Your third grader can explain how volcanoes work in vivid detail, but when it is time to read aloud, she goes quiet, guesses at words and says her stomach hurts. She is not lazy, and she is not unintelligent. She may be working far harder than anyone realizes.
Dyslexia is one possible explanation for patterns like this. This article describes common signs, what dyslexia is and is not, and what to do if you are concerned. It cannot diagnose your child. Only a qualified professional can do that.
What dyslexia is
Dyslexia is a learning difference that makes it harder to connect letters to sounds and to read and spell words accurately and smoothly. It is not about intelligence, effort or eyesight. Many people with dyslexia are creative, articulate, strong problem solvers and gifted storytellers. Their brains simply process written language differently, and reading often needs to be taught in a more explicit, structured way.
Dyslexia runs in families, and it occurs in all kinds of families, schools and cultures. It can also occur along with ADHD, anxiety and other differences.
What dyslexia is not
- It is not seeing letters backward. Many young children reverse letters as they learn, and this is common in early writing.
- It is not a sign of low intelligence.
- It is not caused by lack of practice or parent mistakes.
- It does not get fixed simply by "reading more" or by waiting.
Signs in preschool and kindergarten
- Trouble learning nursery rhymes or noticing rhyming words
- Difficulty learning letter names and the sounds they make
- Mixing up similar-sounding words, such as saying "pasghetti" for spaghetti
- Trouble recognizing their own name in print
- Difficulty clapping out syllables
- A family history of reading difficulties
Signs in early elementary
- Struggling to sound out simple words, even after plenty of instruction
- Guessing at words based on the first letter or the picture
- Slow, effortful reading with lots of stopping
- Spelling that is very inconsistent, such as spelling the same word several ways on one page
- Avoiding reading, or becoming upset at reading time
- Remembering stories well when listening, but not when reading
Signs in older children and teens
- Reading that stays slow and tiring
- Avoiding reading aloud
- Trouble with foreign languages and spelling
- Taking much longer on written work
- Strong thinking and speaking skills that do not match written work
- Low confidence, or describing themselves as "stupid"
The emotional side
Children who struggle with reading often notice it before adults do. They may act like the class clown, refuse to try, become anxious about school or say they hate it. Behavior like this is often a sign of a child protecting their pride. Treating the underlying difficulty usually helps the behavior as well.
How to get answers
- Collect examples. Keep samples of writing, notes on how reading goes and any teacher feedback.
- Check hearing and vision. Your pediatrician can help rule out other contributors.
- Request an evaluation in writing. In the US, you can ask the school to evaluate your child. Dating and keeping a copy of your request helps.
- Consider a private evaluation. Some families use a psychologist or other qualified specialist. This can be costly, so ask about options available through the school.
- Ask about structured literacy. Many reading specialists use programs that explicitly teach the sounds and patterns of language step by step. Ask any provider to explain what they use and how progress will be measured.
Supports that often help
- Explicit, systematic reading instruction, often from a trained teacher or tutor
- Extra time on tests and assignments
- Audiobooks and text-to-speech so your child can keep learning grade-level content
- Reading together at home with no pressure, taking turns or reading aloud to your child
- Praising effort and strengths, not just accuracy
Words that help
- "Reading is hard for your brain right now, and that does not mean you are not smart."
- "We're going to find the right help together."
- "Want to listen to the next chapter while we follow along?"
What to do next
If you are seeing several of these signs, speak with your child's teacher and your pediatrician, and consider requesting an evaluation through the school or a qualified professional. You do not need to wait for your child to fall further behind. Early support can make a real difference to both skills and confidence.
Your child is capable, and so are you. If you would like to hear from other parents who have walked this road, we invite you to join our free, supportive parent community.
This article is for general education and support only. It is not medical, psychological or legal advice and cannot diagnose any condition.