Early Signs of Dyslexia and What to Look for at Every Age

At Project Uplift, we believe that early identification is one of the most powerful tools for helping children with dyslexia succeed. While dyslexia is a lifelong condition, the sooner we understand how a child learns, the sooner we can give them the support they need to thrive.

Dyslexia looks different at different ages, and it often goes undiagnosed because early signs can be mistaken for typical development. Below, we’ve outlined common signs of dyslexia by age group, so parents and educators can recognize red flags and seek appropriate assessment and support.

Signs of Dyslexia in Preschoolers

In preschool, early language development challenges may signal a future reading difficulty. If your child shows several of these signs, it may be time to talk with a specialist or educational psychologist:

• Talks later than most children
• Has trouble pronouncing words clearly
• Struggles to learn new vocabulary
• Has difficulty recalling words or names
• Cannot easily rhyme words
• Has trouble learning the alphabet, numbers, days of the week, colors, and shapes
• Struggles to follow multi-step directions
• Cannot retell stories in order
• Has trouble blending or separating sounds in words

Many children may experience one or two of these issues, but consistent challenges across these areas should be taken seriously.

Signs of Dyslexia in Kindergarten to Grade 4

As reading instruction becomes more formal, dyslexia often becomes more apparent. Children in early elementary may:

• Have difficulty reading single words in isolation
• Struggle to connect letters with sounds
• Confuse small or similar-looking words (e.g., “at” vs. “to”)
• Make frequent reading and spelling errors, such as:
  • Reversing letters (“b” for “d”)
  • Reversing entire words (“tip” for “pit”)
  • Inverting letters (“m” for “w”)
  • Transposing letters (“felt” for “left”)
  • Substituting similar words (“house” for “home”)

• Use an awkward pencil grip
• Struggle with learning to tell time

These patterns are consistent with dyslexia and should not be overlooked, especially if they persist over time.

Signs of Dyslexia in Grades 5 through 8

In upper elementary and middle school, dyslexia may affect not just reading but also writing, spelling, and overall academic performance. Older children may:

• Read at a noticeably lower level than their peers
• Mix up letter sequences in words (e.g., “soiled” instead of “solid”)
• Struggle to learn prefixes, suffixes, and word roots
• Spell the same word differently on the same page
• Avoid reading aloud in class
• Have difficulty solving word problems in math
• Exhibit poor or illegible handwriting
• Avoid writing altogether

These signs can impact a student’s self-esteem and performance, which is why early intervention and ongoing support are essential.

What Should Parents Do If They Notice These Signs?

If your child is exhibiting multiple signs of dyslexia at any age:

• Schedule an evaluation with a trained educational psychologist or reading specialist.
• Ask about structured literacy intervention, such as Orton-Gillingham or Wilson Reading System.
• Communicate with your child’s school to discuss appropriate accommodations and support.

Remember

A child with dyslexia is not less intelligent; they simply learn differently. At Project Uplift, we’re here to guide families and educators through the process with compassion, expertise, and evidence-based tools. Reach out to us if you need help navigating next steps.