What Is Dyslexia?
If your child struggles with reading, you may have wondered, Could it be dyslexia?
Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences, affecting how the brain processes written language. It is not a sign of low intelligence or laziness—rather, it’s a difference in how the brain interprets words and sounds. The good news? With the right support, children with dyslexia can thrive in school and beyond.
Let’s explore what dyslexia is, common signs, and what you can do next to help your child succeed.
What Is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that primarily affects reading, spelling, and writing skills. It is neurological, meaning it’s related to how the brain works—not a reflection of intelligence or effort.
Children with dyslexia often struggle to connect letters with sounds, making it hard to decode words and read fluently. Despite their challenges with reading, many children with dyslexia are highly creative, intelligent, and strong problem-solvers.
Dyslexia is lifelong, but early identification and targeted interventions can significantly improve reading skills and boost a child’s confidence in school.
Signs of Dyslexia in Children
Every child develops reading skills at their own pace, but consistent struggles with certain areas may indicate dyslexia. Look for these common signs:
Preschool & Kindergarten
Delayed speech development or trouble pronouncing words.
Difficulty recognizing letters and matching them to sounds.
Trouble learning rhymes or remembering nursery songs.
Struggles with following directions and sequencing events.
Elementary School
Slow, choppy, or labored reading—often guessing words instead of sounding them out.
Frequent letter reversals (e.g., confusing ‘b’ and ‘d’ or ‘was’ and ‘saw’).
Difficulty spelling, often spelling the same word differently in one piece of writing.
Avoidance of reading aloud or completing reading assignments.
Middle & High School
Slow or inconsistent reading fluency.
Trouble understanding what they read, even if they can read the words.
Struggles with organizing thoughts in writing.
Difficulty memorizing facts, such as multiplication tables or vocabulary words.
If you recognize several of these signs in your child, it’s important to seek an evaluation to determine if dyslexia is the cause of their struggles.
What Should You Do Next?
If you suspect your child has dyslexia, taking early action can make a big difference. Here’s what you can do:
1. Get a Professional Evaluation
The first step is a comprehensive reading assessment to determine if dyslexia or another learning difference is present. At Path2Growth, we offer specialized evaluations that assess reading fluency, phonological processing, and comprehension skills to provide a clear diagnosis and a personalized support plan.
2. Advocate for Accommodations
Once diagnosed, children with dyslexia may qualify for school-based accommodations, such as:
✅ Extra time on tests and assignments.
✅ Access to audiobooks and text-to-speech technology.
✅ Multisensory reading interventions (e.g., Orton-Gillingham approach).
✅ Reduced emphasis on timed reading tasks.
3. Provide Support at Home
Read aloud to your child to help build vocabulary and comprehension.
Encourage the use of audiobooks alongside printed texts.
Practice decoding strategies using fun, multisensory techniques.
Praise effort over perfection to build confidence.
4. Connect With Specialists
Dyslexia requires structured, evidence-based intervention beyond traditional classroom teaching. Working with reading specialists, educational therapists, or tutors trained in dyslexia-specific instruction can help your child strengthen reading skills in a way that works for their brain.
We Have the Tools to Identify and Support Reading Challenges!
At Path2Growth, we specialize in comprehensive dyslexia evaluations and tailored recommendations to support your child’s reading journey. Early identification is key—don’t wait to get the answers you need!
📅 Schedule an appointment today to start unlocking your child’s potential. We also offer executive functioning coaching to enhance reading skills by improving focus, managing frustration while reading, and strengthening attention to detail.
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Your child’s reading struggles don’t have to define their future. Let’s take the next step together!
