Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects children’s reading and writing abilities.

Although it’s a prevalent condition, dyslexia can be challenging to diagnose, and some children may go undiagnosed until they reach adulthood, hindering their academic and social development. As a parent, caregiver, or teacher, understanding the signs of dyslexia can help identify children with the condition and provide the necessary interventions. In this article, we outline ten common signs of dyslexia in children.

1. Late Talking

Although late talking doesn’t necessarily signify that a child has dyslexia, it can indicate a language processing issue, which is often present in children with dyslexia.

If a child struggles with articulating words or has a limited vocabulary compared to peers, it might be worth investigating further.

2. Difficulty with Phonetics

A significant sign of dyslexia is difficulty with phonetics, which is the ability to understand and manipulate sounds in language. Children with dyslexia may find it challenging to recognize letter sounds or associate sounds with letter combinations.

For example, they may struggle to differentiate between “b” and “d” or confuse similar-sounding letters such as “p” and “q.” This can impede their ability to learn to read and spell.

3. Reversals in Writing and Reading

A hallmark sign of dyslexia is the tendency to reverse letters and numbers when reading or writing.

For instance, a child with dyslexia may read “was” as “saw” or write “d” when they meant to write “b.” These errors can be confusing and frustrating for children with dyslexia and may affect their confidence in their reading and writing abilities.

4. Difficulty with Sight Words

Dyslexia can affect a child’s ability to recognize and memorize sight words, which are commonly used words that children need to know to read fluently.

Children with dyslexia may struggle to recognize these words, and often have to resort to phonetically decoding them, slowing down their reading and leading to frustration.

5. Difficulty with Spelling and Writing

Due to the phonetic differences in dyslexic children’s brains, they may struggle with spelling and writing. They may misspell words, add or omit letters, or struggle with syntax and grammar.

These difficulties can lead to a reluctance to write or poor quality writing, impacting their academic achievement.

6. Slow Reading Progression

Children with dyslexia, despite the regular exposure and practice, often struggle with reading and may take longer to progress their reading ability than their peers or may fall behind altogether.

They might read slowly with frequent pauses and may have difficulty retaining or remembering the material they read.

7. Difficulty with Sequencing and Organization

The sequencing and organization of thoughts and ideas are critical to reading comprehension and writing.

Children with dyslexia may struggle to organize their ideas when writing or have difficulty understanding the sequence of events in a story or passage, affecting their reading comprehension.

8. Trouble with Following Instructions

Dyslexia can impact a child’s ability to follow complex instructions, causing confusion and frustration. This can manifest in the child underperforming in directions-based tasks that require attention to detail.

Dyslexia can also impact a child’s short and long-term memory related to reading. Children with dyslexia may have trouble remembering new words that they learn, which can make it difficult to build their vocabulary.

Additionally, they may have trouble recalling details or events related to stories that they’ve read or may have difficulty remembering instructions and directions related to reading assignments.

10. Poor Handwriting

Handwriting can be challenging for children with dyslexia, as the condition can impact fine motor skills and spatial orientation. Poor handwriting can further impact the child’s self-esteem and may lead to avoidance behaviors related to writing.

Conclusion

Although not an exhaustive list, the ten signs listed above are common indications of dyslexia in children.

Early identification of dyslexia can enable interventions, support, and accommodations to help children lead successful academic and social lives. As a parent, caregiver, or teacher, recognizing these signs and ensuring that children receive appropriate support can be critical to their future success.