Signs of Dyslexia
We know how hard it is to see your child struggling. If you have been wondering if your child has dyslexia, you are not alone! Dyslexia affects about 20% of the population. It is one of the most common neuro-cognitive disorders. (The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity, 2017) Many parents wonder if their child is struggling to read or spell because of dyslexia.
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that affects the way a person processes language. (The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity, 2017) People with dyslexia may have difficulty reading, spelling, recognizing sounds in words, and connecting sounds to letters. Dyslexia is a neurological difference, meaning that it is a brain-based difference that affects how you process language. It is very important to understand that dyslexia does not affect intelligence!
Signs of Dyslexia
Speech-Language Delays: The first signs of dyslexia can be identified as early as age 3! Children with dyslexia often have diagnosed or undiagnosed speech and language delay. (The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity, 2017) A biological family history of reading difficulties and/or speech therapy can also be an indicator of potential reading difficulties. If you are wondering if your child is meeting developmental milestones for speech and language, it can be beneficial to have your child screened by a Speech-Language Pathologist. Intervening early is important to a child’s success!
Reading Difficulties: This is often the most noticeable sign of dyslexia. Children may struggle to read aloud, read very slowly, or avoid reading completely. They might have trouble sounding out words. They may guess or skip words rather than attempting to sound out the word.
Spelling Issues: Children with dyslexia often have trouble spelling words correctly. They often spell words as they sound, rather than spelling them correctly. Spelling difficulties can come from their inability to hear and manipulate sounds in words. These skills need to be explicitly taught to children with dyslexia.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Many children who are diagnosed with dyslexia are also diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Children with ADHD can struggle to focus and retain new information.
Handwriting Difficulties: Because dyslexia is a neuro-cognitive disorder, it can affect fine motor skills. Poor handwriting and difficulty organizing thoughts on paper can be an indicator of dyslexia. We recommend consulting an Occupational Therapist if you have any fine motor concerns.
Time Management Difficulties: A child with dyslexia may struggle with remembering details, managing tasks, completing chores, or knowing how long a task should take.
Slow Processing Speed: Having to repeat directions multiple times to your child can be a sign of dyslexia, especially when combined with any of the other indicators.
What Can You Do to Help Your Child?
If you think your child is struggling to read or diagnosed with dyslexia, we are here to help! Dyslexia does not determine a child’s intelligence or potential. Many people with dyslexia excel in their careers that involve creative thinking, problem-solving, and innovation.
Early Intervention: Identifying and addressing dyslexia early leads to better outcomes. Research indicates that when children receive targeted support before the age of 7, they tend to achieve progress more quickly and with less stress.
Multisensory Approach: Children with dyslexia require an approach that involves sight, sound, and touch. The Orton-Gillingham approach is considered to be the “gold standard” for the treatment of dyslexia. The Orton-Gillingham approach with a Dyslexia Therapist is one of the highest levels of treatment.
Complete a Screening: A screening for dyslexia can be an important first step in a dyslexia diagnosis. We provide free virtual screenings and consultations for reading. You can schedule a screening on our website.
Get Support for Yourself: Navigating dyslexia can be overwhelming for you as a parent. It is important to seek out support for advice and emotional support. Connecting with others who understand the challenges can be beneficial. At Moving Mountains, we love being able to provide support for children and their families.
If your child shows any signs of dyslexia, we are here to help! Early detection and intervention are key in helping your child succeed academically and emotionally. Dyslexia is a lifelong challenge, but with the right support, children with dyslexia can thrive.
The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity. (2017). Dyslexia FAQ. Retrieved from Yale Dyslexia website: https://dyslexia.yale.edu/dyslexia/dyslexia-faq/
