As a parent, noticing your child struggle with reading, writing, or communication can bring up feelings of worry, confusion, and self-doubt. You may be asking yourself, Is this normal? Are we overreacting? The truth is, recognising early signs of dyslexia is not just helpful, it’s a powerful act of care.
This compassionate guide will help you understand what dyslexia looks like in early childhood, why early identification matters, and how you can support your child’s learning and emotional wellbeing from the start.
What Is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects the way the brain processes language. It can impact reading, spelling, writing, and sometimes speech. Contrary to common myths, dyslexia is not linked to intelligence or motivation. In fact, many children with dyslexia are highly creative, curious, and resilient learners who simply process information differently.
Dyslexia can look different from one child to another and may be subtle in the early years, which is why understanding the signs is so important.
Why Early Identification Matters
When a child with dyslexia doesn’t receive the right kind of support, it can affect more than academics—it can shape how they see themselves. Struggles with literacy may lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, or shame, especially if their challenges go misunderstood.
Early identification allows for timely intervention that builds skills and self-esteem. With the right support, children with dyslexia can thrive both in and out of the classroom. The earlier we recognise the signs, the sooner we can meet them with understanding, empathy, and tools that empower.
Early Signs of Dyslexia by Age Group
Every child develops at their own pace, but when learning difficulties persist or show up in patterns, it may be time to look deeper. Below are common early signs of dyslexia across different age ranges.
Ages 3–5 (Preschool Years)
1. Delayed speech or mixing up words (e.g., “pasghetti” instead of “spaghetti”)
2. Trouble remembering nursery rhymes or recognising rhyming words
3. Difficulty learning the alphabet or recognising letters in their own name
4. Struggles with following multi-step instructions
5. Confusing similar-sounding words (e.g., “cat” and “cap”)
Ages 5–7 (Early Primary)
- Difficulty matching letters with sounds (phonics)
- Reversing letters or numbers (e.g., “b” and “d”, “6” and “9”)
- Avoids reading aloud or shows frustration with simple reading tasks
- Poor spelling and inconsistent recall of words they’ve already learned
- Difficulty with sequencing (e.g., days of the week, story events)
Ages 7–10 (Later Primary)
- Reading below grade level despite efforts to practice
- Slow, laboured, or guess-based reading
- Difficulty copying from the board or taking notes
- Weak handwriting (often overlapping with dysgraphia)
- Struggles with word problems in maths or written instructions
Important: Having one or two of these signs doesn’t automatically mean your child has dyslexia. Look for clusters of difficulties that persist over time and impact their daily learning.
Emotional and Behavioural Signs to Watch For
Learning difficulties often affect more than just academics—they can touch every part of your child’s self-esteem and behaviour. Emotional signs of dyslexia may include:
- Avoiding reading or writing tasks
- Frequent meltdowns related to homework
- Saying things like “I’m dumb” or “I hate school”
- Withdrawal, anxiety, or school refusal
- Trouble focusing or acting out in class
These behaviours are not signs of laziness—they’re expressions of a child trying to make sense of their struggles. Recognising the root cause opens the door to healing, support, and confidence-building.
What To Do If You Notice These Signs
If you’ve started to notice some of these signs, trust your instincts. You know your child best. Here are steps to take:
- Start by observing – Document what you notice and when it happens. Are there patterns?
- Speak to your child’s teacher – Ask if they’ve observed similar challenges in the classroom.
- Seek a professional assessment – A child psychologist or learning specialist can provide a comprehensive evaluation.
- Choose trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming support – This ensures your child is seen not as a problem to fix, but a whole person to support.
At Internal Sunshine, we offer gentle, strengths-based assessments that centre your child’s emotional safety as well as their learning needs.
The Power of Compassionate Connection
Dyslexia is not a disorder to be “cured”—it’s a different way of learning that deserves respect, accommodation, and encouragement. When children feel safe, supported, and understood, they can access their gifts and build confidence.
Here’s what you can do:
- Focus on strengths – Celebrate your child’s creativity, problem-solving, or storytelling.
- Use encouraging language – Replace “You’re not trying” with “I see you’re working hard. Let’s figure it out together.”
- Stay connected – Emotional safety helps children feel secure enough to take learning risks.
When to Consider a Formal Assessment
You may want to pursue a professional dyslexia assessment if:
- Your child’s challenges persist for more than 6 months
- They’re falling behind in reading or writing
- There’s increasing anxiety, frustration, or school avoidance
- There’s a family history of dyslexia or learning differences
At Internal Sunshine, our team offers compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming assessments that consider the whole child—not just their academic profile, but their emotional and developmental needs too.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone
Recognising early signs of dyslexia in your child is not a cause for fear—it’s a chance to offer the right kind of support at the right time. Your love, advocacy, and willingness to learn make a world of difference.
Whether you’re just starting to notice signs or are ready to explore an assessment, our team at Internal Sunshine is here to walk alongside you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can you start to see signs of dyslexia?
Signs can appear as early as preschool, particularly around age 3–5, especially in areas like speech development, rhyming, and letter recognition.
Is letter reversal always a sign of dyslexia?
Not necessarily. Letter reversals are common in early development. However, if they persist beyond age 7, it may be one of several indicators of dyslexia.
Can a child have dyslexia without reading problems?
Yes. Some children struggle more with writing or spelling than reading. Dyslexia can show up in different ways for different children.
What should I do if my child shows signs of dyslexia?
Start by observing their patterns, speak with their teacher, and consider a formal assessment. Support is available, and early action makes a big difference.
Does early intervention for dyslexia really help?
Absolutely. Early support can reduce academic stress, prevent emotional harm, and set the stage for long-term success.