What Is Dyslexia? Signs Parents Should Know
Kacie Peters, M.S, CCC-SLP, A/OGA
9/2/20262 min read
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a complex language-based learning disability involving difficulties with accurate/fluent word recognition, decoding, and spelling. Phonological processing is a major underlying factor. It includes phonological awareness, the ability to acknowledge that words are made up of sounds and to manipulate those sounds. Dyslexia is not a reflection of intelligence, motivation, or effort; it is a notable difference in the way the brain processes information related to sounds, letters, and comprehension
Did you know that the brain is wired to learn to talk just by being around other people who are talking? This is why babies do not need to be explicitly taught how to say words. By being in a language-rich environment, children naturally begin to talk, first starting with one word utterances, and eventually building up to full sentences.
Reading, on the other hand, is not something humans are wired to do. Reading isn't an innate skill; it involves a network of brain regions rather than a single “reading center.” Therefore, it is something that needs to be explicitly taught and it relies on several different areas in the brain to connect together. As explicit instruction begins, a typical reader will begin to make strong connections. For example, if they learn the word “pick,” they will likely be able to determine the word “sick.” A child with dyslexia will have a more difficult time observing the patterns between words. This doesn’t mean they cannot read, it means they need individualized support to help them identify the patterns. This might include explicit instruction, increased repetition of new concepts, and visual supports.
Signs that may indicate increased risk of dyslexia
Difficulty remembering nursery rhymes
Trouble identifying rhyming words
Difficulty learning letter names and sounds
A family history of dyslexia
Common signs seen in dyslexic children
Early Elementary School
Difficulty recalling letter names and sounds
Difficulty manipulating sounds within words
Guessing words frequently based on the picture or the first letter
Difficulty sounding out simple words like “map”
Sound out simple words like “sit” every time it appears
Difficulty spelling simple words
Later Elementary & Middle School
Difficulty reading unfamiliar words
Reading is slow and choppy
Decreased reading comprehension when reading the material themselves
Poor spelling
You May Also Notice These Behaviors
Limited confidence
Low self-esteem
Anxiety around reading
Frustration
Avoidance around reading
You don't need to wait until your child is significantly behind to seek guidance. Recognizing these signs early can lead to further evaluation and appropriate support. A qualified professional can help determine what skills need support and when a thorough evaluation is necessary. Getting support from a professional who can provide individualized and systematic reading support can help a child connect ideas and make progress in reading.
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