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Warning Signs of Dyslexia in Kids

Updated: Jul 13

If a child exhibits three or more of the following signs of dyslexia, it’s worth looking deeper. Early identification and structured support can dramatically change a child’s learning path.


At Hammond Bell, our certified dyslexia tutors use research-backed methods like the Barton Reading and Spelling System and Orton-Gillingham-based instruction to help students build confidence and reading skills that last.


This guide—adapted with permission from Susan Barton, leading dyslexia expert and creator of the Barton System—breaks down warning signs by age group so parents, teachers, and caregivers can better understand what to watch for.

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Warning Signs of Dyslexia

Common Signs of Dyslexia in Kids by Age Group

In Preschool

  • delayed speech

  • mixing up the sounds and syllables in long words

  • chronic ear infections

  • severe reactions to childhood illnesses constant confusion of left versus right

  • late establishing a dominant hand

  • difficulty learning to tie shoes

  • trouble memorizing their address, phone

  • number, or the alphabet

  • can't create words that rhyme

  • a close relative with dyslexia


In Elementary School

  • dysgraphia (slow, non-automatic handwriting that is difficult to read)

  • letter or number reversals continuing past the end of first grade

  • extreme difficulty learning cursive

  • slow, choppy, inaccurate reading:

  • guesses based on shape or context

  • skips or misreads prepositions (at, to, of)

  • ignores suffixes

  • can't sound out unknown words

  • terrible spelling

  • often can't remember sight words (they, were, does)

  • or homonyms (their, they're, and there)

  • difficulty telling time with a clock with hands

  • trouble with math:

  • memorizing multiplication tables

  • memorizing a sequence of steps

  • directionality

  • when speaking, difficulty finding the correct word:

  • lots of "whatyamacallits" and "thingies"

  • common sayings come out slightly twisted

  • extremely messy bedroom, backpack, and desk

  • dreads going to school:

  • complains of stomach aches or headaches

  • may have nightmares about school


In High School

All of the above symptoms plus: limited vocabulary

  • extremely poor written expression

  • large discrepancy between verbal skills

  • and written compositions

  • unable to master a foreign language

  • difficulty reading printed music

  • poor grades in many classes

  • may drop out of high school


In Adults

Education history similar to above, plus:

  • slow reader

  • may have to read a page 2 or 3 times to understand it

  • terrible speller

  • difficulty putting thoughts onto paper:

  • dreads writing memos or letters

  • still has difficulty with right versus left

  • often gets lost, even in a familiar city

  • sometimes confuses b and d, especially when tired or sick


Copyright © 2002 by Susan Barton. All Rights Reserved.

Reprinted with prior permission from Susan Barton. To learn more about Dyslexia, visit bartonreading.com and brightsolutions.us.


What To Do If You See These Signs

If these signs sound familiar, we encourage you to reach out for a free dyslexia consultation with one of our certified specialists. With early, research-based intervention, children with dyslexia can learn to read, spell, and succeed academically.


We proudly offer online dyslexia tutoring using trusted programs like Barton and Orton-Gillingham—tailored to meet the unique needs of each student.

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