Does your child appear to be struggling with their reading? Are they becoming increasingly frustrated when trying to spell or write? This could just be a natural part of their learning journey, but it could also be a sign of something more.
Dyslexia is one of the most common learning difficulties in the UK, with an estimated one in ten people in the UK having some form of it. However, despite its prevalence, it often goes unrecognised or misunderstood. Being able to identify dyslexia early can make a huge difference not only in a child’s academic journey but also in their overall self-esteem.
So, what are the potential signs your child might have dyslexia?
1. Difficulty with phonological processing
One of the most common, and often one of the first signs to show, is having trouble with phonological processing. This is the ability to recognise and manipulate sounds into words, and children with dyslexia may find it challenging to connect the relevant letters with their corresponding sounds, which makes it more difficult to decode new words. This often results in slow, laboured reading and difficulty with processing unfamiliar words.
It's important to remember that this isn’t a sign of lower intelligence, and no matter how much practice a child has, they may still have trouble sounding out simple words. Embracing phonological activities can help strengthen foundational skills, and utilising specialist tools can support children in their learning.
2. Trouble with spelling
Another very common sign of dyslexia is having trouble with spelling. For example, a child might spell the same word differently within the same passage or omit letters and syllables altogether. Dyslexia makes it difficult to remember the sequence of letters for words, which often leads to random or inconsistent errors.
Encouraging your child to use multi-sensory spelling strategies, like tracing words or using specialist tools and games, helps them to focus on patterns and rules instead of rote memorisation. If challenges persist, then you should consider dyslexia screening.
3. Reading fluency
Children with dyslexia often read slowly, with more frequent pauses and hesitations. This can lead to frustration and a lack of confidence, which may result in children avoiding reading altogether or showing increased resistance to activities that involve books. You might also notice that your child is getting tired more quickly or complaining of headaches while reading.
To help build reading fluency, consider reading aloud together or using audiobooks. If your child continues to have trouble with their reading, then you could opt for things such as text-to-speech pens.
4. Difficulty with sequencing
Dyslexia often affects a child’s ability to sequence information and remember details in order. This can manifest as difficulty recalling the alphabet in the right order, mixing up the order of events in a story, or following multiple instructions.
The use of visual aids can be a great way to help children with dyslexia organise their thoughts more effectively and remember sequences. You should also consider breaking instructions down into smaller, more manageable steps and be on hand to provide regular reminders throughout.
5. Written expression
Finally, another very common sign of dyslexia in children is having trouble with putting their thoughts down on paper. This might show as incomplete sentences, poor grammar or disorganised ideas, and it can lead to high levels of frustration as their verbal abilities end up far exceeding their written abilities.
You should encourage your child to create mind maps before any form of writing, helping them to organise their thoughts more effectively. Using speech-to-text software is also a great way to bridge the gap between verbal and written abilities, allowing children to express themselves more freely.
Getting help for your child If you are worried that your child might have dyslexia, or you are concerned about their reading and writing progress, then the first step should be to meet with their teacher. This will help you understand their abilities better and how they compare to their peers – it might be that their challenges stem from some underlying health condition such as short-sightedness or ADHD.
However, if there are no other underlying issues and your child hasn’t progressed after receiving additional support, then it might be a good idea to have a dyslexia diagnostic assessment. This will be undertaken by a qualified dyslexia teacher or educational psychologist, who will be able to understand your child’s learning difficulties more effectively and suggest relevant interventions to support them.
How The Dyslexia Shop can help
Here at The Dyslexia Shop, we know how tough it can be for students and parents alike. That is why we stock thousands of carefully chosen products and teaching resources designed to help adults, children and infants with learning difficulties.
We’re incredibly passionate about helping everyone, so check out our range of products today or get in touch with our team who will be happy to help!