Something just isn't right. You can't put your finger on it but your child or a student just doesn't seem to be 'getting it'. Could it be dyslexia? Here at The Reading Academy, we have compiled a go-to reference list for you that contains the more common signs and other signs that on their own would not necessarily characterise dyslexia but can also be present. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. If you think your child or a student may have dyslexia, it is important to bring it to the attention of the school so the proper steps can be taken to have the child assessed.
Some of the more common signs:
Phonological difficulties (producing sounds, hearing sounds, differentiating sounds)
Trouble remembering the sounds and names of letters
Trouble rhyming words
Trouble blending sounds
Confusion of letters and words that look somewhat alike (e.g. b/d, p/q, m/w, n/u, was/saw, cat/act, from/form).
Skips small words or guesses a word based on the first letter and length of the word.
Trouble sounding out words
Trouble with sight words
Poor spelling
Difficulty telling time
Can confuse left and right
Other possible indicators:
Can have difficulty with sequencing processes (such as maths)
Can have difficulty with organising and planning in all areas of daily life
Difficulty copying words and numbers from a book or blackboard
Often don’t get jokes, idioms, and puns
Social interaction
Behaviour
Gives up easily
Mispronouncing names or words
Slow learning reading skills
Reading is very slow and laboured
Doesn’t have a strategy for decoding new words
Messy handwriting
Low self-esteem
Struggles to finish work in a timely manner