Signs and early indicators of dyslexia

Although all children learn at their own pace, a child who has been struggling with reading and spelling may actually be struggling with dyslexia. Signs and indicators of dyslexia can be seen as early as pre-school. Many times children who are struggling to read are dismissed as slow learners, just needing a little more time, unmotivated or lazy.

Understood.org provides the following information:

“Many people know that dyslexia is a challenge with reading. But it’s more than that. Dyslexia is a challenge with language. That can make it hard to spot the signs. For instance, trouble with rhyming can be a sign of trouble with reading. Dyslexia can also cause trouble with spelling, speaking, and writing. So signs can show up in a few areas, not just in reading.”

“People with dyslexia don’t all struggle in the same way. Some have a hard time with early reading skills like sounding out words (decoding). Some read words and sentences fine, but they have trouble understanding what they read. Dyslexia can also look different as kids get older. Learn common signs of dyslexia at different ages and how to help.”

Signs of dyslexia at different ages

As a parent, caregiver or teacher, you are in the best position to know if something does not feel “right”.

There are many checklists and informal screeners online that you can use as a start. If your child has one or two of these signs, it does not necessarily mean that he or she has dyslexia. If your child has several of the signs you might consider having your child formally assessed.

The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity provides detailed lists of signs that parents and teachers can look for through various grades.

My dyslexia - British Dyslexia Association

Are you a parent or caregiver of a child with dyslexia and looking for support? Check out our Dyslexia Compass peer-to-peer support program today.