Dyslexia is one of the most common learning disabilities, affecting about 15-20% of the population. Early recognition and intervention are crucial to helping children with dyslexia succeed. As a parent, being aware of the signs of dyslexia and understanding when to seek support can make all the difference in your child’s learning journey. In this blog, I’ll cover the key indicators of dyslexia across different age groups and offer guidance on when to pursue professional support.

Common Early Signs of Dyslexia

Preschool and Early Years: In the early stages of development, dyslexia can present itself in several subtle ways. While each child develops at their own pace, parents should look out for:

• Delayed speech development compared to peers.

• Difficulty learning nursery rhymes or recognising the sounds of words.

• Struggling to remember the names of familiar objects or to learn new words.

According to the International Dyslexia Association, children with dyslexia may show signs of difficulty identifying letters and sounds long before they begin formal education.

Early Primary School (Ages 5-7): As children start school and begin to learn to read and write, the signs of dyslexia often become more pronounced. Some common indicators at this stage include:

• Trouble connecting letters to their corresponding sounds (phonemic awareness).

• Difficulty decoding simple words or blending sounds.

• Avoiding reading aloud and slow reading progress despite consistent effort.

• Challenges in learning sight words, leading to guesswork when reading.

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) highlights that children with dyslexia often struggle with early phonics and can show significant resistance to reading.

Middle Primary School (Ages 8 and up): As children progress through school, their reading challenges may become more evident, particularly in more complex reading and writing tasks. Signs of dyslexia at this stage include:

• Poor spelling and difficulty organising written work.

• Struggles with reading comprehension, especially with new or complex vocabulary.

• Taking longer to complete reading or writing assignments, with frequent word substitutions.

When to Seek Support

Early intervention is critical when it comes to dyslexia. If your child displays signs of dyslexia, it’s essential to seek advice or additional support as soon as possible. Waiting too long may impact their academic performance and confidence.

Here are a few key indicators that you should consider:

• Phonemic Awareness Problems: If your child consistently struggles with recognising sounds in words or blending and segmenting sounds by age 6, this could indicate dyslexia.

• Reading and Spelling Delays: By the end of Year 2, if your child is significantly behind their peers in reading and writing progress, it is time to consult an expert.

• Family History of Dyslexia: Dyslexia often runs in families. If close relatives have a history of dyslexia, it's important to be vigilant about signs in your child.

How to Support Your Child with Dyslexia

Early intervention is key. Research-backed programs, such as Structured Literacy, offer evidence-based methods proven to improve reading skills in children with dyslexia. Structured Literacy focuses on teaching phonics systematically, explicitly, and sequentially. Experts emphasise the importance of phonemic awareness and the science of reading, which are critical for helping children with dyslexia succeed.

It’s also important to work with educators and specialists who are trained in supporting dyslexia. Seek recommendations for reading specialists (like those at The Study Nook) or speech-language pathologists who use evidence-based interventions.

References:

• International Dyslexia Association, "Dyslexia Basics"

• National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, "What is Dyslexia?"

• Reading Rockets, "Clues to Dyslexia"

• Dr. Louise Moats, "Speech to Print: Language Essentials for Teachers"