How to Tell If Your Child Has Dyslexia: 7 Early Signs Parents Can Spot

If your child is bright but struggles with reading, you may be wondering: Could it be dyslexia? You’re not alone. Many parents notice that something feels “off” long before teachers bring it up.

The good news: there are clear signs to watch for, and the earlier you notice them, the sooner your child can get the right support. Early intervention makes a huge difference for struggling readers.

Here are seven common signs of dyslexia in children:

1. Difficulty Sounding Out Words
   Struggles with phonics or “sounding it out” beyond the early grades.

2. Avoids Reading
   This isn’t laziness—kids with dyslexia often feel exhausted and frustrated by reading.

3. Slow, Choppy Reading
   Reading aloud may sound labored, with frequent pauses or word-guessing.

4. Trouble Remembering Sight Words
   Words like the, said, because don’t “stick,” even with lots of practice.

5. Poor Spelling
   Often one of the earliest and most obvious signs, even before major reading struggles show up.

6. Struggles With Rhyming or Sequencing
   Difficulty hearing or producing rhymes, or remembering steps in order (days of the week, alphabet, etc.).

7. Low Confidence in Schoolwork
   The most heartbreaking sign is when a child begins to say, “I’m dumb” or “I can’t read.”

Why Confidence Matters So Much

Many bright kids with dyslexia begin to doubt themselves when reading feels harder than it should. They see classmates making progress, but despite their best efforts, they can’t keep up.

When told to “try harder” or “just focus,” kids often feel shame piled on top of frustration. The truth is: they are already trying their hardest. What they need is a different approach.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

Seeing a few of these signs doesn’t automatically mean your child has dyslexia—but it does mean they could benefit from extra support.

Next steps include:

• Talking with your child’s teacher about what you’ve noticed

• Requesting a professional evaluation for dyslexia

• Exploring tutoring designed for struggling readers and dyslexic learners

Important reminder: Dyslexia does not mean a child isn’t smart. With the right teaching approach, children with dyslexia can learn to read and thrive in school.

Let’s Talk About Your Child

If you’d like to discuss your child’s struggles I’d love to chat.