Dyslexia can be hard to spot early, especially since many of its signs look like normal learning struggles at first glance. This checklist walks through what to look for by age, so you can move from uncertainty to clarity about whether it's time to seek an evaluation.
What Is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that affects a person's ability to read accurately and fluently, despite normal intelligence and adequate instruction. It stems from a difference in how the brain processes language, particularly the sounds within words, and it has nothing to do with how hard a child is trying or how smart they are.
Signs of Dyslexia in Preschool and Kindergarten
- Delayed speech development compared to peers
- Difficulty learning and remembering the names of letters
- Trouble recognizing rhyming words or playing with sounds in words
- Difficulty remembering sequences, such as days of the week
- Family history of dyslexia or reading difficulties
Signs of Dyslexia in Elementary School
- Reading well below grade level despite regular classroom instruction
- Difficulty sounding out unfamiliar words
- Frequent letter or number reversals (b/d, p/q) past around age 7
- Slow, effortful reading, even for material that should be at their level
- Trouble spelling, often spelling the same word differently in one piece of writing
- Avoiding reading aloud or reading tasks in general
- Strong verbal skills and vocabulary despite significant reading struggles
Signs of Dyslexia in Older Children and Teens
- Reading remains slow and effortful, even though basic decoding has improved
- Avoids reading for pleasure entirely
- Struggles significantly with spelling despite years of instruction
- Difficulty with note-taking or written expression despite strong verbal ability
- Trouble learning a foreign language
- Low confidence or anxiety specifically around reading and writing tasks
What to Do If You Recognize These Signs
If several of these signs sound familiar, the clearest next step is a proper evaluation rather than waiting to see if your child catches up. At The Learnability, founder Laila Madhani's team offers assessments including the Orton-Gillingham Assessment and WIST Assessment to determine exactly what's going on and what kind of support will help.
Does a Diagnosis Require Testing at School?
Not necessarily. While a school evaluation can support formal accommodations like an IEP or 504 plan, you can also seek an outside evaluation, which often provides faster, more detailed answers and can complement or support the school process.
How The Learnability Supports Children With Dyslexia
Founder Laila Madhani built The Learnability around early, accurate identification and evidence-based support for children with dyslexia. Every program includes:
- Experienced, specialist instructors — trained in structured literacy approaches including Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, and Barton
- A full assessment — to confirm exactly what's driving your child's reading difficulty
- Weekly online assessments — ongoing progress tracking throughout the program
- Regular feedback reports — clear updates for parents on progress and next steps
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dyslexia be diagnosed before school age?
Formal diagnosis is more common once a child begins reading instruction, but early signs can be identified in preschool, and early intervention can begin even before a formal diagnosis.
Does my child need to fail at school before getting evaluated?
No. You don't need to wait for poor grades or a school referral — if you recognize signs, you can seek an evaluation at any time.
Can a smart child have dyslexia?
Yes. Dyslexia has no relationship to intelligence. Many children with dyslexia are highly capable and even excel in other academic areas.
Is dyslexia something my child will outgrow?
Dyslexia is a lifelong neurological difference, but with the right support, most children make substantial progress and develop effective strategies to manage it successfully.
What's the first step if I recognize several of these signs?
The first step is a proper assessment to confirm what's going on, followed by a targeted, evidence-based intervention plan suited to your child's specific needs.
Trust Your Instincts as a Parent
If something feels off about how your child is reading compared to peers, it's worth investigating rather than waiting. Early identification leads to faster, easier progress.
Book your free trial session today, or learn more about our learning disability evaluations.
If The Learnability has helped your family, we'd love to hear about it — leave us a Google review.