The Defining Signs of Dyslexia Too Often Ignored

Individuals with dyslexia do not all read or spell words backward. Parents, teachers, and other loved ones may not recognize signs of dyslexia until struggles at school or work start to emerge. But the fact is that many dyslexic telltale signs begin appearing long before.

By Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D. Verified Updated on October 28, 2022

Jumbled letters is one of the signs of dyslexia

Perhaps the most broadly recognized learning disability, dyslexia is defined as a difficulty with spelling and word recognition. While some individuals with dyslexia do read words backwards, this condition manifests differently in different people; it is complex. Symptoms of dyslexia vary from difficulty breaking down words into syllables to trouble with the accuracy, fluency, and comprehension of the material being read.

Diagnostic tools like the Gray Oral Reading Test can determine if a person has dyslexia. But first parents and teachers must learn the following signs of dyslexia so they can consult a specialist.

Signs of Dyslexia in Preschool

Begins talking later than peers
Chronic ear infections
Confusion learning left and right
Ambidexterity
Difficulty learning to tie shoes
Trouble with rhymes

Signs of Dyslexia in Elementary School

Messy or illegible handwriting
Letter/number reversals
Difficulty with cursive writing
Slow, choppy, inaccurate reading
Often says, “You know what I mean,” because of difficulty finding the right word
Poor reading of non-words (like those in Dr. Seuss books)

Signs of Dyslexia in High School

Large discrepancy between verbal skills and written correspondence
Cannot grasp a foreign language
Mispronounces expected words (“tornado” instead of “volcano,” or “satisficated” instead of “satisfied”)
Taking much longer than expected to get through work (even if the result is accurate)

[Take the Test for Dyslexia in Children]
[Take the Dyslexia Test for Adults]

Signs of Dyslexia in Adults

Poor self esteem
May have to reread things several times to understand
Dreads writing letters or even quick emails
May gravitate to a career that does not rely on reading
May hate reading or prefer reading nonfiction because it uses a smaller vocabulary

Problems associated with dyslexia at school or at work may leave a child or adult feeling stupid or slow and may lead to social isolation. People with ADHD and dyslexia are a high risk for being bullied, and that can lead to chronic stress — which may manifest in physical ways for children. Social symptoms including:

Somatic complaints (e.g., headaches, dizziness, or stomachaches)
Anxiety (refusal to go to school, dropping out)
Mood disorders
Learned helplessness

For students with undiagnosed dyslexia, everyday schooling is like being taught in a foreign language. When school administrators require that student to repeat a grade — still in the same foreign language, it can teach a child that no matter what she does, or how hard she tries, she will not succeed. This feeling can lead to mental health problems.

[Click to Read: Learning Disabilities Aren’t Just for Kids]

Strictly speaking, dyslexia is not hazardous to the health. But when dyslexia symptoms are left unidentified and interventions missed, it can cause psychological, academic, and professional harm. Yet, studies show that, when symptoms are identified early, children exude a strong sense of control and confidence; their scores on self-esteem rating scales mirror those of their non-dyslexic counterparts. Early identification is essential. By age six, you can have a definitive diagnosis, and there is no benefit to waiting.

School Accommodations That Help Students with Dyslexia

Specialized, individual instruction can make a difference for students with dyslexia. Many schools use reputable programs such as Wilson, Orton-Gillingham, and Lindamood-Bell. Other accommodations for dyslexia include: