Common Signs of Dyslexia

Over the years I have worked with many many children with dyslexia. Dyslexia is a learning disorder that primarily affects reading and language processing. Individuals with dyslexia are typically very intelligent and simply need instruction in a more systematic multi-sensory one-to-one environment. They may have difficulty sounding out or decoding words, spelling, reading fluently, or recognizing familiar words quickly.

Here are 8 commons signs of dyslexia:

1. Delayed speech

2. Trouble rhyming words

3. Trouble memorizing

4. Difficulty remembering common words

5. Poor spelling

6. Confusing letters

7. Trouble placing things in ABC order

8. Trouble remembering multi-step directions

When teaching a dyslexic person to read, it is recommended that the approach or method is based on the teachings of Samuel T. Orton and Anna Gillingham, otherwise known as the Orton-Gillingham approach. The Orton-Gillingham approach is most often one-to-one or small-group instruction that is direct, explicit, multi-sensory, and sequential. Dyslexic learners often struggle with memory and phonological awareness, which is the ability to recognize and manipulate the sounds of language. Any instruction given to children with dyslexia should have a strong focus on phonemic awareness and be rooted in a systematic multi-sensory approach.

When working with children who are dyslexic, you will easily notice they have problems with writing, reading, memorizing, and organizing their thoughts. However, it is just as important to keep in mind what you don’t see them struggling with. Knowing and becoming familiar with a child's strengths is very important when trying to help them in any way. Children with dyslexia tend to:

1. Struggle with ADHD

2. See words move on the page when they are trying to read

3. Have trouble distinguishing between sounds

4. Internalize their fears, and struggle with self-confidence

5. Have trouble following multi-step directions

6. Have a delayed ability to recall commonly used words

7. Struggle to master common executive functioning skills

Children who have dyslexia are generally intelligent and simply need more time and a different approach to language instruction. For more information about dyslexia screening, diagnosis, and assessment visit the International Dyslexia Association.