Signs of Dyslexia in Children: What to Look Out For and How to Help

Dyslexia is one of the most common learning difficulties, affecting around 10% of the UK population. It primarily impacts reading, writing, and spelling, but its effects go far beyond these areas, often influencing a child’s confidence and self-esteem. As teachers and parents, recognising the early signs of dyslexia in children is crucial to providing timely support that can make a significant difference to their educational journey.

Early Signs of Dyslexia

For children with dyslexia, the signs often start appearing in primary school, although some symptoms may be noticeable even earlier. Below are key indicators to look out for at different stages of a child’s development:

1. Pre-School Age (Before 5 Years Old):

   • Delayed speech development compared to peers.

   • Difficulty recognising rhyming patterns or learning nursery rhymes.

   • Struggling to learn the alphabet or remember the names of letters.

2. Early Primary School (5-7 Years Old):

   • Difficulty learning to read and slow progress despite regular practice.

   • Frequent mixing up of letters, particularly those that look or sound similar (e.g., ‘b’ and ‘d’, ‘p’ and ‘q’).

   • Poor phonological awareness, meaning they find it hard to identify and manipulate sounds in words.

   • Struggles to write words in the correct order or consistently misspells simple words.

3. Older Primary School (7 Years Old and Up):

   • Difficulty reading aloud and frequently losing place in the text.

   • Trouble understanding what they have read, even if they can decode the words.

   • Avoiding reading and writing tasks, leading to frustration or low self-esteem.

   • Problems with memory, particularly when trying to remember sequences like times tables, days of the week, or months of the year.

How Teachers and Parents Can Help

If you suspect a child is showing signs of dyslexia, early intervention is key. There are many strategies that teachers and parents can adopt to help children manage and overcome challenges associated with dyslexia:

• Tailored Learning Plans: Personalised learning approaches can significantly benefit dyslexic children. Using methods like multi-sensory learning, where information is presented through different sensory channels (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic), can enhance understanding and retention.

• Use of Assistive Technology: Tools such as text-to-speech software, audiobooks, and educational apps like Yuno can support dyslexic learners by making lessons more accessible and engaging. Yuno, for example, uses AI-generated songs and videos to simplify complex topics and improve retention, making learning more fun and effective for children with dyslexia.

• Positive Reinforcement and Building Confidence: Acknowledge the child’s strengths, whether it's creativity, problem-solving, or other talents. Positive reinforcement builds confidence and helps them stay motivated despite academic challenges.

• Seek Professional Support: If you suspect dyslexia, obtaining an assessment from a specialist such as an educational psychologist can provide a diagnosis and open up access to additional resources and support.

Conclusion

Recognising the signs of dyslexia early can make a world of difference in a child’s academic and personal life. By adopting tailored teaching methods, incorporating assistive technology, and providing emotional support, teachers and parents can help dyslexic children overcome their challenges and unlock their full potential. Platforms like Yuno can play a pivotal role in this journey, using innovative methods to make learning enjoyable and accessible for all.