Signs of Dyslexia
There isn't one single sign that tells you somebody is dyslexic.
Difficulties can vary considerably between individuals and may also change as the demands of school, university, work and everyday life change.
Recognising possible signs can help you decide whether further advice or assessment may be useful, but only an appropriate diagnostic assessment can establish whether somebody is dyslexic.
Signs of dyslexia in children
Parents may notice difficulties including:
- learning to read accurately and fluently
- persistent spelling problems
- struggling to write ideas coherently
- difficulty getting thoughts onto paper
- remembering several instructions at once
- slow processing
- taking longer to complete schoolwork
- difficulty with phonological skills
- becoming anxious or frustrated by schoolwork
- losing confidence despite trying hard.
Suzanne's team also regularly hears from parents whose child has a family history of dyslexia and is beginning to display similar difficulties.
Signs in older children and teenagers
As schoolwork becomes more demanding, difficulties can become apparent through:
- slow reading
- persistent spelling difficulties
- slow written work
- difficulty organising ideas
- struggling to complete work within the available time
- difficulty remembering information
- needing considerably longer to revise or complete homework.
For some pupils, concerns become particularly apparent when timed examinations begin to place greater demands on reading, writing and processing.
Signs of dyslexia in university students
Some people successfully compensate throughout school and only begin to struggle when they reach further or higher education.
Greater volumes of reading, independent study, note-taking and written assignments can expose difficulties that had previously been manageable.
A formal assessment may help explain those difficulties and, where applicable, support access to appropriate university assistance.
Signs of dyslexia in adults
Adults who approach Dyslexia West Midlands commonly describe:
- persistent spelling difficulties
- slow reading
- difficulty writing emails
- failing to notice their own written mistakes
- difficulty getting thoughts into writing
- lacking confidence reading aloud
- working much harder than colleagues on literacy-based tasks
- concerns about whether their skills are sufficient for promotion or further study.
What about words moving around on the page?
Parents and adults frequently ask whether words or letters moving or "bobbing" around means somebody is dyslexic.
Experiences such as this shouldn't be used alone to determine whether somebody has dyslexia. A diagnostic assessment looks at a much broader pattern of skills and difficulties.
Does having these signs mean somebody is dyslexic?
No. Some of these difficulties can occur for other reasons or alongside other learning or neurodevelopmental differences. The purpose of professional assessment is to look beyond individual symptoms and build a fuller understanding of the person's profile.
FAQs
What should I do if I recognise several signs of dyslexia?
Can a bright child still have dyslexia?
Does reversing letters mean a child is dyslexic?
Can signs of dyslexia look different from one person to another?
What are common signs of dyslexia in adults?
What are common signs of dyslexia in children?
What should I do if I suspect dyslexia?
If you're concerned about yourself or your child, you don't have to decide immediately whether to book an assessment.
Talk to us about what you've noticed and we can discuss the options available.
Trusted by Parents, Schools & Professionals
Izzy Aylwin
I booked a dyslexia test earlier this year and was in a rush to meet my universities deadline. Dyslexia West Midlands were very considerate about the time pressure due to my deadline and I received my report much quicker than estimated. The test was carried out professionally and in a comfortable environment. I highly recommend if you are considering getting a dyslexia test.
chrissy d
Our son had been struggling academically, socially and emotionally at school. The team have been so patient with him and employed many different strategies to enable him learn at his own level. Suzanne came in to do an observation on him at school and provided a detailed report to the school, suggesting many strategies the school could try to enable him to access his learning more effectively, maintain concentration for longer and generally be happier at school.
Camille Stedall
Thank you for all your assistance. We have found your team very supportive and helpful it’s be great to have your experienced advice and educational support.
Martin Gould
I can't praise Suzanne and her team highly enough; very professional but with a relaxed manner which creates a great atmosphere for our 9 year old son to learn in.
Michael John Bayley
After a discussion through a free consultation we decided to get my daughter assessed. The process was very simple and the report was very thorough. My daughter now feels more confident and happy in her approach to learning and school. Thanks Dyslexia West Midlands.
I only called to get more information because my daughter (year 4) really struggles with spelling. Suzanne asked a number of very precise questions and suggested to do a vision test. Now my daughter has glasses and seems much more confident. We will see how that might affect her spelling but I would never have known that she might be struggling with her vision. Thank you so much! I am beyond grateful.
Contact Us
HQ Assessment Centre
Dyslexia West Midlands
Number 3, The Quadrant,
Coventry, CV1 2DY
Teaching Centre
51 Lynchgate Lane,
Burbage, LE10 2DR
Teaching Centre
Regus: Birmingham Blythe Valley Business Park, Central Boulevard, Solihull, Birmingham, B90 8AG
Free 15 minute Consultations available
Assessments for adults and children starting from £250
Need extra time for examinations?
We have specialist teachers that can conduct a FORM 8 for GCSE's and A levels. Please call or e mail to find out more.
Ready to Step Forward?
Whether you're a parent, an adult suspecting you might be dyslexic, or a school seeking clarity, Dyslexia West Midlands is here to help.
