Originally Published October 2016, Reviewed and Updated April 2026
It’s tough to watch your child struggle with reading. You see their potential, their intelligence, and their curiosity, but the written word just doesn’t seem to click. If this sounds familiar, your child may be showing signs of a common learning difference.
What is Dyslexia?
According to leading experts like the International Dyslexia Association, dyslexia is a common learning difference that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. It’s important to know that dyslexia has nothing to do with a child’s intelligence. It simply means their brain processes written language differently.
With the right support, children with dyslexia can become confident, successful readers and learners.
What Are the Common Signs of Dyslexia?
Do you notice any of the following patterns in your child? For a more detailed look, Understood.org provides excellent checklists to help identify these signs across different age groups. It’s helpful to look for a cluster of signs, as many children may show one or two of these traits in isolation.
Challenges with Reading
- Gets tired quickly, even after just a short time reading.
- Often loses their place on the page, skipping or rereading lines.
- Reading aloud sounds choppy or hesitant, not smooth and fluent.
- Substitutes words while reading, like saying “house” instead of “home.”
- Relies heavily on pictures to guess what the story is about.
Difficulties with Spelling and Writing
- Misspells common, everyday words like “said,” “there,” and “does.”
- Mixes up or leaves out letters (e.g., spelling “tail” as “trail”).
- Struggles to copy words correctly from a whiteboard or book.
Trouble with Sequencing and Memory
- Has a hard time remembering sequences like the alphabet or a phone number.
- Finds it difficult to follow multi-step instructions.
Handwriting Hurdles
- Reverses letters that look similar (like d/b, m/w, and n/u) past the first grade.
- Has poor spacing between letters and words, making writing hard to read.
When Should I Seek Help?
If your child shows three or more of these signs consistently, consider scheduling a professional dyslexia evaluation. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your child’s reading development and academic confidence.
How Can I Support My Child?
If these signs resonate with you, the next step is to get clarity and support.
- Get a Professional Evaluation: Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center offers professional dyslexia evaluations to help you understand your child’s unique learning profile. For questions about what our evaluations include, check out our dyslexia testing FAQ.
- Explore Specialized Tutoring: Children with dyslexia benefit most from structured, systematic instruction. Our academic tutoring services are designed to build foundational reading skills and confidence.
- Support Language Skills: Dyslexia is a language-based learning difference. Supporting broader language development through speech-language therapy can also be incredibly beneficial.
- Use Effective Strategies at Home: You can support your child’s learning journey every day. For practical ideas, read our blog post on fun and effective reading strategies you can use at home.
Our passion is to help every child develop strong communication skills and achieve academic success. Please contact us to schedule a consultation or ask any questions.
About the Author
Sonia Strueby, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the founder of Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center. With over 25 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist, Sonia has dedicated her career to helping children overcome complex communication and academic challenges. She has advanced training and a special focus on treating dyslexia and childhood apraxia of speech, and she is passionate about providing families with a clear path to success.
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