Signs of Dyslexia: What to Look for in Children of Varying Ages.
As a Certified Academic Language Therapist and Licensed Dyslexia Therapist (CALT and LDT), I've worked with countless families navigating the journey of dyslexia. One of the most common questions I hear from parents and educators is, "How do I know if my child/student has dyslexia?" While only formal assessments can provide a diagnosis, recognizing early warning signs can lead to timely intervention—and that makes all the difference.
Dyslexia affects roughly 1 in 5 people, yet many children go unidentified for years. Let's explore the signs that might indicate dyslexia at different stages of development, so you can better understand what to watch for in your child or student.
Preschool Years (Ages 3-5)
During these formative years, language development provides important clues:
Delayed speech development or trouble learning new words
Difficulty with rhyming games or nursery rhymes
Struggling to learn letters, numbers, and colors
Difficulty pronouncing words correctly (saying "mawn lower" instead of "lawn mower")
Family history of reading or learning difficulties
Early Elementary (Grades K-2)
As formal reading instruction begins, signs of dyslexia often become more apparent:
Trouble connecting letters with their sounds
Trouble with sequencing letters of the alphabet
Difficulty blending sounds to make words
Reading that is slow, laborious, and error-filled
Avoidance of reading activities or becoming frustrated during reading
Struggles with spelling even simple words
Confusing letters that look similar (b/d, p/q, m/w)
Difficulty learning and remembering sight words
Strong comprehension when listening compared to reading independently
Middle Elementary (Grades 3-5)
As academic demands increase, students with dyslexia often show:
Slow, inaccurate reading that impacts comprehension
Heavy reliance on context clues rather than decoding
Avoidance of reading aloud
Difficulty with timed tasks or tests
Creative storytelling verbally but struggles to write these stories
Trouble with sequencing (months of the year, days of the week)
Difficulty with math facts and word problems
Excellent thinking skills but academic performance that doesn't match their intelligence
Middle School and Beyond (Grades 6+)
By this age, many students have developed coping strategies, but may still experience:
Persistent spelling errors, even in common words
Writing that lacks organization and clarity
Reading that remains slow and effortful
Difficulty learning foreign languages
Strong listening comprehension but trouble with reading comprehension
Time management and organizational challenges in academic settings
Difficulty taking notes while listening
Difficulty in studying for and taking tests
Strengths in areas requiring big-picture thinking, creativity, or problem-solving
What to Remember
It's important to note that dyslexia exists on a continuum—each person's experience is unique. Many individuals with dyslexia demonstrate remarkable strengths in creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These abilities often go hand-in-hand with their different way of processing language.
Additionally, having some of these indicators doesn't necessarily mean your child has dyslexia. However, persistent patterns across multiple areas may suggest it's time for a professional assessment.
For more information on dyslexia assessments and other diagnostic resources, please contact our office at 615-454-1433, email us at contact@hooverlearninggroup.com, or visit our website at www.hooverlearninggroup.com.