Experts say there are 6.3 million people with the condition in the UK but while there are signs to watch for many are little-known
Millions battle with a common disorder that makes daily activities a challenge, but early detection can dramatically change lives. In the UK alone, there are 6.3 million people living with dyslexia, a condition which disrupts the brain’s ability to process written language, turning reading, writing, and spelling into daunting tasks.
Government data reveals that one in six adults has the reading level of an 11-year-old. Dyslexia can also lead to memory issues, mispronunciations, and difficulties in processing information mentally.
Though a “cure” remains elusive, there are effective strategies and support systems that can significantly ease the dyslexic experience. Vasilii Kiselev, CEO and co-founder of the Legacy Online School, emphasises the importance of recognising symptoms early for timely intervention.
He says: “Identifying dyslexia early on allows parents and educators to introduce support strategies that target a child’s specific needs, rather than letting them struggle silently or lose confidence in themselves. When children feel understood and supported, they begin to realise that their difficulties with reading or writing are just one part of their learning profile, not a reflection of their intelligence.
“Early intervention can help them develop the skills they need while preserving their natural curiosity and love for learning. Targeted support, such as phonics-based reading programs, multisensory learning methods, and assistive technology, can open up pathways to success that might otherwise feel blocked. But perhaps most importantly, when we acknowledge and address dyslexia from the start, we’re sending a powerful message that every child learns differently – and that’s okay.”, reports Surrey Live.
Vasilii points out some lesser-known indicators that may manifest early in children with the condition, ranging from difficulties with clapping to remembering nursery rhymes. He shares his top 10 subtle signs that your child might require additional support.
Nursery Rhymes
If your child struggles to learn or remember nursery rhymes, it could be more than just a fleeting difficulty. Problems with rhyming are a telltale sign of potential issues with sound recognition, a key skill in reading development that is often impacted by dyslexia.
Loves stories not words
Children with dyslexia often have a passion for listening to stories yet seem disinterested in letters or words themselves. “They’re captivated by the narrative but struggle to engage with written language,” Vasilii notes.
This detachment from the written word can be an early indicator of reading difficulties.
Alphabet issues
Typically, young children enjoy learning to sing or recite the alphabet. However, for those with dyslexia, this task can be daunting.
If your child noticeably struggles to remember or sing their ABCs, it’s worth monitoring their progress.
Speech mix-ups
Swapping parts of words, such as saying “cubumber” instead of “cucumber” or “flutterby” instead of “butterfly,” can be an early sign of dyslexia.
These mix-ups might be cute, but they could indicate difficulties in processing and retrieving sounds.
Rhythm challenges
Kids with dyslexia often find it hard to keep a simple rhythm, like clapping along to a beat.
This could be a sign of sequencing and auditory processing challenges linked to dyslexia.
Struggling with two-step Instructions
If your child finds it hard to follow instructions like “put the toys in the box, then place the box on the shelf,” they might feel overwhelmed by too much information at once.
Consistently struggling with sequencing tasks could be a sign of dyslexia.
Forgetting names
Children with dyslexia often struggle to recall the names of familiar people, colours, or objects.
This isn’t due to a lack of attention but because they find it challenging to connect names with their associated concepts. Directional Confusion It’s time to pay attention if words such as “up” and “down” frequently confuse your little one, as it could be more than a simple learning hiccup.
Directional confusion
If “up” and “down” or other directional words cause your child regular confusion, it could be more than typical early learning mix-ups. Trouble distinguishing directions is common in dyslexia and can be an early sign of spatial awareness difficulties.
Family background
If there’s a history of reading challenges or dyslexia in the family tree, your child could be at an increased risk of facing similar hurdles, underlining the importance of keeping a watchful eye from the start.
Good and bad days
Do you ever notice your child oscillating between “good” and “bad” days without a clear cause?
“Children with dyslexia may experience fluctuating performance due to factors like fatigue or stress, impacting their focus and behaviour,” explains Vasilii.
