Signs of Dyslexia in Kids

Dyslexia is one of the most common learning challenges in children. When it goes unnoticed, it can impede learning and lead to low confidence and a negative association with schooling. However, when parents and teachers understand how dyslexic children learn, they can provide their students with the proper materials and make sure dyslexia doesn’t stand in their way.

Identifying the signs of dyslexia early can lead to timely intervention, which greatly improves a child’s academic success and emotional well-being. Keep reading to learn all about what dyslexia is, early signs across age groups, how to test for it, and what steps you can take if you suspect your child is affected. We’ll also point you in the direction of some great resources for you to check out next.

What Is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects how the brain processes written and spoken language. It is neurological in origin and unrelated to intelligence. It can affect an individual’s ability to read, spell, write, and sometimes speak. Children with dyslexia typically have difficulty decoding words (translating written words into sounds) and recognizing common words. It often runs in families and is estimated to affect between 5–10% of the population, though some studies suggest the number may be higher due to underdiagnosis.

Impact on Learning

Since much of early education is built around reading and writing, undiagnosed dyslexia can lead to academic struggles, low self-esteem, and behavioral issues. However, with the right support, children with dyslexia can thrive and often excel in creative thinking, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning. Using educational materials specifically designed for dyslexic students is a great way to help children form foundational skills and learn key concepts that will pave the way for future success.

Common Dyslexia Symptoms

• Difficulty recognizing letters and matching them to sounds
• Problems with phonological awareness (activities like rhyming and syllable counting)
• Trouble sounding out new words
• Poor spelling and handwriting
• Slow reading speed
• Avoidance of reading and writing tasks

Can Dyslexia Go Undetected?

Yes, dyslexia can go undetected — especially in bright children who compensate or hide the condition with strong memory or verbal skills. Some kids may mask their struggles by memorizing words rather than learning to decode. In other cases, lack of teacher training or limited access to testing may delay diagnosis.

Undetected dyslexia often results in ongoing academic challenges, emotional stress, and a negative self-image. That’s why awareness, observation, and advocacy are vital for early intervention.

What Are Early Signs of Dyslexia in Kids?

Early identification is necessary to manage dyslexia effectively. The symptoms can vary depending on the child’s age and developmental stage, but knowing what to look out for is the first step to diagnosis.

Signs of Dyslexia in Kindergarten

In preschool and kindergarten, children are just beginning to build foundational literacy skills. Signs of dyslexia at this age may include:

• Difficulty learning the alphabet
• Trouble recognizing rhyming patterns or syllables
• Delays in learning to talk or mispronouncing familiar words
• Difficulty recalling names or learning the names of colors and shapes
• Poor fine motor skills (such as having trouble holding a pencil or using scissors)

Signs of Dyslexia in Early Elementary (Ages 6–8)

Many children start reading comfortably in first and second grade. As a result, this is when dyslexia symptoms often become more apparent:

• Difficulty connecting letters with their sounds (phonics)
• Reversing letters (such as b and d) or confusing similar-looking words (such as was and saw)
• Struggles with spelling common, phonetic words
• Taking more time to complete reading assignments
• Difficulty remembering sequences (such as the days of the week or the alphabet)

Signs of Dyslexia in Older Children (Ages 9+)

Older children with undiagnosed dyslexia may exhibit signs that are often mistaken for other issues:

• Poor reading fluency and comprehension
• Avoidance of reading out loud
• Trouble organizing written work
• Reliance on memorization rather than decoding
• Strong verbal skills but weak reading and writing skills

Red Flags Often Mistaken for Behavior Problems

Sometimes, the signs of dyslexia are interpreted as behavioral or emotional issues, including:

• Frequent frustration or emotional outbursts during homework
• Refusal to go to school or avoidance of reading-related tasks
• Low self-esteem or anxiety about schoolwork
• Inattentiveness or acting out in class, which may be misdiagnosed as ADHD

Recognizing these dyslexia symptoms as potential indicators of a learning difficulty, rather than discipline issues, is crucial for getting the right support.

How to Test a Child for Dyslexia

Testing for dyslexia involves a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional, such as an educational psychologist, speech-language pathologist, or specialist in reading disabilities.

Steps to Get a Child Tested

1. Document your concerns: Keep notes about specific difficulties, patterns, and behaviors you’ve observed.
2. Gather information: If your child attends traditional school, ask the teachers about your child’s habits, abilities, and performance.
3. Request an evaluation: Assessments can be done through specialists, educational organizations, and health centers. Many schools also offer evaluations.
4. Take the test: Dyslexia evaluations usually include tests for phonological processing, decoding, reading fluency, comprehension, memory, and language skills.

What to Do If You See Warning Signs of Dyslexia

If you notice signs of dyslexia, don’t wait. Early intervention can make the experience significantly easier for both you and your child. Starting with small steps will help you stay prepared and avoid stress.

• Start the conversation: Speak with your child’s teacher, school counselor, or pediatrician about your concerns.
• Get a referral: Ask for a school-based or private evaluation.
• Educate yourself: Look for available resources to learn about dyslexia.
• Support at home: Read aloud with your child together, use audiobooks, and make a point to be extra patient and encouraging.
• Advocate: Work with educators to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan if needed.

Early diagnosis can lead to interventions such as structured literacy programs (such as Orton-Gillingham), classroom accommodations, and speech therapy.

Educational Programs for Dyslexic Children

Thankfully, there are many programs and materials made specifically for dyslexic children. These programs tend to be structured, systematic, cumulative, explicit, and multisensory. They teach language rules explicitly and incorporate all learning pathways (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile). This helps children absorb key concepts and build knowledge sequentially.

All About Learning Press was founded by a parent with a dyslexic child, and we specialize in programs for struggling learners. All About Reading, All About Spelling, and All About Math are designed around the proven Orton-Gillingham approach, and they include lightly scripted lessons, high-quality materials, and fun accessories that make learning easy, effective, and enjoyable. They also come with a one-year money-back guarantee, as well as lifetime support from the expert staff at AALP. The convenient online placement tests make sure you know exactly which level is right for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Resources

• Free Resources for Teaching Students with Dyslexia
• How Do I Help My Dyslexic Child Learn to Read?
• What Dyslexia is NOT: Myths and Misconceptions about Dyslexia
• What is Dyslexia?
• Beyond Reading and Spelling: How Dyslexia Affects Your Student’s Life
• How to Talk to Your Child about Dyslexia
• Real Moms, Real Kids: Dyslexia and Hope
• Real Moms, Real Kids: How AAS Saved My Son with Dyslexia
• Real Moms, Real Kids: All About Reading and Dyslexia
• A Parent’s Guide to the Neuroscience of Dyslexia – Part 1
• A Parent’s Guide to the Neuroscience of Dyslexia – Part 2