Symptoms of Dyslexia

Uncover the hidden signs of dyslexia and learn how to help your child thrive! Tweet Now Follow Learning Success

Obvious Symptoms of Dyslexia

These symptoms are typically noticeable in your child’s academic performance, particularly in tasks involving reading, writing, and spelling. They are often the first signs that prompt concern.

1. Reading Difficulties:
   • Your child reads slowly and with great effort, often pausing or stumbling over words.
   • They may skip words, guess at unfamiliar words, or lose their place while reading.
   • Sounding out new words is particularly challenging, making reading feel frustrating.
2. Spelling Problems:
   • Spelling is inconsistent; for example, they might spell “wipe” as “wippe,” “wype,” or “wiep” in the same piece of writing.
   • Even simple, common words are frequently misspelled, despite repeated practice.
3. Writing Challenges:
   • Handwriting is messy, with letters that are uneven, poorly formed, or reversed (e.g., writing “b” instead of “d”).
   • Writing tasks take a long time and require significant effort, often resulting in incomplete work.
   • Your child may produce work with many crossed-out words or multiple attempts at spelling.
4. Letter and Word Confusion:
   • They mix up letters that look similar, such as “b” and “d,” “p” and “q,” or “n” and “u.”
   • Words that look alike, like “was” and “saw” or “tired” and “tried,” are often confused.
5. Poor Reading Comprehension:
   • After reading a passage, your child struggles to explain or remember what it was about.
   • They may need to reread text multiple times to understand it, which can lead to frustration.
6. Phonological Awareness Issues:
   • Your child has trouble breaking words into individual sounds (e.g., separating “cat” into /k/, /a/, /t/).
   • Blending sounds to form words is difficult, impacting their ability to read or spell.
   • They struggle to recognize or create rhyming words, like “cat” and “hat” (Auditory Processing).
7. Difficulty Learning Letters and Sounds:
   • Learning the alphabet or associating letters with their sounds takes longer than for peers.
   • They may forget letter names or sounds shortly after being taught, even with repetition.
8. Struggles with Math Word Problems:
   • While they may excel at math calculations, word problems are challenging due to the reading component.
   • Understanding the context of a math problem is difficult, leading to errors despite strong numerical skills.

Less Obvious Symptoms of Dyslexia

These symptoms may not immediately suggest dyslexia and could be mistaken for other issues, such as behavior problems or general disorganization. However, they are important indicators that can affect your child’s learning and daily life.

1. Directional Confusion:
   • Your child often mixes up left and right, even in familiar situations (Directionality).
   • They may struggle with instructions involving spatial terms, like “put it on your left.”
2. Test Anxiety and Performance:
   • Despite being intelligent, they perform poorly on tests, especially those requiring reading or writing.
   • They may show significant anxiety or nervousness during tests, which impacts their performance.
3. Attention Issues:
   • They seem to daydream or “zone out” during class, particularly when reading or writing is involved.
   • Staying focused on literacy tasks is challenging, which might be mistaken for inattention (Improve Focus).
4. Learning Style Preferences:
   • Your child learns best through hands-on activities, like building or drawing, rather than reading or listening.
   • Verbal or written instructions are hard to follow, but they excel with practical demonstrations.
5. Visual Disturbances:
   • They report that letters or words seem to move or jump around on the page while reading or writing.
   • Reading may cause headaches or eye strain, which could indicate visual processing issues (Visual Processing).
6. Expressive Language Difficulties:
   • They struggle to find the right words when speaking, often pausing or using “um” frequently.
   • They may use vague terms like “thing” or “stuff” instead of specific words.
   • Stories they tell are hard to follow or lack a logical order.
7. Motor Skill Challenges:
   • They hold pens or pencils in an unusual way or grip them very tightly, which can make writing uncomfortable (Fine Motor Skills).
   • Tasks requiring fine motor skills, like buttoning clothes or tying shoelaces, are difficult.
   • They may have poor coordination or balance, affecting activities like sports.
8. Time Management and Organization:
   • Reading the time on an analog clock is challenging, even at an age when peers can do it easily.
   • They struggle to manage time, often running late or missing deadlines.
   • Procrastination is common, especially for tasks involving reading or writing.
   • Their belongings are either very disorganized or overly orderly, as they may compensate for difficulties.
9. Speech and Language Development:
   • As a young child, they were late to start talking compared to peers.
   • They mispronounce long or complex words, like saying “hecilopter” instead of “helicopter.”
   • Rhyming games or nursery rhymes are difficult or unappealing.
10. Memory and Sequencing:
    • Remembering sequences, like the days of the week or the alphabet, is challenging.
    • They struggle to recall names, dates, or lists, even with practice.
    • Word retrieval is difficult, leading to frequent “tip of the tongue” moments.
11. Emotional and Behavioral Signs:
    • They show frustration, anger, or avoidance when asked to read or write.
    • Low self-esteem develops due to repeated academic struggles, making them feel “dumb.”
    • Behavioral issues, like tantrums, may arise from the stress of learning challenges (Emotional Intelligence).

Additional Symptoms to Watch For

Beyond the symptoms listed in the provided graphic, other signs may indicate dyslexia, particularly in younger children or adults:

• Delayed Speech Development: Your child may have been slow to speak, using simplified words longer than peers (e.g., “beddy tear” for “teddy bear”) (NHS).
• Difficulty with Nursery Rhymes: They struggle to memorize or enjoy songs and rhymes, which rely on phonological skills.
• Challenges with Foreign Languages: Learning a new language is particularly difficult due to sound and word processing issues (Yale Dyslexia).
• Inconsistent Performance: They excel in non-reading areas like art or sports but struggle unexpectedly in literacy tasks, showing a “spiky” profile (British Dyslexia Association).

Supporting Your Child

Recognizing these symptoms is the first step to helping your child. Here are practical ways to support them:

• Get an Assessment: Use a Dyslexia Test to identify specific challenges. A formal diagnosis can lead to tailored support in school.
• Use Targeted Programs: The Brain Bloom System leverages neuroplasticity to strengthen cognitive skills like auditory and visual processing, which are often weak in dyslexia (Neuroplasticity).
• Work with Specialists: A Dyslexia Tutor can provide personalized strategies to improve reading and writing.
• Encourage a Growth Mindset: Help your child believe that effort leads to improvement, boosting their confidence (Growth Mindset).
• Use Multisensory Learning: Engage multiple senses (e.g., tracing letters in sand) to reinforce learning (Cognitive Processing Skills).
• Provide Emotional Support: Address frustration or low self-esteem through open communication or resources like Emotional Intelligence).
• Advocate at School: Request accommodations, such as extra time on tests or audiobooks, through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Dyslexia presents a range of symptoms, from obvious reading and writing difficulties to less noticeable signs like time management struggles or speech challenges. By understanding these signs, parents can take proactive steps to support their child’s learning and emotional well-being. Early intervention, combined with resources like those from Learning Success and specialized tutoring, can help your child overcome challenges and thrive academically and personally.

Dyslexia Effects on Life and Understanding Dyslexia By Age Group

Obvious Symptoms

These symptoms are typically evident in academic settings:

• Difficulty Reading: Slow, labored reading with frequent errors or hesitations (NHS).
• Spelling Errors: Inconsistent spelling, such as writing a word multiple ways in one piece (e.g., “wippe,” “wype” for “wipe”) (British Dyslexia Association).
• Writing Challenges: Poor handwriting, irregular letter sizes, or difficulty organizing thoughts on paper (Mayo Clinic).
• Letter and Word Reversals: Confusing similar-looking letters (e.g., b/d, p/q) or words (e.g., “was” vs. “saw”) (Yale Dyslexia).

Less Obvious Symptoms

These symptoms may not immediately point to dyslexia but are significant:

• Phonological Awareness Deficits: Difficulty recognizing or manipulating sounds, such as rhyming (e.g., unable to identify that “cat” and “hat” rhyme) or segmenting words into syllables (Learning Success: Phonological Dyslexia).
• Memory Challenges: Trouble recalling sequences like the alphabet, days of the week, or multiplication tables (Psych Central).
• Organizational Difficulties: Problems with time management, planning, or keeping track of belongings, leading to forgotten assignments or missed deadlines (British Dyslexia Association).
• Avoidance Behaviors: Reluctance to read or write due to fear of failure, often mistaken for laziness (Dyslexia.com).
• Inconsistent Performance: A “spiky” profile where a child excels in some areas (e.g., art, sports) but struggles unexpectedly in others (British Dyslexia Association).
• Visual Confusion: Confusing visually similar words (e.g., “cat” vs. “cot”) or needing to reread text for comprehension (British Dyslexia Association).
• Directional Confusion: Difficulty distinguishing left from right or following multiple instructions at once (Learning Success: Directionality).
• Emotional and Behavioral Issues: Low self-esteem, anxiety, or behaviors like tantrums or procrastination due to academic struggles (Learning Success: Dyslexia Test).

Impact on Daily Life

Dyslexia affects more than just reading and writing; it influences academic, social, and emotional aspects of life.

Academic Performance

• Challenges: Slow reading and writing can lead to lower grades, difficulty completing assignments, and struggles with note-taking or copying from the board (Raising Children Network).
• Example: A child may take hours to complete a reading assignment that peers finish quickly, leading to frustration and incomplete work.

Social Interactions

• Challenges: Difficulty processing spoken or written language can hinder following conversations or understanding instructions, potentially causing social awkwardness or isolation.
• Example: A teenager may struggle to understand jokes or idioms, leading to feelings of exclusion in social settings.

Emotional Well-being

• Challenges: Persistent academic struggles can erode confidence, leading to anxiety, depression, or behavioral issues like tantrums or avoidance (Cleveland Clinic).
• Example: A child labeled as “lazy” may internalize this, developing low self-esteem that affects their willingness to try new tasks.

Career and Daily Functioning

• Challenges: Adults with dyslexia may avoid careers requiring heavy reading or writing, and organizational difficulties can lead to missed deadlines or forgotten appointments (British Dyslexia Association).
• Example: An adult might struggle to write professional emails or manage schedules, impacting workplace performance.

Early Signs in Children

Early identification is key to mitigating dyslexia’s impact. Parents should look for signs at different developmental stages.

Preschool Age (3-5 Years)

• Delayed Speech Development: Slower to speak compared to peers or mispronouncing words (e.g., “hecilopter” for “helicopter”) (NHS).
• Difficulty with Rhymes: Inability to recognize or produce rhyming words (e.g., “cat,” “bat”) (Yale Dyslexia).
• Trouble with Letter Recognition: Difficulty learning or remembering letter names, even in their own name .
• Persistent “Baby Talk”: Using simplified speech longer than peers .
• Family History: A parent or sibling with dyslexia increases the likelihood (Yale Dyslexia).

Primary School Age (6-12 Years)

• Reading Struggles: Slow reading, frequent errors, or difficulty decoding unfamiliar words (Mayo Clinic).
• Spelling Inconsistencies: Spelling the same word differently in one piece (e.g., “tired” as “tried”) (British Dyslexia Association).
• Poor Handwriting: Messy work with letter reversals or irregular letter sizes (Psych Central).
• Avoidance of Reading/Writing: Reluctance to engage in reading or writing tasks due to difficulty (Dyslexia.com).
• Math Word Problems: Difficulty understanding written math problems due to reading challenges (Learning Success: Dyscalculia).

Signs in Older Individuals

Dyslexia persists into adolescence and adulthood, with symptoms adapting to new contexts.

Teenagers and Adults

• Persistent Reading/Writing Difficulties: Slow reading, frequent spelling errors, or trouble with written expression (NHS).
• Time-Intensive Tasks: Taking longer to complete reading or writing assignments (WebMD).
• Avoidance Behaviors: Avoiding tasks requiring reading or writing, such as filling out forms or reading manuals (British Dyslexia Association).
• Organizational Challenges: Difficulty with time management, planning essays, or managing schedules (Learning Success: Directionality).
• Low Self-Esteem: Feeling inadequate due to academic or professional struggles, often exacerbated if dyslexia was undiagnosed in childhood (Dyslexia.com).
• Difficulty with Foreign Languages: Struggles with learning new languages due to phonological processing issues (WebMD).

Supporting Your Child with Dyslexia

Parents can make a significant difference by implementing strategies and leveraging resources to address dyslexia’s challenges.

Strategies for Parents

1. Early Intervention: If you notice signs, consult your child’s teacher or a specialist for an assessment (Dyslexia Test). Early diagnosis improves outcomes.
2. Multisensory Learning: Use teaching methods that engage visual, auditory, and kinesthetic senses, such as tracing letters in sand or using apps (Learning Success: Cognitive Processing Skills).
3. Reading Together: Read aloud with your child to build confidence and make reading enjoyable.
4. Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate small successes to boost self-esteem and foster a Growth Mindset.
5. Organizational Support: Use tools like calendars or apps to help with time management and task organization (Learning Success: Improve Focus).
6. Strength-Based Approach: Nurture your child’s talents in areas like art, sports, or problem-solving, where many dyslexic individuals excel (Better Health Channel).
7. Emotional Support: Address anxiety or low self-esteem through open communication or professional support (Learning Success: Emotional Intelligence).

Resources and Tools

• Learning Success Programs:
  • Brain Bloom System: Uses neuroplasticity to strengthen cognitive skills like auditory and visual processing, ideal for dyslexia ($49/month, $297/year).
  • 5-Minute Reading Fix: Improves reading fluency and comprehension ($39/month, $199/year).
  • Dyslexia Test: Free online screener to identify dyslexia and related challenges.
  • All Access Membership: Comprehensive support for multiple learning difficulties ($69/month, $397/year).
• Tutoring Services:
  • Dyslexia Tutors: Specialized tutoring tailored to dyslexic students’ needs.
• Technology Aids:
  • Speech-to-text software to assist with writing (British Dyslexia Association).
  • AI tools for grammar, spelling, and reading support (LDRFA).
• School Support:
  • Work with your child’s school to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or request accommodations (Cleveland Clinic).
  • Consult the school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) for guidance (NHS).

Leveraging Neuroplasticity

The brain’s ability to form new connections, known as neuroplasticity, offers hope for improving reading and cognitive skills (Neuroplasticity). Programs like the Brain Bloom System target cognitive micro-skills, such as Auditory Processing and Visual Processing, to address dyslexia’s root causes. Consistent practice can lead to significant improvements over time.

Conclusion

Dyslexia presents unique challenges, but with early identification and targeted support, children can overcome obstacles and achieve their potential. By recognizing both obvious and subtle symptoms, parents can advocate for their child’s needs, foster their strengths, and provide emotional support. Resources like those from Learning Success and specialized tutoring can make a significant difference. With patience and persistence, your child can thrive academically and personally, proving that dyslexia is not a barrier to success.

Key Citations

• Dyslexia: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Types
• Dyslexia – Symptoms and Causes – Mayo Clinic
• Signs of Dyslexia (Adult) – British Dyslexia Association
• Dyslexia – Symptoms – NHS
• Dyslexia – Wikipedia
• Dyslexia Basics – International Dyslexia Association
• Signs of Dyslexia – Yale Dyslexia
• Dyslexia – NHS
• Dyslexia: Symptoms, Signs, and Treatment – WebMD
• Dyslexia | Better Health Channel
• Signs of Dyslexia (Primary School Age) – British Dyslexia Association
• How To Spot Early Signs of Dyslexia in Children – LDRFA
• Signs of Dyslexia (Early Years) – British Dyslexia Association
• Common Signs of Dyslexia | Reading Rockets
• Dyslexia in Children and Teenagers | Raising Children Network
• Test for Dyslexia: 37 Common Traits | Dyslexia.com
• Dyslexia: Common Signs and Symptoms | Psych Central
• Dyslexia Screener – Learning Success
• Dyslexia Test – Learning Success
• Home – Learning Success
• Using AI Tools To Help With Dyslexia and ADHD Assessment – LDRFA
• What is Dyscalculia? – Learning Success
• A Machine Learning-Based Classification Model for Dyslexia Support
• Dyslexia and Artificial Intelligence | BERA
• Phonological Dyslexia – Learning Success
• Dyscalculia Test – Learning Success
• Could ChatGPT Change Your Life? – British Dyslexia Association
• Neurogenesis and Neuroplasticity – Learning Success
• Cognitive Micro-Skills – Learning Success
• Auditory Processing – Learning Success
• Visual Processing Disorder – Learning Success
• Proprioception – Learning Success
• Directionality – Learning Success
• Improve Focus – Learning Success
• Growth Mindset Course – Learning Success
• Emotional Intelligence Course – Learning Success
• Dyslexia Tutors – Dyslexia Teachers

Dyslexia, a stealthy adversary, undermines your child’s confidence and academic progress with challenges like reading struggles and organizational difficulties. The Learning Success All Access Program defeats this foe by leveraging neuroplasticity to build critical cognitive skills, empowering children to excel with resilience and self-assurance. Join the fight for your child’s potential today with the Learning Success All Access Program at https://learningsuccess.ai/membership/all-access/.