When Bright Minds Struggle: How High Ability Can Mask Dyslexia

Because gifted children can appear to be doing well, their dyslexia may remain undiagnosed for years.

Many parents picture dyslexia as something clear-cut. A child who struggles to read, writes letters backwards, or consistently falls behind in literacy. But for many bright, articulate children, dyslexia hides in plain sight.

These children are often quick thinkers, excellent problem-solvers, and full of curiosity. They might speak beautifully, have a vivid imagination, and grasp complex ideas with ease. Yet beneath the surface, reading or writing can take far more effort than it should.

The Paradox of High Ability

When a child is both highly able and dyslexic, their strengths can mask their difficulties.Their intelligence allows them to compensate — memorising whole words, guessing from context, or relying on strong verbal skills to hide spelling weaknesses.

Teachers may see a capable pupil who simply “rushes” or “doesn’t concentrate.” In reality, that child might be working twice as hard just to keep up.

Common Signs of Dyslexia in Gifted Children

Even very able learners can show subtle indicators of dyslexia. You might notice your child:

• Understands complex ideas but struggles with reading fluency.

• Produces brilliant verbal answers but short or disorganised written work.

• Excels in problem-solving, science, or creative subjects, but avoids reading.

• Feels unusually tired or frustrated after written tasks.

  
  

Parents often describe this as a mismatch: “She’s so bright, but she just can’t get it down on paper.”

The Hidden Cost

Because gifted children can appear to be doing well, their dyslexia may remain undiagnosed for years. But compensating for these challenges takes enormous effort. Over time, this can lead to anxiety, perfectionism, or loss of confidence.

High ability can mask dyslexia, but dyslexia can also mask high ability. Both need to be recognised to understand a child’s true potential.

Why a Specialist Assessment Matters

A professional dyslexia assessment can reveal what’s really going on. At Lizzy Morton Clarity Assessment, I provide in-depth learning assessments in Oxfordshire and Berkshire, designed to identify both strengths and barriers to learning.

For a gifted child, this clarity is often life-changing. When they understand their unique learning profile, and when teachers and parents do too, support can finally align with who they really are.

Seeing the Whole Child

I believe that clarity is a form of care. When I see both the roots of a child’s challenge and the reach of their potential, we can move beyond labels and help them grow with confidence.

Because even the brightest minds deserve to learn with ease, not exhaustion.