Many parents have heard of Dyslexia and know that it causes difficulty reading or spelling. But there are many myths surrounding this disorder. How can you truly recognize possible red flags for Dyslexia? And if you do have concerns, what is the best way to seek help for your child? Let’s break that down.
What is Dyslexia?
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Dyslexia is a learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words (decoding). Also called reading disability, dyslexia affects areas of the brain that process language.” People with dyslexia typically have normal vision and intellectual abilities.
What are the warning signs of Dyslexia?
Red flags for Dyslexia look differently depending on your child’s age. Here’s what to look out for:
Preschool
Delayed speech and language
Articulation difficulties
Trouble learning sequences like nursery rhymes, familiar songs, & counting
Difficulty with phonological awareness tasks such as rhyming, separating syllables in words, manipulating sounds, and blending sounds to make words.
Kindergarten through 4th Grade
Difficulty making letter/sound connections
Consistent reading and spelling errors (reversing letters like /b/ and /d/ is commonly known. But other errors can also be seen such as /m/ and /w/ or reversing within words)
Delayed find motor skills (such as trouble holding a pencil)
Discoordination
Memory difficulties (such as remembering stories or retelling events).
How & Where to Seek Help
If you notice any of these red flags while reading with your child, it’s best to seek help. Early intervention can be very effective in helping children with Dyslexia improve reading and spelling abilities. Have a discussion with your child’s teacher, and consider making an appointment for an evaluation with a Speech-Language Pathologist or Psychologist. With early detection and treatment, your child can still be a reading rock star!
Amy Yacoub, MS, CCC-SLP | Speech Pathologist
Proud Member of The Story Box Family
Information gathered from https://www.readingrockets.org/article/common-signs-dyslexia-0
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