Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences, affecting approximately 1 in 5 individuals. And yet, it often goes unrecognized, especially in the early years of school when intervention could be most effective. The earlier we can identify the signs, the sooner we can provide the support children need to succeed, not just academically, but also emotionally and socially. This post will walk you through potential red flags associated with dyslexia at various stages of development. If you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this guide is for you.

What Is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a language-based learning difference that primarily impacts reading, spelling, and writing. It is not a vision problem, a sign of low intelligence, or caused by poor instruction or parenting. Dyslexia is a neurological condition that is often hereditary, meaning it tends to run in families and affects how the brain processes written and spoken language.

Children with dyslexia often struggle to decode words (sound them out), despite having average or above-average intelligence. They may also have difficulty with spelling, reading fluently, and writing clearly.

It is important to note that every child with dyslexia is different. Some may show many signs early on, while others may mask their difficulties through memorization or avoidance.

Potential red flags associated with dyslexia in Preschool and Kindergarten (Ages 3–6)

Even before a child begins formal reading instruction, certain language-based difficulties may be noticeable:

  • Delayed speech development compared to peers

  • Difficulty learning nursery rhymes or songs

  • Trouble recognizing or producing rhyming words

  • Problems with pronunciation (mixing up sounds or syllables, such as saying “aminal” instead of “animal”)

  • Struggles learning the alphabet, including letter names and sounds

  • Difficulty remembering simple sequences, like the days of the week or steps in a routine

  • Avoidance of activities involving letters, sounds, or writing

  • Trouble writing or recognizing their name

Potential red flags associated with dyslexia in Early Elementary (Grades 1–3)

As children begin to read and write more regularly, dyslexic traits tend to become more visible:

  • Difficulty matching letters to their corresponding sounds

  • Problems blending sounds together to read words (e.g., /c/ /a/ /t/ → “cat”)

  • Frequent guessing at words based on pictures or context

  • Reading that is slow, effortful, and lacks fluency

  • Inconsistent or phonetic spelling errors (e.g., spelling “come” as “kum” or “kom”)

  • Difficulty remembering sight words (also known as “heart words” or high-frequency words)

  • Reversals of letters (b/d, p/q, m/w), though this is also common in typical development

  • Avoidance of reading aloud or completing written work

  • Expressing feelings of being “dumb” or “not as smart” as peers

Potential red flags associated with dyslexia in Later Elementary and Beyond (Grades 4 and Up)

For children who have not received appropriate intervention, reading and writing challenges become more apparent as academic demands increase:

  • Struggles with reading fluency and comprehension, even with familiar texts

  • Excellent verbal skills but poor written expression

  • Problems with note-taking, copying from the board, or organizing written assignments

  • Mispronouncing multi-syllable words (e.g., “preliminary” as “preminary”)

  • Confusion with similar-looking words (e.g., “form” and “from”)

  • Frequent spelling errors, often in basic, commonly used words

  • Difficulty learning foreign languages or subject-specific vocabulary

  • Slow reading or test-taking, even when they know the content

  • Fatigue, frustration, or anxiety around schoolwork

  • History of being labeled as “lazy” or “not trying hard enough”

Social and Emotional Red Flags

Dyslexia does not just affect academics. It can also impact how a child feels about themselves:

  • Low self-esteem or fear of being called on in class

  • Frequent stomachaches or headaches before school

  • Resistance to reading or schoolwork at home

  • High levels of anxiety related to school performance

  • Withdrawal from social or academic activities

Children with dyslexia often feel frustrated, embarrassed, or defeated, especially if they are working hard but not seeing progress. It’s heartbreaking, but it does not have to stay that way.

Strengths of Children with Dyslexia

While dyslexia presents challenges, it is important to recognize the unique strengths many with dyslexia possess:

  • Strong verbal reasoning and critical thinking

  • Creative problem-solving

  • Big-picture thinking and strong comprehension of stories read aloud

  • High emotional intelligence and empathy

  • Innovative thinking and outside-the-box ideas

When given the right tools and instruction, children with dyslexia often excel in areas like storytelling, art, entrepreneurship, and technology.

What to Do If You Notice Red Flags

If you recognize several of these signs in a child, here is what to do next:

  1. Document your observations with specific examples.

  2. Talk to your child’s teacher or reading specialist to compare observations.

  3. Request a formal evaluation either through the school system or a private educational psychologist.

  4. Look into evidence-based approaches, such as Orton Gillingham, which is rooted in the Science of Reading. Check out our training options HERE!

  5. Provide support at home with audiobooks, read-alouds, and structured reading practice.

  6. Advocate for appropriate accommodations, like extra time on tests, oral instructions, or assistive technology.

You Are Not Alone

Millions of families walk this road, and many have found success, confidence, and hope along the way. The most important step is recognizing the signs and taking action early.

Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or educator, your awareness and advocacy can change a child’s life. The sooner we identify dyslexia, the better we can tailor instruction, build confidence, and unlock a child’s full potential.

📥 Want a Free Download?

Grab our Dyslexia Red Flags Checklist for easy reference and start watching for signs in the children you love or teach.