life of success.
We aim to be accessible to all
Our philosophy is that no child or adult should miss out on our support because they can’t afford it. That’s why we are constantly fundraising to help subsidise our assessment and tuition for those in financial hardship.
We provide wraparound support
SPELD NZ membership is about so much more than assessment and tuition. We provide ongoing support, including training and workshops, resources, libraries and helpful links, to ensure our students and their families continue to build their knowledge and confidence.
Personal Stories
Many of our clients have overcome years of struggle with reading and writing, and in the process, have discovered a love of learning!
A canine companion can soothe and calm the frustrations of a child struggling to learn.
Grandparents often play a critical role in supporting neurodivergent grandchildren – none more so than Lena and Phillip Stirrup.
We never cease to be amazed at the courage of SPELD NZ students. Once they’ve had the support they need, their confidence soars.
Inspired by her own students, SPELD NZ Teacher Ali Fullick taught herself to write, illustrate and publish her own decodable books.
“The challenge ahead was daunting – but he soon realised there was a plan in place to help him.”
“I previously thought I was the only one in the world, but now I have found my tribe.” Phil Parker looks back on a lifetime struggling with numbers.
Meet Irene Fagan – one of our earliest teachers in the 1970s when dyslexia was virtually unheard of.
Many parents of children struggling in the classroom consider homeschooling. It’s not for everyone, but it was the perfect fit for Holly Blair’s family.
