Recognizing early signs of dyslexia and other reading difficulties is easy if you know what to look for. Unfortunately, most of us don’t; many kids get left behind.
You may be wondering if your child has a learning difference. Neuro-diverse kids with ADHD or dyslexia often go untreated because parents and teachers don’t have the tools to recognize what’s happening and help.
Many parents notice something feels “off” with how their child picks up reading skills—but aren’t sure what it means or what to do next.
Reading doesn’t come easily to every child. While some kids quickly learn to connect letters and sounds, others struggle in unexpected ways. These early challenges could be signs of a learning difference, such as dyslexia, a common condition that affects how the brain processes written language.
Dyslexia can make reading slow, confusing, or frustrating—even when a child is bright and eager to learn.
In this article, we’ll help you understand what reading difficulties can look like in young children. We’ll go over the early signs of dyslexia and other learning differences, explain what to watch for by age, and guide you through the steps to get your child the support they need. When we know what to look for, we can catch reading struggles early, giving every child a chance to grow into a confident, capable reader.
Understanding Reading Struggles
Learning to read involves hearing and understanding sounds, matching sounds to letters, and putting those letters and sounds together to read words. Reading becomes hard when a child has trouble with one or more parts of this process.
Some children may have a learning difference, such as dyslexia. Others may need extra time or help to build skills. But the signs of struggle can often look the same at first. Paying attention and taking early action is key.
How to Catch Signs of Dyslexia Early On
You might see signs of reading trouble before your child even starts Kindergarten. For example, your preschooler may struggle to rhyme or follow simple directions. They may have difficulty learning new words or remembering the names of letters. These can all be signs that your child’s brain works differently.
In Kindergarten, your child is learning to connect letters and sounds. It may be another red flag if they find this process confusing or have difficulty using this knowledge to read simple words. .
Reading should become more fluent and natural as your child moves into the early grades. But if reading is still slow and hard, if your child guesses at words instead of sounding them out, skips lines, or mixes up words, it’s time to take a closer look.
What Reading Trouble Can Look Like
Children with reading challenges might read one word correctly and then miss it the next time. They may add or skip words when reading aloud. Sometimes, they can read the words but don’t understand what they just read.
They might lose their place on the page or move their eyes in the wrong direction. Some kids flip letters or read words backward. Others guess at words that don’t make sense in the sentence. These aren’t just little mistakes—they can be signs of a deeper problem.
You might also notice your child getting upset when it’s time to read. Maybe they avoid reading homework or feel embarrassed to read aloud. Frustration, anxiety, and even physical symptoms like stomachaches that appear at homework time or in the classroom can be signs that reading feels overwhelming to your child.
Common Reading Struggles by Age
In preschool, kids who struggle with language might have delayed speech. They may mix up sounds or have trouble remembering simple rhymes. Following directions might be difficult, and they may not enjoy books like other kids.
By Kindergarten, these children may have a hard time learning letter names and the sounds they make. They might not recognize their own name in print. Sounding out short words may feel confusing or frustrating. They may also show little interest in books or avoid reading time altogether.
The struggles often become more evident in grades first through third. Reading may be slow and choppy. “Sight” words are hard to remember. Kids may skip words or lines, guess often, and avoid reading out loud. Even if they can read the words, understanding their meaning is still hard.
What Parents of Dyslexic Children Can Do to Help
If you’re worried, trust your instincts. You don’t have to wait and see if things get better on their own. The earlier you step in, the more you can help.
Start by observing your child closely. Write down what you notice. When do they get stuck? What words do they miss? Do they get frustrated or upset? Keeping track of these signs can help you see patterns.
Next, talk to your child’s teacher. Share what you’ve seen at home and ask if the same happens at school. Teachers can tell you how your child is doing compared to others and may suggest extra help or assessments.
If reading continues to be a struggle, ask for a formal evaluation. A reading specialist or educational psychologist can assess your child’s skills and determine if there’s a specific learning difference, like dyslexia. You don’t need a diagnosis to start helping your child, but having one can lead to more in-school support and better strategies to use in and out of the classroom.
How You Can Help Your Dyslexic Child at Home
Reading together is one of the best ways to support your child. Make it a fun and safe time, not a stressful one. Take turns reading, or read aloud to them. Let them choose books that interest them, even if the words are simple.
Play games that build language, like rhyming, matching sounds, or clapping out syllables. Talk about words that sound the same or different. Point out letters and sounds in everyday life—on signs, food labels, or menus.
Give your child praise for effort, not just for getting things right. Let them know it’s okay to make mistakes. What matters most is trying and not giving up. Build a space at home where books are easy to reach and reading is part of daily life.
You can also find tools and programs that match your child’s needs. Many kids do better with multisensory learning, where they see, hear, and move while learning. This is a key part of the Orton-Gillingham approach, which has helped many kids with reading challenges, including dyslexia.
If you’re looking for the right kind of support, we recommend working with an Orton-Gillingham trained tutor or program. These specialists are trained to use evidence-based strategies designed specifically for students with dyslexia.
We keep an up-to-date list of trusted tutors on the REED Charitable Foundation website—including professionals from all over the country, not just Florida—so you can find help no matter where you live.
Why Early Action Matters
The sooner reading struggles are spotted, the better the outcome. Children who get help early are more likely to catch up and build strong reading skills. They feel more confident in school and are more willing to try new things.
But when reading difficulties go unnoticed, kids can fall further behind. This often leads to low self-esteem, frustration, and even behavior issues. Reading is the foundation for learning in every subject. Helping your child now can make a big difference for years to come.
Reading Struggles Are More Common Than You Think
Every child learns in their own way. Struggling to read doesn’t mean a child isn’t bright. It may mean they simply need a different approach. You can be your child’s biggest support by watching closely, asking questions, and taking action early.
If you think your child may have a reading difference, don’t wait. Talk to their teacher, seek help, and explore ways to support them at home. With the right help, every child can learn to read—and learn to love reading too.
