Dyslexia is a neurological condition that primarily impacts reading, writing and spelling skills. But dyslexia does not prevent children from learning to read. By understanding what dyslexia might look like in your child and knowing how to provide support, you can help your child develop the literacy skills they need.
Dyslexia presents differently in each child but there are some common signs that parents can look for. Recognizing the characteristics of dyslexia as early as possible can lead to appropriate interventions.
Some potential indicators of dyslexia in children include:
- Delay in learning to talk: One of the earliest warning signs you may notice is how your child’s spoken language develops.
- Doesn’t associate letters or letter combinations with sounds or how sounds form words.
- Difficulty in reading unfamiliar words: Your child may frequently guess because they cannot sound out the word.
- Your child may read slowly and/or read words incorrectly. Reading may be a frustrating task and they may be reluctant to read aloud.
- Trouble with spelling and writing: Spelling words phonetically (e.g., “kat” for “cat”) or inconsistently is common in children with dyslexia. Their written work may also be hard to read or contain many errors.
A child may demonstrate any mix of these, and while that does not automatically mean they have dyslexia, it is important to address any concerns with your child’s school or seek an evaluation from a specialist.
It's important to note that dyslexia is not related to intelligence; many children with dyslexia are bright and creative but simply learn in a different way.
What You Can Do to Help Your Child Progress in Reading
Every school in Arizona screens its kindergarten through third grade students within the first month of school for struggles with reading. Students who are identified as struggling receive targeted intervention services in their areas of need.
If it is determined your child has dyslexia, there are a number of things you can do as a parent to support them and help them continue to grow and improve their reading skills.
Here are a few strategies that can make a difference:
- Practice reading at home: Spend time reading with your child every day. Choose books at an appropriate reading level to build their confidence and let them take turns reading to you.
- Work on spelling: Spelling and reading are closely related and, as you work on spelling, they become more familiar with word patterns and rules. This practice reinforces their ability to decode words when reading, leading to better reading fluency and comprehension.
- Focus on progress, not doing everything perfectly: Celebrate small victories. Children with dyslexia often take longer to develop reading fluency, so it's important to be patient and provide plenty of encouragement. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in building their self-esteem.
- Collaborate with teachers and specialists: Ask what extra help and programs your child’s school offers.
Read On Arizona, our state’s early literacy initiative, offers a Dyslexia Resource Guide for Families with more guidance and helpful information.
Every child deserves the chance to develop a love for reading, and with the right tools and support, children with dyslexia can achieve their full potential.
