10 warning signs your child might be dyslexic

Though dyslexia is common, it's not always picked up and can be misunderstood. The learning difficulty can mean that your child is struggling with reading, writing and understanding overall.

However, if picked up early your child can get the support they need. This is why it's vital to understand the signs which could help identify whether your child has dyslexia.

Vasilii Kiselev, CEO and co-founder of Legacy Online School, an online education platform that provides high-quality online education has put together a list of signs to look out for so that your child gets the help they need.

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1. Struggling with nursery rhymes

If your child struggles to learn or remember nursery rhymes, it could be more than just a temporary issue. Difficulty with rhyming may indicate a challenge with sound recognition, a key reading skill that is often impacted by dyslexia.

2. Little interest in letters or words

Children with dyslexia may love listening to stories but often show little interest in letters or words. "They’re drawn to the story itself but have difficulty connecting with written language," says Vasilii. "This can lead to early struggles with reading."

3. Alphabet aversion

Learning to sing or recite the alphabet is a common early milestone, but for children with dyslexia, it can be a challenging task. If your child has noticeable difficulty remembering or singing their ABCs, it may be worth paying closer attention.

4. Speech mix-ups

Mixing up parts of words, such as saying "cubumber" instead of "cucumber" or "flutterby" instead of "butterfly," can suggest difficulty in processing and recalling sounds. While these word mix-ups can be cute, they may also be early signs of a speech or language challenge.

5. Rhythm roadblocks

Children with dyslexia often find it difficult to maintain a simple rhythm, like clapping to a beat. This struggle with rhythm can indicate challenges with sequencing and auditory processing, which are both associated with dyslexia.

6. Two-step trouble

If your child has difficulty following multi-step instructions, such as "put the toys in the box, then place the box on the shelf," they may feel overwhelmed by too much information at once. Frequently struggling with tasks that require following a sequence could be a sign of dyslexia.

7. Forgetfulness with familiar names

Children with dyslexia often struggle to recall the names of familiar people, colours, or objects. "This forgetfulness isn’t due to a lack of attention, but rather because they have difficulty linking names with the concepts they represent," says Vasilii.

8. Directional confusion

If your child often confuses words like "up" and "down" or other directional terms, it may be more than just typical early learning mix-ups. Difficulty distinguishing directions is common in dyslexia and can be an early indicator of spatial awareness challenges.

9. Family history of reading struggles

A family history of dyslexia or reading difficulties can raise the likelihood that a child will face similar challenges. While it's not certain, genetics often contribute, making early observation even more important.

10. Good days and bad days

Does it seem like your child has "good" and "bad" days without any clear reason? "Children with dyslexia may have fluctuating performance due to factors like fatigue or stress, which can affect their focus and behaviour," says Vasilii.

Vasilii adds: “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.”