How to Spot Early Dyslexia Symptoms

As a parent, it's completely normal to feel concerned when your child is struggling at school. Whether it's difficulty with reading, writing, or simply keeping up with their peers, these challenges can raise questions about what's going on beneath the surface. One possibility to consider is dyslexia, a learning difficulty that can affect your child’s ability to process language.

Spotting the signs early can make a world of difference. In this article, we’ll walk you through the early symptoms of dyslexia, what to look for, and how to get the right support for your child.

What is Dyslexia, Really?

Before diving into the signs, let’s clarify what dyslexia is.

Dyslexia is a neurological condition that impacts language processing. It's important to dispel a couple of myths: dyslexia isn’t simply about seeing letters backwards, and it isn’t a reflection of a child’s effort or intelligence. Some exceptionally bright individuals—such as Albert Einstein and Steven Spielberg—have dyslexia.

At its core, dyslexia affects how the brain interprets written and spoken language, making tasks like reading, writing, and spelling more challenging.

Why Early Detection Matters

Parents often wonder if it’s worth identifying dyslexia early on. The answer is a resounding yes. When detected early, the right support and strategies can be put in place to help children overcome these challenges and, in many cases, excel at school. The sooner we can understand a child’s difficulties, the better the outcomes.

Early Signs of Dyslexia in the Early Years (ages 3-5)

Struggling with the Alphabet and Rhymes

If your child is between 3 and 5 years old, one of the first signs of dyslexia can show up in their difficulty learning the alphabet. Children with dyslexia may have trouble remembering letters or associating them with sounds. For example, while other children might quickly learn that "C" makes the "kuh" sound, a child with dyslexia might struggle to make that connection.

I worked with a family whose four-year-old, loved singing nursery rhymes. However, she often mixed up the words or couldn’t remember the right verses, even with practice. Difficulty with rhyming is an early sign of dyslexia, as it reflects underlying problems with phonological awareness—the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words.

Trouble Pronouncing Words

Children with dyslexia may also have trouble pronouncing longer words or mix up syllables. For example, they might say "aminal" instead of "animal." While some speech errors are common at this age, consistent difficulties can indicate a processing problem related to dyslexia.

Signs of Dyslexia in KS1 (Ages 5-7)

Struggles with Learning to Read

From ages five to seven, reading difficulties can become more apparent. Children with dyslexia may have difficulty sounding out simple words like “cat” or “dog” and might rely on guessing words from pictures rather than decoding them. By age seven, consistent struggles with basic reading should prompt a professional assessment.

Avoiding Reading and Writing Tasks

Children with dyslexia often become frustrated by how hard they find reading and writing compared to their peers. This frustration can lead to avoidance behaviours—your child might start to resist reading time or find excuses to avoid writing tasks altogether. If you notice this pattern, it may be more than just a dislike of reading; they could be struggling in ways that aren’t immediately obvious.

Confusing Letters and Sounds

Another common sign of dyslexia is mixing up letters that look or sound similar, such as confusing “b” and “d” or “p” and “q.” While it’s normal for younger children to occasionally confuse letters, if it happens frequently or persists beyond the early years, it may indicate a deeper issue with language processing.

Spelling Challenges

Spelling can be particularly difficult for children with dyslexia. Often, they spell words phonetically, making frequent errors. For instance, "friend" may become "frend," and "elephant" may be written as "elefant." Even after learning spelling rules, they may struggle to apply them consistently.

Signs Beyond Reading and Writing

Difficulty Following Instructions

Dyslexia doesn’t only affect reading and writing—it can also impact how children process verbal information. Does your child have trouble following multi-step instructions, such as “Put on your shoes, grab your bag, and wait by the door”? If this is a regular occurrence, it could be due to difficulties in processing and retaining information.

Emotional and Behavioural Signs

Struggling at school can take a toll on a child’s self-esteem. Many children with undiagnosed dyslexia feel a sense of failure, which can lead to frustration or anxiety. One mother I worked with shared how her daughter, Ella, would get frequent stomach aches before school. After discussing the situation with her teachers, it became clear that her anxiety stemmed from difficulties with reading. Once diagnosed and supported, Ella’s anxiety gradually eased, as she understood that her struggles weren’t her fault.

Needing Extra Time

Children with dyslexia often take longer to complete their work due to the way their brains process written language. Reading, which may come easily to other children, requires much more effort for those with dyslexia. They often struggle to break words down into sounds and connect these to letters, slowing their reading speed. Similarly, writing can be difficult, as they need extra time to retrieve the correct spelling of words and organise their ideas on paper. This means tasks take longer and can feel overwhelming. By allowing extra time, we give children the space they need to work at their own pace and demonstrate their true abilities without unnecessary pressure.

How Dyslexia Symptoms Change Over Time

As your child progresses through school, dyslexia symptoms can shift. In early childhood, the focus is often on learning to read. But as they grow older, it becomes more about reading to learn. Children with dyslexia may begin to struggle with reading comprehension, writing essays, or summarising information.

This shift can sometimes make it harder to spot dyslexia as children get older, especially if they’ve developed strategies to compensate for early reading difficulties. It’s essential to keep monitoring their progress and remain aware of any ongoing challenges with more advanced language tasks.

Heritability of Dyslexia: Is it Genetic?

Dyslexia often runs in families, meaning there is a genetic link. If you or a close relative has struggled with reading or writing, it’s possible your child may have inherited similar difficulties. Understanding this connection can help you anticipate potential learning challenges and seek early intervention.

When Should You Seek Help?

Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off, trust your instincts as a parent. You know your child better than anyone, and if they’re displaying the above characteristics or struggling more than their peers, it’s worth exploring further.

Speak to Their Teacher

Teachers often notice learning difficulties before parents do. If your child’s teacher has flagged concerns about their reading, writing, or behaviour in class, this can be an important clue that something more is going on.

Consider a Professional Assessment

A formal assessment is the most reliable way to determine if your child has dyslexia. At Bourne Dyslexia, we can assess your child’s cognitive abilities, reading skills, and overall learning style. This typically involves a series of tests designed to pinpoint specific challenges, and the results can help tailor an intervention plan that supports your child’s needs.

The Power of Early Intervention

An early diagnosis can open doors to a wealth of support for your child. With the right intervention, children with dyslexia can learn strategies that allow them to thrive in school.

Specialised Teaching Methods

Techniques such as multisensory learning methods are specifically designed to help children with dyslexia. These strategies break down language into more manageable components and use different senses—such as sight, sound, and touch—to reinforce learning.

School Accommodations

Many schools provide accommodations for children with dyslexia, including extra time on tests, the use of audiobooks, and access to assistive technologies such as speech-to-text software. These tools can level the playing field and enable your child to show their true abilities, despite their reading challenges.

Boosting Confidence

Most importantly, an early diagnosis can help your child understand that their struggles with reading and writing are not due to a lack of ability or effort. With the right support, their confidence can grow, and they’ll realise that they have the potential to succeed.

Take Action

If your child is showing signs of dyslexia, such as difficulties with reading, spelling, or following instructions, please feel free to reach out. Dyslexia is not something they will simply “outgrow,” but with the right support, they can learn to manage it effectively.

By recognising the signs early, seeking help, and advocating for your child’s needs, you’re giving them the best chance to thrive—both in school and in life. Talk to their teacher, consider a professional assessment, and remember: your child’s learning challenges are just one part of their story. With your support, they can overcome them and achieve great things.