Article brought to us by Legacy Online School website
Is your child struggling? Ten subtle signs your child may need extra support
Key Points:
- Teaching expert explains ten early warning signs that could indicate your child has dyslexia
- Why struggling with rhyme and rhythm, having difficulty learning ABCs, and struggling with directions could all be early signs of dyslexia
- Expert explains the importance of early intervention and targeted support
Dyslexia is a common but often misunderstood learning difference; estimates suggest it affects 1 in 10 people worldwide. The condition can impact a child’s reading, writing, and overall learning experience—but with early identification, parents and teachers can provide necessary support that makes all the difference.
“By catching the signs early, parents can help implement strategies tailored to their child’s individual needs,” says Vasilii Kiselev, CEO and co-founder of Legacy Online School, an online education platform that provides high-quality online education.
Here, he lists ten of the key early warning signs parents need to watch for so children can receive the support they deserve from the very start.
1. Nursery Rhyme Struggles
If your child finds nursery rhymes challenging to learn or memorize, it might be more than just a passing phase. Trouble with rhyming can hint at an underlying difficulty with sound recognition, a foundational reading skill often affected by dyslexia.
2. Story Lover, Letter Avoider
Children with dyslexia may adore listening to stories but show little interest in letters or words. “They’re captivated by the narrative but struggle to engage with written language,” explains Vasilii. “This can be the cause of early reading challenges.”
3. Alphabet Aversion
Learning to sing or recite the alphabet is a typical early milestone, but for children with dyslexia, it can be a daunting task. If your child has a noticeably hard time remembering or singing their ABCs, it may be worth keeping an eye on.
4. Speech Mix-Ups
Swapping parts of words, like saying “cubumber” instead of “cucumber” or “flutterby” instead of “butterfly,” can indicate a difficulty in processing and retrieving sounds. Though adorable, these word mix-ups may be early indicators of a speech or language challenge.
5. Rhythm Roadblocks
Kids with dyslexia often struggle to keep a simple rhythm, such as clapping along to a beat. This difficulty with rhythm can signal sequencing and auditory processing challenges, both linked to dyslexia.
6. Two-Step Trouble
If your child finds it hard to follow multi-step instructions—like “put the toys in the box, then place the box on the shelf”—they may feel overwhelmed by too much information at once. Consistently struggling with doing tasks in sequence can be a sign of dyslexia.
7. Forgetfulness With Familiar Names
Dyslexic children often have trouble recalling the names of familiar people, colors, or objects. “This forgetfulness isn’t due to a lack of attention but because they find it challenging to connect names with their associated concepts,” Vasilii says.
8. Directional Confusion
If “up” and “down” or other directional words cause your child frequent confusion, this 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.
9. Family History Of Reading Struggles
A family history of dyslexia or reading difficulties can increase the likelihood that a child will experience similar challenges. While it’s not definitive, genetics often play a role, making early observation even more valuable.
10. Good Days And Bad Days
Does it feel like your child has “good” and “bad” days for no apparent reason? “Children with dyslexia may experience fluctuating performance due to factors like fatigue or stress, impacting their focus and behavior,” says Vasilii.
Vasilii Kiselev, CEO and co-founder of Legacy Online School, commented:
“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 realize 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.”
About Legacy Online School
Legacy Online School provides a high-quality, flexible, and accredited online education for students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Their curriculum is designed to foster academic excellence and personal growth, allowing students to learn at their own pace. With a team of experienced educators, Legacy Online School combines interactive digital tools with personalized support, ensuring each student’s success. The school emphasizes a well-rounded education, including extracurricular activities and college prep guidance, to prepare students for future endeavors.
Sources
Number of people with dyslexia worldwide: Discovery ABA.
Article brought to us by Legacy Online School website
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
