How to Spot Dyslexia Early

Takeaways:

• The warning signs of dyslexia may begin well before a child starts truly learning how to read and write.
• You can test for dyslexia starting in kindergarten by checking to see if your child has trouble learning nursery songs, struggles to name objects, or exhibits speech delays.
• If you spot any warning signs, take your child to a diagnostic specialist for an official screening.
• Early intervention for dyslexia may include teaching letter-sound relationships, repeated readings of the same text, and learning proper letter formation.

Learning Difficulties & Mental Health

Are you wondering how to spot dyslexia as early as possible in yourself or a loved one? There are a few warning signs that may hint at upcoming concerns with reading and writing. At Ascend, our team is here to help you predict and prepare for any learning difficulties that may end up affecting your mental health. Keep reading to learn more about how to spot dyslexia and what you should do once you’ve been diagnosed.

Warning Signs of Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a relatively common condition that affects about 15% of people. However, many myths exist that can confuse people about what it means to be diagnosed and live with dyslexia. Here are six signs for how to spot dyslexia early.

1. Struggling to Remember Nursery Songs

This sign of dyslexia can manifest in a few different ways, including trouble remembering the words to a song, mixing up the words or verses, or being unable to keep the song’s rhythm.

1. Trouble with Rhyming

Children are constantly learning new words that help them practice pattern recognition. If a child has issues with identifying or remembering rhymes, this may be a sign of dyslexia.

1. Speech Difficulties

Any type of speech difficulty could be a sign of dyslexia. These difficulties may range from learning to speak later, trouble with pronunciation, or issues learning new vocabulary.

1. Issues with Identification

One of the earliest activities for children is learning to identify colors, shapes, objects, and numbers. If a child can’t seem to remember these different things, dyslexia may be the cause.

1. Family History

Even if only one parent has dyslexia, the chance that their child may have dyslexia rises dramatically. A child with a family history of learning disabilities has a 40-60% chance of dyslexia.

1. Lack of Interest

The final sign for how to spot dyslexia is if a child indicates a lack of interest in learning letters and words. They may enjoy listening to stories, but when asked to read a story themselves or identify the letters in their own name, they immediately stop participating.

Effects of Dyslexia on Mental Health

Learning disabilities and mental health concerns are often intertwined, as struggles in school can lead to frustration and emotional outbursts. The impact of dyslexia on mental health may range from anxiety related to learning certain topics in school, low self-esteem due to struggling more compared to peers, and feelings of worthlessness with lack of progress that may lead to depression.

Common Dyslexia Myths

Some myths about dyslexia do teens a disservice, leading to inadequate strategies and a lack of progress, including:

• You Can Grow Out of Dyslexia: Dyslexia is a lifelong condition. However, it is manageable with evidence-based coping techniques.
• Technology Can Solve Dyslexia: Apps and digital tools can provide great support, but children still require a personalized approach that addresses their lived experience.
• Reading More “Fixes” Dyslexia: Practice time with a book provides a single facet of occupational therapy to address dyslexia. Structured practice time with reading, writing, and comprehension is essential.

What You Can Do

Now that you know how to spot dyslexia, you can take appropriate measures when you see these signs in yourself or your child. If you have concerns, take these next steps:

• Get an official assessment from a specialist
• Discuss your needs with an occupational therapist
• Talk to teachers about modifications for the classroom
• Add therapy to address learning disabilities and mental health

Every child is a little bit different and requires a unique support system and learning structure to thrive. If your child needs extra support for school refusal or behavioral concerns related to learning disabilities, reach out to Ascend to discuss a stay in residential treatment or time in our outpatient programs.