Dyslexia is a learning disorder that makes it difficult for a person to read fluently. So, they usually read gradually and make mistakes. Dyslexia in children can even create trouble with other skills such as math, writing, spelling, and reading comprehension.

As per the International Dyslexia Association, around 15 to 20% of the population display few dyslexia symptoms. Before your kid begins schooling, it’s tough to find symptoms of dyslexia. Remember, this learning impairment can go unnoticed for years or become recognizable in adults. However, it’s never too late to receive Dyslexia treatment. Read further to know what are the signs of dyslexia.

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Signs of Dyslexia in Children of Different Age Groups

The symptoms of dyslexia alter as the kid turns older. But as he/she gets older, they will learn how to manage their condition.

Signs of Dyslexia in Less than 3 Year Olds 

Each toddler grows at their own pace. However, there are a few symptoms that signify dyslexia, mainly if you have a history of disability in your family. 

Signs of dyslexia in babies and preschool children include:

• Not using correct words for a particular object.
• Not detecting letters in the name.
• Rhyming issues.
• Finding it tough to stick to directions, sequences, or reciting an alphabet. 

Signs of Dyslexia in 5 Year Old

Here is how can I tell if my 5 year old is dyslexic:

• Issues in imitating written language.
• Spelling difficulties.
• Rhyming and reading issues.
• Finding it hard to learn sounds and letters.

Signs of Dyslexia in 6 Year Old

Common signs of dyslexia in 6 year old kids include:

• Difficulty in writing and reading.
• Feel less confident.
• Trouble in organizing things.
• Not able to handle emotions.

Signs of Dyslexia in 7 Year Old

How do I know if my 7 year old is dyslexic?

• Takes much long time to learn the link between sounds and letters.
• Finds it hard to learn reading.
• Spelling difficulties.
• Poor concentration.
• Finding it hard to stick to instructions.

Signs of Dyslexia in 8 Year Old

Common dyslexia symptoms in 8 year old kids include:

• Slow reading speed and other reading difficulties.
• Spelling and writing issues.
• Trouble in learning timetables or other sequencing difficulties.

Signs of Dyslexia in 9 Year Old

• Forgetting what they have told.
• Avoid reading or writing aloud.
• Tired of writing, spelling, and reading activities.
• Reversing letters and numbers.
• Mixing up right and left.

Signs of Dyslexia in 11 Year Old

Symptoms that occur around the age of 11 are:

• Poor handwriting
• Social isolation
• Using words with appropriate sounds.
• Decrease in self-confidence. 

Signs of Dyslexia in 13 Year Olds

Here are the common signs of dyslexia in teenagers:

• Find it hard to remember phone numbers and other written things.
• Difficulty in getting through foreign language classes.
• Poor reading, writing, and spelling skills.
• Issues with directions.

How Does Dyslexia Begin?

This learning impairment occurs from individual differences in the brain part that allows reading. Some studies show that Dyslexia has a connection to some genes that affect how the brain processes language and reading. 

What Age Does Dyslexia Start?

The early symptoms of dyslexia occur at 1 – 2 years of age (usually the preschool years). 

How Long Does Dyslexia Last?

Dyslexia stays as long as a person lives. So, it can create challenges every day. However, with the proper support, dyslexic students can enhance their writing and reading skills. It helps them get success in personal and school life.

Can a Child Overcome Dyslexia?

Numerous kids with dyslexia do overcome their early learning issues. It means the signs or issues spotted early may no longer exist in adulthood. So, they are not measurable. But remember, there is no set standard for testing dyslexia. It either may not be complete or correct. 

What Tests Are Done to Diagnose Dyslexia?

A doctor may conduct the following tests to diagnose the condition:

• Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing
• Phonological Awareness Screening Test (PAST)
• Phonological Awareness Test (PAT-2NU)

How to Treat Dyslexia in Child?

Dyslexia treatment may be different for everyone. Your kid may work with multiple specialists that cater to their unique needs.

Dyslexia treatment may include:

If your child has dyslexia, a few different treatments can improve their ability to read and write. These programs also help kids catch up to their peers in school. The younger children are when they start treatment, the better their odds of success. But even adults with dyslexia can continue to improve their skills with the right help.

Tests 

A skilled education professional or doctor will perform a few tests to find out how your kid writes and reads. Then. He/she formulates a custom learning plan. For example, the pediatrician will identify the cause that may affect learning. However, an educational psychologist dives deeply into learning disabilities. 

Reading Programs

Dyslexic children may find it tough to match words with their exact meanings and match letters with the sounds they create. A skilled reading expert will help your kid learn how to:

• Write clearly
• Read speedily.
• Sound words and letters.
• Understand about the words that your kid reads.

There are many reading programs focused on dyslexic kids. These include:

a) Multisensory Instructions 

This program tells children different methods to use their senses to learn new things.

b) Orton-Gillingham

It teaches children how to identify letter sounds in words and exactly match letters with sounds.

Learning Strategies

Implement the following tips:

• Take enough rest.
• Choose nutritious foods.
• Take small breaks between reading and other tasks.
• Do not hesitate to ask for extra help from your kid’s school. These might include special education or accommodation. 
• Choose a silent place for your kid to read.
• Encourage your child to listen to book audio on a PC or CD and read along with it.

FAQ’s

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a learning disability where a kid faces an issue in processing numbers or words.

What Are Red Flags of Dyslexia?

The red flags for this learning disability rely on the age of the kid. Most common red flags of dyslexia in children:

• Ignoring letters of the alphabet.
• Spell name.
• Detecting rhyming patterns.
• Insufficient phonological awareness. 

How Early Can the Signs of Dyslexia Be Spotted?

Kids with dyslexia show the signs by the age of 3 or even earlier.

What Are 3 Warning Signs of Dyslexia?

3 main symptoms of dyslexia in adults and teenagers include:

• Spelling issues.
• Trouble in reading aloud.
• Avoiding activities that include reading.

What Are the 4 Types of Dyslexia?

4 Dyslexia types are:

• Surface dyslexia
• Phonological dyslexia
• Double deficit dyslexia
• Rapid naming dyslexia

Can Dyslexia be Treated?

At present, there are no medicines available to treat it. But the following tips can help:

• Educational interventions can offer the child new methods to read and learn. 
• Slow down the lesson. It provides more time for the kid to cover topics.
• Find a certified dyslexia specialist. He/she will recommend the best ways to learn new reading skills. 

Is Dyslexia in Autism?

Although dyslexia and autism are different disorders, there may be a few co-occurrences between them. Dyslexia is a learning disability whereas autism is a developmental disorder.  

Is Dyslexia a Form of Brain Damage?

Dyslexia is not a kind of brain damage. It’s a neurological and genetic disorder. Kids with dyslexia usually have talents in other areas of the brain.