There are a lot of misconceptions about dyslexia, especially when it comes to children under the age of five. Here's what you need to know about dyslexia and how to spot it in young kids.
If your preschooler or young elementary student writes letters or words backward, this doesn’t mean they are dyslexic. Writing letters backward is a very common developmental phenomenon for young children. It even has a name, “mirror writing.”
Mirror writing happens because of the way our brain stores images. Our brain stores the shape first, and the orientation becomes less important. When you look at a picture of a cat— you can tell it’s a cat whether the picture is upside down or right side up, the same with letters.
Additionally, young children don’t have a well-developed sense of right and left, which leads them to mix up the orientation of letters. This doesn’t mean they have a learning disability and will likely learn how to write their letters correctly. If your child is still reversing letters by the end of second grade, it’s worth having a conversation with their teacher or pediatrician.
Dyslexia is a learning difference that makes reading and writing more difficult. It can show up as challenges with understanding what’s being read, spelling, and rhyming. It can also present differently from person to person.
The signs of dyslexia vary across age groups, too. What is normal for a preschooler isn’t normal if it’s still occurring in fourth grade. Here are some red flags according to age. This list is by no means exhaustive, so always check with your child’s doctor if you have specific concerns.
The only way to know for sure if your child has dyslexia is to have an evaluation done. You can do this for free through your local school district or pay privately. School evaluations are designed to screen for learning differences and determine where a child could use extra support.
If you want a formal diagnosis, an evaluation by a psychologist or neuropsychologist may be your best bet. Either way, an evaluation will identify where your child is struggling and allow them to access the support they need to succeed in the classroom.
Most likely, your child won't be diagnosed with dyslexia until school age, but if you are concerned about dyslexia, there are several experts you can turn to for support.
Since this month is all about shining a light on learning differences, it’s great to have resources to recommend to friends or family members when they have concerns about their child. Or, if you are an educator or care provider, you may be the first one a parent comes to with their questions and it’s good to have options for them.
Early Bird: Early bird is a screening tool designed for children ages 4-8. It leads the child through a series of games that test for the presence of key literacy milestones. It can be helpful as a jumping-off point for a conversation with your child’s pediatrician or teacher or to ease your mind but it doesn’t replace a formal evaluation from a professional.
ROAR: The Rapid Online Assessment of Reading allows teachers and clinicians to screen for dyslexia and learning differences in a way that was never before possible on such a large scale. Children as young as second grade can navigate the assessment independently, and first graders can access it with minimal assistance. If you are an educator, it’s worth talking to your administration about using the ROAR to screen students. Early diagnosis of learning differences can lead to better outcomes.
Square Panda: Square Panda is a multi-sensory approach to phonics and reading that utilizes technology but isn’t a passive game or app. Children manipulate letters while following the guidance on the screen, which is a great way to teach early literacy. Square Panda can be a tool for parents to work on literacy skills at home or for early educators to use in their classrooms.
Q1. What percentage of the population is affected by dyslexia? Dyslexia affects approximately 20 percent of the population.
Q2. How many adults in the US are diagnosed with dyslexia? Over 40 million adults in the US are dyslexic, but only 2 million of them are actually diagnosed.
Q3. Is dyslexia tied to IQ? No, dyslexia is not tied to IQ. In fact, people with dyslexia often exhibit creativity and the ability to think outside the box.
Q4. How can I tell if my preschooler has dyslexia? Writing letters backward is common in young children and does not necessarily indicate dyslexia. However, if letter reversals persist beyond second grade, it may be worth discussing with a teacher or pediatrician.
Q5. What are some signs of dyslexia in preschoolers? Signs of dyslexia in preschoolers can include difficulty with word recall, nursery rhymes, order memory, and following multi-step directions.
Q6. How is dyslexia treated in preschoolers? Dyslexia is typically diagnosed during school age, but support can be provided by reading specialists, speech-language pathologists, and special education teachers.
Q7. Are there any screening tools available for dyslexia in young children? Yes, tools like "Early Bird" and "ROAR" can help identify potential dyslexia markers in children as young as four years old.
Q8. What is Square Panda, and how can it help with literacy skills? Square Panda is a multi-sensory approach to phonics and reading that uses technology to teach early literacy skills. It can be a useful tool for parents and educators.
Q9. How can I get a formal diagnosis for my child's dyslexia? A formal diagnosis can be obtained through evaluations conducted by your local school district or by private psychologists or neuropsychologists.
Q10. Where can I find more resources for learning differences like dyslexia? In addition to the mentioned tools, you can seek guidance and resources from educators, pediatricians, and support organizations specializing in learning differences.