Sometimes it can be challenging for parents, to identify whether or not our child is facing more difficulties than what is considered typical in their development. All children might face difficulties, to some extent, in learning and reading, but in most cases, these improve with time and practice. In other cases, certain difficulties can reflect specific learning disorders, such as dyslexia.

Dyslexia is one type of specific learning disorder, referring to reading. This is caused by a difficulty in decoding - the way in which sounds associate to create letters and words. This develops due to specific underdeveloped parts of the brain (the parts involved in language). Dyslexia has no link to reduced intelligence.

Symptoms of dyslexia appear at different ages; it is more likely that they become apparent when the child first goes to primary school where it will be exposed to consistent writing and reading. It is worth noting, that oftentimes, dyslexia can be undetected until adulthood. Considering the potential of late diagnosis and how it can effect an individual [with minimal interventions available at adult age], it is helpful that parents and teachers are aware of the most common symptoms of dyslexia. This can help look out for specific traits, and reach out to a professional early, so that a specific intervention can be created, and symptoms are improved.

Some symptoms of dyslexia in children from 1 to 12 years old include

Inability to acknowledge the letters of their name
Hard time recalling the alphabet and its letters
Inability to recognise the words of nursery sayings and rhyme patterns
Difficulty to make the sound of simple words (i.e., map, dog)
Inability to understand that a word can be divided into sounds
Problems with reading aloud and expressing dislike for reading
Confusing terms that sound similar to one another
Having a hard time learning how to read (learning slowly)
Difficulty making the sounds of words aloud

Assessing Dyslexia

A professional will assess a child for dyslexia by observing them in a variety of situations. For example, the child is observed in their learning environment, as well as evaluated on their cognitive abilities, reading, writing and vocabulary tasks. Furthermore, teachers and parents are asked to answer questions regarding the general situation of the child (i.e., what problems they have been facing, their overall health, etc.). Once the psychologist has an overview of how severe the level of dyslexia is, they proceed to devising an intervention plan according to the specific strengths and weaknesses of the child.

Dyslexia is a disorder which affects both children and adults primarily during their academic years (where reading and writing skills are frequently used). However, its symptoms continue to affect people throughout their life. Getting an early diagnosis of dyslexia can help individuals strengthen their skills and equips them with techniques to tackle and reduce difficulties both throughout childhood, and later in life.

You can read more about assessments here, dyslexia here, and psychoeducational assessments here.