Early Dyslexia Signs

October 1, 2024
Written by:
Andrea Dillon
Elementary Homeschool, Special Needs

Do you have family members who have dyslexia? Are you worried that your child might have dyslexia? Getting help early gives your child the best chance to thrive. So, what first signs of dyslexia should you be on the lookout for in your homeschooler? And when is the right time to start?

First Signs Of Dyslexia In Preschool

There are quite a few misconceptions about dyslexia floating around. In fact, one of them is that it only becomes noticeable once a child reaches elementary school age. That’s actually not the case! There are several warning signs to be aware of before the age of 5 that can really help you in recognizing whether dyslexia might be something to consider.

First and foremost, it’s important to note that dyslexia is genetic. So, if your child has a close family member who has already been diagnosed with dyslexia, they might be at a higher risk of having it too.

Although most preschoolers aren’t focused on learning to read just yet, there are a few early signs of dyslexia to keep an eye out for. If you notice your child displaying some of these signs, it might be a good idea to have a conversation with their doctor about potential next steps.

Delayed/ Troubled Speech First signs of dyslexia

Actually, speech can sometimes be an early sign of dyslexia. If your child was a late talker or struggled to move beyond baby talk for longer than typical, that could be an early indication. Additionally, having difficulty pronouncing common words might also be a part of this.

Also watch out for:

  • Jumbling words
  • Confusing words that sound alike
  • Reversing sounds in words

Memorization

Dyslexia is closely connected to memory. So one of the first signs can be difficulties in remembering things that we often consider simple for young learners. This commonly includes items like letters, letter sounds, colors, days of the week, and nursery rhymes.

Rhyming

Children with dyslexia sometimes have a tough time recognizing patterns, which can make it challenging for them to hear and come up with rhyming schemes.

First Signs of Dyslexia In Kindergarten

By the time they reach kindergarten, children will begin learning to read and picking up other skills, which can help you spot any challenges that may have gone unnoticed before. Here are some common signs of dyslexia in kindergarten. Again, if you notice your child exhibiting a few of these signs, it might be helpful to have a conversation with their doctor about potential next steps.

Difficulty Spelling

Spelling struggles with dyslexia can come from a variety of factors. Some of these include difficulty in hearing the individual sounds in words, breaking words down into syllables, remembering which letters correspond to specific sounds, and even recalling what those letters look like.

Watch out for:

  • Letter confusion which can include reversals but not always
  • Confusing words with the same letters
  • Forgetting letters or adding extra letters

Writing Struggles signs of childhood dyslexia

Writing is closely linked to spelling. Many children with dyslexia have difficulty with handwriting and physically writing down words. They often find it challenging to arrange letters correctly on paper, which makes it hard for them to concentrate on their handwriting and the thoughts they are trying to get across.

Difficulty Sounding Out Words

Looking at words and breaking them down into parts can be a struggle. Even easy three letter words like cat, sit, and dog can be troublesome as it requires knowing the letters, letter sounds, and letter combinations that dyslexic children struggle with memorizing.

Struggling With Reading

As you expect, now is when you will see children start to show difficulties with reading for many of the reasons we listed above. You may even start to hear your child say something like “I’m not good at reading” or “reading is hard.” They may complain about having to read and disappear when it is time to read.

Other things to look for:

  • Using picture clues more than word clues.
  • Struggling to decode words, especially little words.
  • Trouble using letter sounds for the correct letters.

Intervention For First Signs Of Dyslexia

So your child shows a few of these early signs of childhood dyslexia. Now what? Remember that just because there are signs doesn’t mean that your child does have dyslexia. If you are concerned, talk to your child’s doctor and see what options for testing are available in the future for your child.

Most importantly, keep reading about education! It might feel frustrating at times, but there are various ways to support your child in learning to read and succeeding despite any challenges.

Continue reading aloud to your child!early signs of dyslexia

This can really support your child with comprehension and pronunciation, and it will encourage them to keep on reading!

Don’t push them to read aloud.

Dyslexia can really affect a child’s confidence, and asking them to read aloud—even just to you—might make them feel a bit inadequate. It’s great to encourage silent reading and give them all the time they need to feel comfortable.

Embrace audiobooks.

Children who find reading challenging may avoid it altogether and miss out on the joy of books. By giving them access to audiobooks, we can help them discover the magic of storytelling without the frustration.

Use technology.

Speech-to-text can be such fantastic tools for people of all ages who find writing and reading a bit challenging. Speaking the words and seeing them appear on the screen can really help make connections between sounds and words. Plus, it offers a way for those who might struggle to express themselves more easily than before.

Use the curriculum to help.

There are many different programs and a curriculum that are designed to help teach those with dyslexia. Look at the various options and try to find one that will support and help your child’s signs of dyslexia.

 

Certainly, noticing the first signs of dyslexia in your child can feel a bit daunting initially, but remember, many parents have successfully homeschooled their dyslexic children. By recognizing those first signs of dyslexia, seeking support, and offering your child the right programs, assistive materials, and curriculum, you can help them not just succeed but truly thrive!

#DYSLEXIA, #HOMESCHOOLING, #SPECIAL NEEDS

Andrea Dillon

Andrea is a previous public school teacher turned accidental homeschooler. She earned her B.S. in Elementary Education, then followed up with a Master's in Early Education before deciding to give homeschooling a try with her first child. Many years later, she is still homeschooling her now teen children and loving it. She enjoys making crafts, reading books, playing video games, and cuddling her cats.