Spotting dyslexia early can make all the difference
Dyslexia is a common specific learning difficulty that primarily affects reading, writing, and spelling abilities. It is not linked to intelligence, but without the right support, it can impact a child’s confidence, academic progress, and ability to express ideas clearly in writing. The earlier dyslexia is identified, the sooner children can receive the help they need to thrive in their learning journey.
Early signs of dyslexia by age
🔹 Preschool & early years (Ages 3-6)
- Struggles with recognising letters, rhyming, or clapping syllables in words
- Difficulty learning nursery rhymes or remembering sequences (e.g., days of the week)
- Speech delays or mispronouncing common words (e.g., saying ‘aminal’ instead of ‘animal’)
- Difficulty following multi-step instructions
🔹 Primary school (Ages 6-11)
- Struggles with reading fluency, often guessing words rather than sounding them out
- Frequent spelling mistakes, even with simple words
- Difficulty copying from the board or remembering key facts
- Avoiding reading out loud or writing tasks
- Complaints of letters ‘jumping’ on the page or struggling with text-heavy materials
- Written work may be disorganised or difficult to read
- Trouble getting ideas onto paper
🔹 Secondary school (Ages 11+)
- Slow reading speed and difficulty summarising texts
- Trouble with written assignments despite strong verbal skills
- Poor organisation and difficulty managing schoolwork
- Low confidence in reading or avoiding tasks that involve writing
- Struggles with essay structure, handwriting or finding the right words to express ideas clearly
Understanding the benefits of early identification
Research shows that timely intervention can significantly improve reading, writing, and spelling skills, boosting academic performance and self-esteem. Many children with dyslexia also experience difficulty organising written work or expressing ideas clearly on paper, making it important to provide the right support and strategies as early as possible.
What to do if you notice these signs
If you recognise some of these signs in your child, a professional dyslexia assessment can help provide clarity. At Dyslexia Discovery, we offer expert diagnostic assessments to help identify your child’s strengths and challenges, providing practical recommendations for school and home.
👉 Concerned about dyslexia? Get in touch to discuss whether an assessment would be beneficial for your child.
Email me to find out more: rosie@dyslexiadiscovery.org or fill in a contact form.
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