Is My Child Dyslexic? 10 Signs to Look For

If you’ve landed on this page, you might be wondering whether your child’s struggles with reading or spelling are just a phase or signs of something more. First of all, you’re not alone. The earlier dyslexia is identified and supported, the better. In this blog post, we’ll explore the signs to look for, explain what dyslexia really is and help you take the next steps with confidence.

What Is Dyslexia? A Quick Overview

Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how the brain processes written and spoken language. It’s not a sign of low intelligence or poor effort. In fact, many people with dyslexia are highly creative, perceptive and curious but they may find it hard to decode words, spell accurately or retain written information.

Dyslexia often runs in families and can range from mild to severe. It can affect more than just reading including memory, organisation and confidence.

10 Common Signs of Dyslexia in Children

While every child is different, here are ten signs that may suggest your child is dyslexic:

1. Struggles with learning letter sounds and names

If your child has difficulty remembering the alphabet, matching letters to sounds or learning phonics, it could be a sign of dyslexia.

2. Confuses similar-looking letters

Mixing up b/d, p/q, or m/w is common in early years but if it continues beyond age 7, it may indicate a deeper issue with visual and phonological processing.

3. Avoids reading aloud or becomes frustrated when reading

Many dyslexic children feel anxious about reading out loud. They may guess words or read very slowly and hesitantly.

4. Trouble with rhyming, syllables and sound blending

Phonological awareness, the ability to hear and play with sounds in words, is often weak in children with dyslexia. Rhyming games or clapping syllables might be unusually difficult.

5. Poor spelling despite lots of effort

You might notice inconsistent spellings, phonetically plausible attempts (“sed” for “said”) or struggle to remember common words.

6. Slow or effortful writing

Writing may be slow, with lots of corrections or difficulty forming letters and sentences. Sometimes, the ideas are there but getting them on paper is a real challenge.

7. Difficulty following multi-step instructions

Dyslexia can affect working memory making it hard for a child to remember and act on more than one or two instructions at a time.

8. Struggles with sequencing

Telling a story in order, learning days of the week or remembering the alphabet can be difficult due to problems with sequencing.

9. Family history of dyslexia or related difficulties

If a parent, sibling or close relative has dyslexia or similar challenges, the chances increase as it’s often hereditary.

10. Low confidence and frustration with schoolwork

When a child knows they’re trying hard but still falling behind, it can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem or school avoidance.

What To Do If You Suspect Dyslexia

1. Trust your instincts

If something feels off, it’s worth exploring. You know your child best.

2. Speak to your child’s teacher or SENCO

They may have noticed similar patterns. Ask about reading assessments, support in class or any early intervention strategies.

3. Keep a record

Note down examples of struggles, patterns over time or concerns raised by others (e.g. “skips words when reading”, “can’t remember spelling rules even after lots of practice”).

4. Seek specialist assessment

A diagnostic assessment can confirm whether your child is dyslexic and give a clear picture of their strengths and support needs. At Flourish Dyslexia, we offer full diagnostic assessments as well as child-friendly skill profiles that highlight specific areas for support.

5. Start supporting them now - there is no need to wait

Even before a diagnosis, there’s lots you can do:

• Use structured, multi-sensory phonics approaches

• Practise high-frequency words through games and movement

• Build confidence through praise, strengths-based activities and celebrating effort

How I Can Help

At Flourish Dyslexia, I specialise in working with children who learn differently. I offer:

• Dyslexia assessments

• 1:1 tutoring and intervention

• Bespoke child skill profiles (covering memory, motor skills, vocabulary and more)

• Support for parents to understand and advocate for their child

You’re not on this journey alone. With early support, the right strategies and a strengths-based approach, your child can learn, grow and thrive.

Final Thoughts

Spotting the signs of dyslexia early can make a huge difference. Every child deserves to feel successful and supported in their learning and it starts with understanding.

If you’re unsure where to begin, I’d love to help. Contact us to enquire: info@flourishdyslexia.com