Dyslexia is a learning difference that makes reading, spelling and sounding out words harder than expected. It is not related to intelligence, effort or eyesight.
Many kids with dyslexia are strong thinkers, storytellers and problem solvers. With the right instruction and tools, reading can improve and confidence can grow.
What parents may notice
- May have trouble connecting letters with sounds
- May guess at words or avoid reading aloud
- May read slowly and tire quickly
- May mix up similar-looking words or letters
- May struggle with spelling even for common words
- May have trouble remembering the order of days, months or letter names
- May be strong at talking and ideas but weak at writing them down
- May feel embarrassed or avoid homework
Seeing some of these does not mean your child has this condition. Only a qualified professional can diagnose.
Strengths worth noticing
- Creative and big-picture thinking
- Strong verbal skills and imagination
- Good at problem solving
- Resilient and determined
- Often excellent at hands-on learning
What often helps at home
- Read together every day and let them also enjoy audiobooks
- Ask a school about structured, explicit reading instruction
- Keep reading practice short and positive
- Praise effort and progress
- Use text-to-speech and audio tools to reach grade-level content
- Pay attention to feelings of shame and talk about them
- Highlight their strengths outside of reading
- Ask for a professional evaluation sooner rather than later
At school
Show school tips
- Request an evaluation and talk about supports in writing
- Structured literacy instruction
- Extra time and audio versions of text
- Spelling grading that does not penalize
- Reading aloud only when they volunteer
Myths vs. reality
Show myths and reality
Myth: Dyslexia means seeing letters backwards.
Reality: Dyslexia is mostly about connecting sounds and letters, not vision.
Reality: Dyslexia is mostly about connecting sounds and letters, not vision.
Myth: Kids with dyslexia are not smart.
Reality: Dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence. Many are very bright.
Reality: Dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence. Many are very bright.
Myth: They will grow out of it.
Reality: Dyslexia is lifelong, but good instruction and tools help a great deal.
Reality: Dyslexia is lifelong, but good instruction and tools help a great deal.
When to talk to a professional
- Your child struggles to read despite effort and instruction
- There is a family history of reading difficulty
- Your child avoids reading or is upset about school
- You want to know whether vision or hearing should be checked
- You want guidance on getting a school or private evaluation
If your child ever talks about hurting themselves or others, contact their clinician right away, or call or text 988 (US). In an emergency call 911. We are not licensed professionals; this page is general educational information and our best practical thinking, not medical advice.