Reading and language challenges can look different at different stages of development. The following signs are common indicators associated with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Not every child will demonstrate all of these characteristics, and the presentation may vary from child to child.
2½–4
Years of Age
Speaking
- delayed speech or language development
- mispronunciations or unclear articulation
- incorrect use of verb tenses, plurals, or pronouns
- slow word finding or difficulty retrieving familiar words
Listening & Phonological Awareness
- difficulty learning nursery rhymes or appreciating rhyming games
- trouble hearing or recognizing sound patterns in words
- trouble remembering letter names or new vocabulary
Sequencing & Auditory Memory
- difficulty telling stories or events in order
- difficulty following or remembering multi-step directions
Coordination & Sensory Processing
- clumsiness or messy eating
- reduced oral awareness
- sensory sensitivities or overreactions to sounds, touch, lights, smells, or textures
Additional Indicators
- family history of dyslexia or reading difficulties
- frustration with language-based tasks
5–8
Years of Age
Speaking
- continued mispronunciations
- slow word retrieval or word-finding difficulties
Phonological Awareness
- difficulty hearing and manipulating individual sounds in words
- trouble blending sounds together in words
Reading & Spelling
- difficulty learning letter sounds
- slow progress learning to read
- guessing words instead of sounding them out
- overreliance on memorized sight words
- reading that is slow, effortful, or inaccurate
- persistent spelling difficulties
- difficulty remembering high-frequency sight words
Sequencing
- reversals or sequencing errors in reading or spelling (such as reading “was” for “saw”)
Handwriting
- awkward pencil grip
- pressing too hard when writing
Focus & Self-Esteem
- difficulty concentrating during academic tasks
- tiring easily with reading or writing
- frustration, avoidance, or declining confidence related to reading
9+
Years of Age
Auditory Memory & Organization
- difficulty remembering multi-step directions
- trouble retaining sequential information
- difficulty alphabetizing or using reference tools such as a dictionary
Reading & Spelling
- reading that remains slow, effortful, or inefficient
- continued reliance on guessing or memorized sight words
- weak spelling despite strong thinking or verbal abilities
- reading comprehension impacted by slow or inaccurate decoding
Writing & Handwriting
- written work that is brief, effortful, disorganized, or messy
- awkward or inefficient handwriting
- avoidance of writing tasks
Language Expression
- difficulty organizing thoughts into spoken or written language
- challenges expressing ideas clearly and sequentially
Academic Performance
- discrepancy between stronger math/problem-solving skills and weaker reading performance
Focus & Self-Esteem
- fatigue or frustration with homework and reading demands
- declining academic confidence
- avoidance of reading aloud or independent reading
Note: These warning signs may vary from child to child. Having some of these characteristics does not necessarily mean a child has dyslexia; however, persistent patterns across areas may warrant further evaluation.
