Signs of Dyslexia in Children

Dyslexia is a common learning difference that primarily affects reading, writing, and spelling. While it doesn’t reflect a lack of intelligence or effort, it can create challenges in traditional learning environments. Identifying dyslexia early is crucial, as it allows for appropriate support and interventions to help children thrive. Here are some of the key signs of dyslexia in children, broken down by age group.

Early Years (Preschool)

Even before a child starts formal education, there may be early indicators of dyslexia, such as:

• Delayed Speech Development: Some children with dyslexia may take longer to start speaking or struggle to form sentences correctly.

• Difficulty with Rhyming: Struggling to recognise or produce rhyming words, such as “cat” and “bat,” is a common early sign.

• Challenges Learning the Alphabet: Children may find it hard to learn letter names, sounds, or the order of the alphabet.

• Difficulty with Fine Motor Skills: Tasks like holding a pencil, using scissors, or buttoning clothes might be harder than expected for their age.

Primary School Age (5-11 Years)

As children enter school, the demands on their literacy skills increase, and signs of dyslexia often become more apparent:

• Reading Difficulties: A key sign is trouble decoding words, sounding them out, or recognising high-frequency words. Reading may be slow and effortful, with frequent guessing.

• Spelling Challenges: Children with dyslexia often spell words inconsistently, even when they’ve recently learned them. For example, they might spell “because” as “becos” or “becuase.”

• Letter and Number Reversals: Mixing up letters like “b” and “d” or “p” and “q,” as well as reversing numbers like 6 and 9, is a common sign in younger children.

• Avoiding Reading or Writing: A child who feels frustrated or overwhelmed may avoid reading or writing tasks altogether.

• Difficulty Learning Times Tables or Sequencing: Struggling to memorise sequences, such as days of the week or multiplication tables, is another possible indicator.

• Poor Phonological Awareness: Children may have difficulty identifying the sounds within words, such as recognising that “cat” begins with a “k” sound.

Older Children and Adolescents (11+ Years)

For older children, dyslexia might manifest in different ways as academic expectations increase:

• Slow Writing Speed: Taking longer than peers to complete written tasks or copying from the board.

• Difficulty Expressing Ideas in Writing: A child may have great ideas but struggle to organise or write them down coherently.

• Persistent Spelling Issues: Even with practice, spelling mistakes may continue into later school years.

• Low Confidence in Schoolwork: Feeling “stupid” compared to peers can lead to a reluctance to participate in class or try new challenges.

• Trouble Learning Foreign Languages: Learning additional languages can be especially difficult for students with dyslexia.

Other Common Signs Across Ages

In addition to the age-specific indicators, children with dyslexia may also experience:

• Memory Issues: Struggling to remember instructions or information, such as lists or multi-step directions.

• Difficulty with Organisation: Forgetting homework, losing belongings, or having trouble planning tasks.

• Sensitivity to Stress: Dyslexia can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, or low self-esteem, especially in academic settings.

What to Do If You Suspect Dyslexia

If you notice these signs in your child, it’s essential to seek support. Speak to their teacher to share your concerns and consider a professional dyslexia assessment. Early identification can lead to interventions like multi-sensory teaching techniques, assistive technology, and accommodations that make learning more accessible.

Recognising the signs of dyslexia is the first step toward helping your child unlock their potential. With the right support, children with dyslexia can develop strategies to overcome challenges and excel in their unique ways.