What are the signs of Dyslexia in young children?
Dyslexia is a common learning disorder that affects children's ability to read, write, and spell. It's crucial to identify the signs and symptoms of dyslexia in a child as early as possible to ensure that they receive the necessary support and intervention. In this blog, we'll discuss the signs of dyslexia in young children before they start school and why early identification is so important.
During the early years of a child's life, language and communication development are critical. Most children learn to speak and understand language at a relatively predictable rate, hitting developmental milestones along the way.
However, some children may experience delayed speech or have difficulty in learning the letters in the alphabet, which could be a sign of an underlying issue such as dyslexia.
Common signs of Dyslexia:
Delayed speech .
One of the earliest signs of dyslexia in young children is delayed speech. If your little one is not meeting their developmental milestones for speaking and talking, it's important to speak with a healthcare professional or a speech therapist to identify the root cause of the issue. This could be an early indication of dyslexia or other underlying health issues such as vision and hearing problems.
Rhyming words.
Another sign of dyslexia in young children is a little understanding of rhyming words. Children who have difficulty recognising and producing rhyming words may struggle with phonological awareness, a critical skill that underlies reading ability.
Learning their ABC's .
Difficulty in learning the letters in the alphabet is also a common sign of dyslexia in young children. Dyslexic children may have trouble recognising and remembering letter shapes and sounds, which can make learning to read and write challenging. If your little one is struggling with letter recognition or shows little interest in reading and writing, it's important to seek professional advice from your GP.
Speech.
Speech problems are another common sign of dyslexia in young children. Children with dyslexia may have difficulty pronouncing words correctly or using grammar correctly. These speech problems may be a sign of underlying language difficulties, which can affect reading and writing skills.
If your little one is displaying these signs, it's important to seek advice from healthcare professionals, including speech therapists and educators, to determine the underlying cause of the problem and provide the necessary support.
What is the diagnosis process?
Diagnosing dyslexia involves a comprehensive assessment of your little one's cognitive abilities and reading and writing skills. This usually involves a specialist assessment by a qualified professional, such as an educational psychologist or specialist teacher. The assessment process may include the following:
An examination of your little one's medical history.
Cognitive ability tests.
Reading and writing tests.
The specialist may also observe your child's behaviour.
They may also ask questions about their experiences with reading and writing.
If your little one is diagnosed with dyslexia, they may be offered support and reasonable adjustments in education, and other areas of their life. This may include:
Strategies to improve reading and writing skills.
Assistive technology.
Extra time for exams when they are a little older.
It is important to note that dyslexia does not affect intelligence, and with the right support and interventions, individuals with dyslexia can succeed in their education and careers.