Research abstract

3rd Most Unusual Symptom Of Dyslexia: Difficulty Tying Shoes

Is your child having difficulty tying their shoes? Refusing to give up the Velcro straps? Though unusual, this might be a sign that your student could benefit from dyslexia screening! By Douglas Curtiss

Laura Lurns Last updated August 17, 2016 · 1 min read

While dyslexia is often associated with trouble reading and writing, there are more unique symptoms as well. In this the first video of a series about such symptoms Dr Douglas Curtiss and Nurse Lucie Curtiss discuss what they call one of the more unusual symptom of the disorder, trouble tying shoes.

Dyslexic children often have trouble tying their shoes. The Curtiss’ son is an example. The trouble comes from a difficulty transferring information between parts of the brain and with fine motor skills. Dr Curtiss mentions that when he is looking to see if a patient is dyslexic he looks at their shoes.

Key takeaways

Dyslexia has many symptoms.
Difficulty reading is not the only symptom of dyslexia.
Difficulty tying shoes can indicate Dyslexia.

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A screener is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If your child might need formal accommodations (an IEP or 504 plan), or you suspect a vision, hearing or medical cause, pursue a professional evaluation too. That is the only route to those supports.

Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert Writes about the learning brain for parents who want plain answers. Every article is grounded in current neuroscience and classroom practice.

Key takeaways

Is your child struggling in school?

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