10 Signs Your Child May Be Dyslexic

Introduction

Dyslexia is a common learning difference that affects how children process written and spoken language, particularly around reading, spelling, and writing. It has no link to intelligence — many dyslexic learners are bright, curious and articulate, yet experience unexpected difficulty with literacy tasks.

Children develop at different rates, but when a number of signs appear consistently over time, it can be helpful to explore further.

Below are ten indicators that can suggest dyslexia.

1. Difficulty learning letter–sound links

Children may struggle to remember which sounds match which letters. They may learn letter names quickly, but find phonics harder to retain.

2. Slow or effortful reading

Reading may be hesitant, inaccurate or tiring. Some children avoid reading aloud or show little fluency despite regular practice.

3. Trouble decoding unfamiliar or irregular words

Children may cope with familiar words but guess or skip unfamiliar ones. They might focus on the first letter rather than sounding out the full word.

4. Inconsistent or phonetic spelling

Spelling can vary within the same piece of writing and often follows how a word sounds (for example, “sed” for “said”). Letters may be omitted, reversed or out of order.

5. Difficulty with phonological awareness

Dyslexia is linked to differences in how the sound structure of language is processed. Children may struggle with rhyming, breaking words into syllables, or blending sounds together.

6. Working memory or sequencing challenges

Some dyslexic learners find it harder to hold and manipulate information briefly. This can show up in copying from the board, following multi-step instructions or recalling sequences like days of the week.

7. Strong verbal skills but weaker written output

A child may express rich ideas verbally yet produce short or simplified written work. They may avoid ambitious words because they are difficult to spell.

8. Fatigue, frustration or avoidance around literacy tasks

When reading and writing require more effort, avoidance is common. This is not disinterest, but a sign that literacy tasks are genuinely more demanding.

9. Strengths in other areas

Many dyslexic learners show strengths in reasoning, creativity, problem solving, big-picture thinking or storytelling. Parents often describe a child who is “bright but struggling.”

10. A family history of dyslexia

Dyslexia can run in families. While this alone is not diagnostic, it can provide useful context if other signs are present.

What to do next

Not every child who struggles with reading is dyslexic, and not every dyslexic child will display the same signs. However, patterns matter. If several of these indicators feel familiar, further exploration can provide clarity.

Families often begin by speaking to the class teacher or SENDCo, monitoring progress over time, or seeking a specialist assessment to better understand their child’s profile.

How Clarity Assessment supports families

Clarity Assessment provides structured, specialist assessments to help families understand a learner’s strengths and needs. The process includes:

1. Initial conversation

2. One-to-one assessment appointment (approximately 3 hours)

3. Comprehensive written report with recommendations (within 2 weeks)

4. Follow-up consultation once families have read the report

   
   

The aim is not to label, but to offer insight and a clear pathway forward.

Closing note

Early identification and support can make a meaningful difference. With the right understanding and strategies in place, dyslexic learners can thrive.

If you would find it helpful to discuss concerns or ask questions, please feel free to get in touch or book an initial consultation here: https://lizzymorton.youcanbook.me