Recognising Dyslexia Early: 10 Key Signs Every Parent Should Know
As parents, we all want to see our children thrive, both inside and outside the classroom. But what happens when they seem to be struggling—yet it’s hard to pinpoint why?
For many, dyslexia is a misunderstood condition that can greatly impact a child’s reading, writing, and overall learning journey. The good news is, early identification can make all the difference. So, how can you tell if your child might need extra support?
We turned to Vasilii Kiselev, CEO and co-founder of Legacy Online School, to shine a light on the ten subtle signs that could indicate your child is facing more than just a temporary learning hiccup. From nursery rhymes to rhythm difficulties, here’s what to look for—and why early intervention is key.
1. Nursery Rhyme Struggles
Think of nursery rhymes as the soundtrack to childhood. If your child finds them tricky to learn or memorise, don’t just chalk it up to a passing phase. Rhyming plays a big role in early reading skills, and difficulty with it might hint at trouble with sound recognition—a critical foundation for learning to read. The sooner you spot it, the sooner you can step in with support.
2. Story Lover, Letter Avoider
A child who devours stories but turns their nose up at written words could be showing early signs of dyslexia. “They’re captivated by the narrative but struggle to engage with the mechanics of reading,” says Vasilii. Their imagination is alive and kicking—now it’s just about helping them bring that enthusiasm into reading and writing.
3. Alphabet Aversion
Learning the ABCs is a milestone in early childhood development, but for some children, it’s anything but easy. If your child has a tough time singing their alphabet or even memorising it, it could signal something deeper than simple forgetfulness. Watch for signs of frustration, and remember: it’s not just a challenge—it’s a potential red flag.
4. Speech Mix-Ups
We’ve all giggled at a child’s charming mix-ups—like calling a “cucumber” a “cubumber”—but these cute slip-ups may point to more than just language play. They could indicate issues with sound processing and retrieval, key areas affected by dyslexia. If your child frequently jumbles words, it’s time to dig a little deeper.
5. Rhythm Roadblocks
Does your child find it difficult to clap to a beat or follow a simple rhythm? This may not be as innocent as it seems. Struggling with rhythm can signal challenges with sequencing and auditory processing—both linked to dyslexia. It’s not just about music—it's about how the brain processes and interprets sound in general.
6. Two-Step Trouble
We all know that kids sometimes tune out when they’re given multi-step instructions, but if your child consistently struggles to follow sequences, it could be a sign of something more. Whether it’s putting away toys or following simple directions, difficulty with tasks that involve a series of steps might point to a learning difference like dyslexia.
7. Forgetfulness With Familiar Names
It’s easy to dismiss when your child forgets the name of their favourite toy or best friend’s face, but this could be a clue that things aren’t quite as they should be. “This forgetfulness isn’t a sign of inattentiveness,” says Vasilii, “but a challenge with connecting names and concepts.” Keep track of these moments—it could be an early sign of dyslexia-related difficulties with memory.
8. Directional Confusion
Left, right, up, down—these basic directional terms are essential to everyday life, so if your child gets them mixed up frequently, it could point to difficulties with spatial awareness. Such confusion can be an early sign of dyslexia, as it often affects how children interpret and navigate the world around them.
9. Family History Of Reading Struggles
It’s well known that genetics plays a role in many aspects of development, and reading difficulties are no exception. If your family has a history of dyslexia or similar challenges, your child may be at a higher risk. The old saying “family traits” isn’t just about hair colour—it's also about how we process language and learn to read.
10. Good Days And Bad Days
If your child’s performance fluctuates dramatically from day to day, don’t ignore it. Children with dyslexia can experience inconsistencies in their ability to focus, retain information, and perform tasks—often due to fatigue or stress. “On good days, they may seem fine, but on bad days, the same tasks can feel overwhelming,” explains Vasilii. Recognising this pattern can help you provide the support they need when they need it most.
Why Early Intervention Is So Important
Dyslexia is not a reflection of a child’s intelligence. In fact, many children with dyslexia are highly creative and capable learners. What’s crucial is early recognition. By identifying the signs and providing targeted support—like multisensory learning techniques, phonics-based programs, or assistive technology—you can help your child develop crucial skills while maintaining their love for learning.
“Every child learns differently,” says Vasilii, “and that’s okay. When we address dyslexia from the start, we’re showing our children that their challenges don’t define them—they’re just part of their learning journey.” And with the right support, those challenges can become stepping stones to success.
So, what can parents do next? If you spot any of these early signs, don’t wait for your child to “grow out of it.” Reach out to an expert, seek early intervention, and give your child the chance to thrive on their terms. Because the sooner they get the help they need, the sooner they can unlock their full potential.
