Early Signs of Dyslexia

Monarch
Oct 8
5 min read

When a child struggles to learn letters, avoids reading, or has difficulty remembering words, parents often wonder: Is this just a normal stage—or could it be something more? Reading differences, like dyslexia, are one of the most common learning differences. The earlier these differences are identified, the sooner children can get the help they need.

This post will walk you through what dyslexia is, the early signs to look for, and when it makes sense to seek an evaluation. If you’re a parent concerned about your child’s reading development, knowing the signs can make a world of difference.

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that affects a child’s ability to read, spell, and sometimes write. It is neurological in origin—in other words, it has to do with how the brain processes written and spoken language. Children with dyslexia are often intelligent, creative, and capable learners, but they have difficulties with skills like:

Phonological processing: recognizing and manipulating the sounds in language.
Decoding: sounding out unfamiliar words.
Fluency: reading quickly and accurately.
Spelling: remembering letter patterns and rules.

Contrary to a common myth, dyslexia does not mean children see letters “backwards.” Instead, the difficulty lies in how the brain connects sounds and letters.

Why Early Identification Matters

Reading is the foundation of almost all learning. If children fall behind in reading, it affects every subject—math word problems, science instructions, and history texts.

Research shows that early identification and intervention are critical:

When children receive help in kindergarten or first grade, up to 90% can reach grade-level reading.
If intervention is delayed until third grade, that number drops to about 25%.
Older children and teens can still learn, but it takes more intensive support and time.

This is why noticing early signs and seeking an evaluation matters. The earlier you start, the better the outcomes for your child.

Early Signs of Dyslexia in Preschool

Dyslexia doesn’t just appear once formal reading instruction starts. In fact, many early signs show up in preschool and kindergarten, before children even begin reading books independently.

Some red flags in the preschool years include:

Delayed speech development compared to peers.
Trouble learning nursery rhymes, songs, or rhyming games.
Difficulty recognizing or producing rhyming words (“cat/hat”).
Struggling to learn the alphabet or recognize letters in their name.
Trouble recalling the names of colors, shapes, or familiar objects.
Difficulty clapping out syllables in words (like bas-ket-ball).
Mixing up the order of words in sentences.
Trouble following multi-step directions.

A child with several of these challenges may be showing early risk factors for dyslexia.

Signs in Kindergarten and First Grade

When children begin formal reading instruction, dyslexia often becomes more apparent. Watch for these indicators:

Difficulty connecting letters and sounds. For example, not remembering that “b” makes the /b/ sound.
Struggling to blend sounds to form words (e.g., /c/ + /a/ + /t/ = cat).
Guessing at words instead of sounding them out.
Reversals beyond second grade (confusing b and d, p and q, or was and saw).
Avoiding reading aloud or showing frustration with books.
Limited sight word recognition (words like the, and, of, to).
Trouble with handwriting and spelling, even for simple words.
Difficulty remembering sequences (days of the week, months, counting).

At this age, children should be making steady progress in connecting letters and sounds, recognizing common words, and enjoying short stories. If reading remains slow, confusing, or stressful despite good instruction, dyslexia could be a factor.

Signs in Second Grade and Beyond

Some children with dyslexia fly under the radar in kindergarten and first grade, especially if they’re bright and have strong memory or listening skills. But as schoolwork gets harder, the gap often becomes more visible.

Signs in later grades include:

Reading below grade level despite extra effort.
Slow, laborious reading that requires sounding out nearly every word.
Trouble with spelling—words spelled differently each time.
Difficulty remembering or recalling words they already learned.
Strong oral vocabulary but weak written expression.
Avoiding reading for pleasure.
Complaints of stomachaches or headaches around reading tasks (signs of stress or anxiety).
Difficulty understanding jokes, idioms, or wordplay.

Many parents describe these children as “so smart, but reading just doesn’t click.” That disconnect is a hallmark of dyslexia (or having reading difficulties).

Other Related Challenges

Dyslexia can also impact more than just reading. Some children may struggle with:

Math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication tables).
Directionality (confusing left and right).
Organization and time management.
Working memory (holding information in mind while using it).

While these challenges don’t always point to dyslexia alone, they often overlap and can compound frustration.

When to Seek an Evaluation

So, how do you know if your child just needs more time—or if an evaluation is warranted?

The answer: if reading struggles are persistent and interfere with learning, don’t wait.

Here are clear signs it’s time to request an evaluation:

Your child is in kindergarten or first grade and still struggles with letter-sound correspondence despite good teaching.
Your child avoids or becomes upset about reading, even after months of practice.
Your child’s teacher notices ongoing reading challenges and mentions concerns.
There’s a family history of dyslexia or reading difficulties.
You’ve tried extra reading practice at home, but progress remains slow and inconsistent.

Remember: evaluations aren’t about labeling—they’re about unlocking support and understanding.

What an Evaluation Looks Like

An evaluation for dyslexia may be conducted by the school (through special education services) or by a private psychologist or educational specialist.

A comprehensive evaluation typically includes:

Background history: developmental milestones, family history, medical and educational information.
Cognitive testing: measuring overall intellectual abilities.
Academic testing: assessing reading, spelling, and writing levels.
Phonological processing: identifying how well your child recognizes and manipulates sounds.
Memory and processing speed: checking skills that support learning.

The goal is to understand your child’s strengths and weaknesses so that teachers and parents can provide the right interventions.

What Happens After an Evaluation

If your child is diagnosed with dyslexia, take heart: this is the beginning of a path toward progress, not the end.

Next steps often include:

Structured literacy instruction (evidence-based programs like Orton–Gillingham, Wilson, or Barton).
Accommodations at school (extra time on tests, audiobooks, small-group instruction).
Support at home (reading aloud together, using audiobooks, practicing in fun, low-pressure ways).

An evaluation gives you a roadmap for how to help your child succeed.

Supporting Your Child Emotionally

Children with dyslexia are often aware of their struggles, even at a young age. They may feel embarrassed, frustrated, or believe they’re “not smart.”

As a parent, you can help by:

Reassuring your child that dyslexia is not a reflection of intelligence.
Celebrating effort, not just results (“I saw how hard you worked on that word!”).
Sharing stories of successful people with dyslexia (like Steven Spielberg, Whoopi Goldberg, or Richard Branson).
Building on strengths—whether that’s art, science, sports, or storytelling.

Common Myths About Early Dyslexia Signs

Clearing up misconceptions helps parents act sooner:

Myth: It’s too early to tell before third grade.
Fact: Early signs can appear in preschool. Waiting often delays support.
Myth: Reading struggles mean a child isn’t smart.
Fact: Dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence. Many children with dyslexia have average or above-average IQs.
Myth: Extra practice will fix the problem.
Fact: Without targeted, structured interventions, extra practice alone won’t close the gap.

Noticing the early signs of dyslexia can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an opportunity. By paying attention, advocating, and seeking an evaluation when needed, you give your child the chance to receive support before frustration takes root. Every child deserves to feel confident and capable in school. Early intervention not only builds reading skills but also protects your child’s self-esteem and love of learning. If you see your child in the signs described above, trust your instincts: ask questions, request an evaluation, and keep advocating until your child has the support they deserve. Your role as a parent is powerful. By noticing the signs, taking action, and celebrating your child’s unique strengths, you are opening the door to success—not just in reading, but in every part of their life.

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