Dyslexia Symptoms: Recognizing Learning Disabilities Early

Dyslexia Symptoms & Causes: Early Signs of Learning Disabilities

Dyslexia is a prevalent learning disorder that impacts the brain’s ability to interpret written words and symbols accurately. It is typically identified during early childhood and can have a lasting impact on reading, writing, and overall academic performance. Recognising dyslexia symptoms early is essential for timely intervention and long-term success.

In this blog, you will get a comprehensive overview of dyslexia, including its symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment options, and more.

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a neurological learning disorder that primarily affects reading and language-based skills. It stems from differences in how the brain interprets written language, making it more challenging to recognise and process words accurately.

Most individuals are diagnosed during childhood, and the condition typically persists throughout life. This type of dyslexia is referred to as ‘developmental dyslexia’.

What are the Symptoms of Dyslexia?

Common early dyslexia symptoms in children are as follows:

• Slower development in language abilities compared to peers.
• Difficulty recognising or recalling letters of the alphabet.
• Confusing letters and words regularly.
• Frequent mispronunciation of familiar words.
• Mixing up visually similar letters, such as confusing ‘b’ with ‘d’ or ‘p’ with ‘q’, is common in dyslexia.
• Challenges in identifying rhyming sequences, for example, in nursery rhymes.
   

The following are the dyslexia symptoms in elementary school-aged children:

• Struggles with reading fluency and speed compared to classmates.
• Difficulty distinguishing between certain letters or similar-looking words.
• Problems associating letters with their respective sounds.
• Reversal of numbers or letters in writing, like using ‘b’ instead of d.
• Trouble decoding words while reading.
• Slow or laboured writing skills.
• Frequent misspelling of simple and familiar words.
• Complaints about words appearing to blur or move on the page.
• Difficulty understanding or remembering instructions.
   

Below are the dyslexia symptoms you may find in individuals after elementary school:
 

• Reduced social interaction due to communication challenges.
• Noticeable issues with spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Longer time required to complete assignments and exams.
• Illegible or untidy handwriting.
• Delayed or hesitant speech.
• Discomfort with reading aloud.
• Usage of incorrect but similar-sounding words.
   

The following are the dyslexia symptoms in adults:

• Challenges with reading-intensive tasks.
• Struggles in spelling, recalling words, or retaining vocabulary.
• Trouble taking notes or transcribing information.
• Misinterpretation of idioms, metaphors, or expressions.
• Difficulty with mathematics, learning foreign languages, or remembering numerical information like passwords.
• Problems maintaining organisation or adhering to deadlines.
   

What are the Causes of Dyslexia?

The following are various causes that can lead to the symptoms of dyslexia:

• Genetic Influences: Dyslexia is commonly found in multiple family members and is widely regarded as having a strong genetic component. A child with a parent who has dyslexia has a significantly increased likelihood of developing the condition.
• Developmental Disruptions: Factors such as exposure to infections, toxins, or other environmental influences during fetal development may interfere with brain development, potentially increasing the risk of dyslexia.
• Neurological Differences: Individuals with dyslexia show variations in brain structure and function, particularly in areas responsible for language and reading skills. These neurological differences contribute to the difficulties commonly associated with dyslexia.
   

What are the Risk Factors of Dyslexia?

Several contributing factors can increase the chances of developing dyslexia. These include:

• Exposure to environmental toxins such as polluted air or contaminated water, particularly involving substances like lead, manganese, nicotine, or flame-retardant chemicals, can heighten the risk.
• Limited availability of books or reading activities in early childhood settings, especially in homes where reading is not prioritised, may contribute to the development of dyslexia.
• Inadequate academic support or a lack of a stimulating educational environment may also raise the chances of exhibiting symptoms of dyslexia.
   

How is Dyslexia Diagnosed?

Dyslexia can be identified and addressed at any stage of life, though early detection often leads to more effective intervention. The diagnosis is typically carried out by a qualified educational psychologist. Diagnosing dyslexia includes a variety of educational assessments that are used to evaluate specific literacy skills. These assessments focus on key areas such as:

• Word decoding abilities
• Reading fluency and accuracy
• Spelling proficiency
• Word recognition
• Oral and written communication skills
   

What are the Treatment Options for Dyslexia?

While there are no medications to directly treat dyslexia, various educational tools and instructional methods can support individuals in becoming more proficient readers and writers. They include the following:

1. Structured Reading Programs: Children with dyslexia often experience challenges in connecting letters to their corresponding sounds and understanding the meanings of words. Targeted reading support plays a crucial role in developing core literacy skills. With guidance from a reading specialist, individuals can improve their ability to:
 

1. Decode letters and words using phonics
2. Increase reading fluency and speed
3. Enhance reading comprehension
4. Develop clearer and more organised writing
    

2. Additional Educational Support: Schools are legally required to implement personalised learning support plans for students diagnosed with dyslexia. These are known as Individualised Education Plans (IEPs). An Individualised Education Plan (IEP) details a student's specific learning challenges and the approaches designed to support their educational progress.
 

Their support services may include:
 

1. Special Education Services: Qualified educators or reading specialists may provide one-on-one or small-group instruction, either within the regular classroom or in a specialised learning environment.
2. Academic Accommodations: Adjustments detailed in an IEP might involve the use of assistive technologies like text-to-speech software, access to audiobooks, extended time for exams, or alternative testing formats.
    

3. Home-Based Learning Support: Skill development can also be reinforced outside of the classroom. Home support plays a valuable role in reinforcing learning strategies introduced in school settings. Effective techniques for managing dyslexia include:
 

1. Reading in quiet, distraction-free spaces
2. Following along with audio recordings of books to support word recognition
3. Dividing tasks into smaller, manageable segments to reduce overwhelm
4. Seeking additional instruction or clarification when necessary
5. Participating in peer or community support groups for individuals with dyslexia
    

How to Prevent Dyslexia?

Although dyslexia cannot be fully prevented due to its unclear cause, early support and strategic interventions can reduce its impact. The following measures can help manage symptoms of dyslexia effectively:

• Early Identification: Spotting warning signs like difficulty recognising letters, slow word learning, or trouble following instructions can lead to timely intervention and better outcomes.
• Balanced Nutrition: While it does not prevent dyslexia, proper nutrition from pregnancy onwards supports healthy brain development and overall learning readiness.
• Encourage Reading Early: Reading to children from infancy and using audiobooks or rhymes builds language skills and fosters a love for reading.
• Seek Expert Support: Specialists can assess learning challenges and create customised intervention plans to support both the child and the family.
• Work with Teachers: Informing educators enables them to provide tailored support through Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) and track the child’s progress regularly.
   

Recognising and addressing dyslexia symptoms early can greatly improve learning outcomes and quality of life. While dyslexia is a lifelong condition, the right support, expert guidance, and collaborative care can empower individuals to manage challenges and achieve academic success.