Have you ever wondered what are the signs of dyslexia in a 5-year-old? Let’s break down the signs.

What are the signs of dyslexia in a 5 year old?

No parent wants to worry about their child’s potential learning difficulties. Unfortunately, learning disabilities like dyslexia affect around one in five children, so parents need to stay vigilant. You can spot the first symptoms of dyslexia and reading difficulties as young kids begin to learn simple words.

Poor spelling and messy handwriting are some of the early signs of dyslexia. However, these issues may indicate other problems, so testing for dyslexia is crucial. Still, if parents suspect their child has dyslexia, they can read about the symptoms and solutions discussed in this article.

What is dyslexia?

The first description of dyslexia was recorded in the late 19th century. A doctor in England wrote about an imaginative young boy who was excellent at games but had difficulty learning to read. That was the first time people realized that even the brightest kids might have learning disabilities.

People with dyslexia struggle to match the letters they see on a page with the sounds the letters and their combinations make. It's essential to differentiate dyslexia from dyspraxia, which is a motor skills issue.

Kids and adults with dyspraxia aren't struggling to process language. Instead, they have difficulty with movement developments that deal with coordination. Finally, dyslexia is different from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD,) though these two disorders may occur together.  

The warning signs of dyslexia in five-year-olds

A person’s family history plays a significant role in understanding and treating dyslexia. If one parent has dyslexia, there is nearly a 50% chance their child will have this learning disability. Still, all parents should pay attention to the signs of dyslexia in a five-year-old kid.

Struggling with learning letters and sounds

Children learn at different rates. However, if a child takes much longer to establish the connection between letters and sounds, that might be an early sign of dyslexia. Elementary school kids who still try to guess the word instead of reading it could have dyslexia.

Reading problems

Again, many children have trouble reading when they start learning. However, children with dyslexia might struggle with problems like skipping words or entire lines of text. Additionally, if a child has difficulty reading, they may show signs of low self-esteem and try to avoid reading altogether.

Spelling difficulties

Letter reversals and omissions are common signs of dyslexia. Spelling is tricky and takes time, but constant use of the wrong vowel and mixing up sounds is typical for this learning disability.

Problems copying written language

Dyslexic children usually write slower and make many errors. They may also have problems with copying written language before them. Furthermore, their handwriting may be difficult to read.

Issues with rhyming

Depending on their grade level, kids typically love rhyming. However, children with dyslexia may show very little understanding of rhymes. For example, they may struggle to remember even the simplest rhyming sequences like “Cat sat with a hat.”

Tips for confronting the common signs of dyslexia

Five-year-old children are only starting to learn the basics of literacy and deserve adults around them that are patient and understanding. You can try a few excellent strategies that could help a child with dyslexia.

Read to your child

Reading aloud to the child can only benefit their development. If possible, parents should read to their children every day. However, it's crucial to choose decodable books appropriate for their age.

Celebrate successes

We all need encouragement and recognition. Parents and teachers can make a tremendous difference by celebrating every milestone and even the smallest victories.  

Work together with your child’s teachers on lesson plans

A child with dyslexia needs all the help available to them. Most likely, they will do their best if their parents and educators work together. This cooperation can show the child that they have support from multiple sources, which can lead to better self-advocacy in the future.

Read slowly together

Dyslexic students often feel embarrassed because they read slower than their peers. That's why the focus should not be on the speed at all but on accuracy. Parents can explain to their child that some people read slower and can even adapt to their reading pace.

Use text to speech to help with letter and word sounds

Because parents can’t always read to their children aloud, text to speech (TTS) apps are great assistive tools. The best text to speech apps come with customizable reading speeds, which is immensely helpful to people with dyslexia.

Speechify - The versatile text to speech app

Text to speech apps can give students with dyslexia the independence they often need. A TTS platform like Speechify is designed to help struggling readers by reading any digital text aloud. Users can choose between dozens of natural-sounding voices and use the visual highlighting feature to help them learn more efficiently without feeling overly anxious.

With Speechify, you can adjust the reading speed, create bookmarks, and upload files. Speechify has a user-friendly interface across many platforms, including the Chrome browser and iOS and Android mobile apps. Try Speechify today for free and see first-hand how it improves language skills.

FAQ

What are the red flags of dyslexia?

The red flags of dyslexia depend on the child's age, although some people discover they have dyslexia later in life. Most common dyslexia red flags in children include difficulties recognizing rhyming patterns, spelling their name, skipping letters of the alphabet, and a lack of phonological awareness.

How do I check my child for dyslexia?

If you suspect your child has dyslexia, a complete evaluation is the best solution. Educational psychologists, speech therapists, and special education teachers are usually the experts that administer tests. They may test the child for decoding, reading comprehension, and phonological and phonemic awareness.

How do I know if my child has mild dyslexia?

A child can have either mild or more severe dyslexia, which applies to any learning disorder. A case of mild dyslexia may include problems like inconsistent spelling abilities. Furthermore, if a child struggles to memorize nursery rhymes or new words occasionally, perhaps it’s mild dyslexia.

What can I do if I think my child is dyslexic?

The first step is to talk to the child’s teacher or an educational therapist and ask for advice. Testing for dyslexia differs for young children who are still in preschool, first grade, and high school students.

What is the best way to help a child with dyslexia?

Dyslexic children need a lot of help to overcome their reading problems. Parents and teachers should frequently read to the child, celebrate small victories, and remind them of their other talents.

What is the International Dyslexia Association?

The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to solving problems surrounding dyslexia. Members of the organization are specialists in the field, parents, and teachers. The IDA headquarters is in Baltimore, MD.