The Psychology Centre for Educational Matters

Dyslexia: Could My Child Be Dyslexic? Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Dyslexia: Could My Child Be Dyslexic? Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Child frustrated reading and writing Dyslexia Month October

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month

October marks Dyslexia Awareness Month, a crucial time to highlight the importance of understanding and identifying dyslexia early. Dyslexia is a common learning disability which is characterized by difficulties in reading, writing, and/or spelling. Despite these challenges, students with dyslexia have average or above-average intelligence levels. As parents, educators, and communities come together to raise awareness, it’s essential to recognize the signs that may indicate a child is struggling with this common learning difference.

What are the signs of Dyslexia? Dyslexia Definition

Dyslexia is defined as a specific learning disability that affects an individual’s ability to read, write, and/or spell. It is important to note that dyslexia is not a reflection of one’s intelligence, lack of education, or inadequate teaching. Instead, it is a distinct way in which the brain processes information. Dyslexia is quite common, with estimates suggesting that 1 in 5 people have some form of this learning disability. This means that dyslexia can affect individuals of all ages, from children to adults, and recognizing its signs early can make a significant difference in managing its impact.

Common Dyslexia Signs and Symptoms

Although every student with dyslexia is unique, identifying dyslexia early can make a significant difference in a child’s educational experience. Dyslexia symptoms can vary across different age groups, including preschoolers, grade-schoolers, and adults, and some signs may not be immediately recognizable. Here are some age-appropriate signs to watch for:

In Preschool and Kindergarten:

  • Delayed speech development
  • Difficulty learning nursery rhymes and/or playing rhyming games
  • Trouble recognizing letters of the alphabet and/or recognizing letters in their own name
  • Difficulty learning and/or remembering letters of the alphabet and/or their associated sounds

In Elementary School

  • Slow to learn the connection between letters and sounds
  • Confuses small words (at/to, said/and, does/goes)
  • Expresses that reading is hard
  • Fatiques easily, becomes easily distracted when reading and/or tries to avoid reading
  • Struggles when required to sound out a simple word
  • Guesses at words and has errors that have no connection to the word on the page
  • Misspells words, including common words

In Middle School and Beyond:

  • Struggles with reading comprehension and/or spelling
  • Difficulty with written expression, such as organizing thoughts on paper
  • Challenges with learning a foreign language
  • Fatigues easily when participating in reading/writing activities

Importance of Early Assessment, Diagnosis and Intervention

A common saying in education is “between Grades 1 to 3 you learn to read” and “from Grade 3 on, you read to learn”. Like most other learning challenges, early identification and intervention are key, and supporting a student with dyslexia is no different. Typically, the first step is to have your child participate in a comprehensive psycho-educational assessment to determine if they meet the criteria for a Learning Disability Within The Area of Reading, otherwise known as Dyslexia.

Diagnosing dyslexia involves a comprehensive assessment of a student’s cognitive, memory and academic abilities. By identifying the specific challenges a child may face, professionals can develop tailored strategies to support their learning journey.

After determining if one has dyslexia, the next step is to have an intervention plan developed that is tailored to your child’s specific learning needs. Children with dyslexia most often benefit from participating in a specialized Direct Instruction reading program which is based on the Science of Reading, often incorporating multi-sensory techniques. As well, it is important to recognize that every child is unique and while intensive and specific reading intervention is typically the first priority, it is not uncommon for some children to also benefit from related supports such as occupational therapy to strengthen one’s fine motor development, speech-language pathology to support further language development, and/or executive functioning support, which can support such skills as organization, time management and emotional regulation.

What Parents Can Do

Parents play a critical role in observing your child’s reading habits and behaviors. If you notice persistent difficulties with learning how to read, spell and/or write, a psycho-educational assessment may be valuable. Early assessment can provide insights, strategies  and recommendations to support your child’s learning journey.

People with Dyslexia: Success Stories

A common saying is “Having a Learning Disability is not who I am; It’s What I have” and this couldn’t be more true. Students with dyslexia are known for being creative and “big picture” thinkers who exhibit strong problem solving abilities. They are known for their empathy and their ability to make connections.  While it is important to provide specialized and tailored intervention, it is vital that their challenges are honoured, their efforts are recognized, their successes are celebrated and their passions are encouraged.  

Many individuals with this learning disorder have achieved remarkable success in their careers and personal lives. With the right support and accommodations, people with dyslexia can develop effective strategies to support their challenges and excel in various fields. Numerous famous and successful individuals, including entrepreneurs, artists, and athletes, have openly shared their experiences with dyslexia.

Here’s a list of well-known individuals who have achieved great success despite having dyslexia:

Richard Branson: Founder of the Virgin Group, Branson is a renowned entrepreneur who has often spoken about his experiences with dyslexia and how it has shaped his approach to business.

Steven Spielberg: The acclaimed film director and producer, Spielberg has shared how dyslexia influenced his storytelling and creative processes.

Whoopi Goldberg: An award-winning actress, comedian, and television host, Goldberg has been open about her struggles and triumphs with dyslexia.

Anderson Cooper: A prominent journalist and television personality, Cooper has discussed how dyslexia affected his education and career path.

Agatha Christie: The famous mystery writer, Christie is believed to have had dyslexia, which informed her unique writing style and storytelling.

Keira Knightley: The talented actress has spoken about overcoming dyslexia and how it has impacted her acting career.

Jamie Oliver: A celebrity chef and entrepreneur, Oliver has shared his journey with dyslexia and how it has fueled his creativity in the culinary world.

Tom Cruise: The iconic actor has talked about how dyslexia posed challenges early in his life and how he has learned to adapt and thrive.

Henry Winkler: Best known for his role as “The Fonz” on “Happy Days”, Winkler has become a vocal advocate for dyslexia awareness.

Orlando Bloom: The actor has discussed how dyslexia was a challenge in his early education but didn’t deter him from pursuing his dreams.

These individuals exemplify how the unique strengths associated with dyslexia can lead to extraordinary achievements when supported and nurtured. Their stories can inspire hope and perseverance in those currently facing similar challenges.

The stories of these well-known individuals serve as powerful reminders that dyslexia does not define one’s potential. Instead, with perseverance and the right support, individuals with dyslexia can turn their unique strengths into extraordinary achievements.

In Summary, Be Proactive: Raising Awareness of Reading Skills

During Dyslexia Awareness Month, schools and communities are encouraged to host events, workshops, and discussions to educate and support families. Sharing resources like books, online articles, and local support groups can empower parents and educators to better understand and address dyslexia.

Being proactive about identifying dyslexia can lead to a more positive educational experience for your child. By understanding the signs and seeking timely support, you can help unlock your child’s potential and celebrate the unique strengths that come with dyslexia.

Reach out to Dr. Borthwick to start with a free 15 minute consultation and discussion.

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Navigating the challenges of reading difficulties can be daunting for any parent. If your child struggles to read, it might be time to consider an assessment for dyslexia. Early identification is crucial, as it opens the door to tailored interventions like Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) that can significantly enhance your child’s educational journey.

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Dr. Borthwick, C. Psych

Dr. Ann Marie Borthwick is a dedicated school psychologist and former educator with over 20 years of experience. She specializes in providing psycho-educational assessments for children, adolescents, and adults with complex learning needs. As the founder of The Psychology Centre for Educational Matters, Dr. Borthwick combines her expertise from her roles in the Peel District School Board and multiple private practices to deliver personalized, high-quality assessments and recommendations. Known for her warmth and compassion, she serves clients from Oakville to West Toronto, helping them achieve their fullest potential. Dr. Borthwick is committed to empowering families and educators, ensuring that every child receives the support they need to succeed.
"As a psychologist, former educator, and mother, I recognize that the health, education, and happiness of your child is of utmost importance. I aim to provide assessments and consultations that are of the highest quality and will provide the same attention to detail that I would want for my own children." - Dr. Borthwick, C. Psych.
Dr. Borthwick is committed to being the ‘go-to’ specialist for families who find themselves thinking, “Help, my child can’t read!”

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