All About Dyslexia: Causes, Symptoms, and Expert Tips for Children

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is thought of as letter reversals such as reading /b/ as /d/. For many years, before becoming a speech-language pathologist, even I thought so. But it is much more than that. Dyslexia disorder is a difficulty in reading printed material. It is a type of learning disability. The individual may have difficulties in reading words, sentences, passages, and longer texts. Not only this. Because they have difficulty in reading, they also face difficulty in understanding what they read. Many individuals think that it is a problem of low intelligence.

However, that is not the case. Individuals with dyslexia have a minimum of average intelligence. Following are the common types of learning disability in children. Dyslexia disorder is one of them. And also the most common one. Almost 80% of individuals with a learning disability are estimated to have dyslexia disorder. If you are looking to understand what is dyslexia in children, this article provides all the essential insights.

Causes of Dyslexia

Dyslexia often runs in families and may be linked to genetic factors inherited from parents. While the exact cause remains unclear, research suggests a neurological basis affecting how the brain processes written and spoken language.

Signs of Dyslexia

The signs of dyslexia disorder usually start appearing when your child starts school. In other words, the symptoms of dyslexia in children appear at this age because it is at this stage that children learn to read. Thus, a child with dyslexia learning disorder may show the following signs:

• Read and write alphabets or words very slowly

• Jumble the order of letters within a word

• Letter reversals such as writing “b” instead of “d”

• Spelling errors that are inconsistent

• Understand verbal information but have difficulty with written comprehension

• Difficulty in following sequenced directions

• Difficulty in planning and organizing tasks

If your child exhibits these symptoms, it's crucial to seek early dyslexia learning disorder diagnosis through a qualified professional.

Characteristics by age

Dyslexia can present in various ways in different age groups. Some of the main characteristics are outlined below:

Preschool children

• Difficulty in pronouncing words properly.

• Difficulty in pronouncing long words

• Jumbling up words and phrases such as “won for now”

• Difficulty in using sentences

• Difficulty in understanding and using rhyming words

• Appropriate word-finding difficulty

• Difficulty in learning alphabets

School-age children

• Spelling errors that are inconsistent

• Difficulty in learning sounds of the alphabets

• Difficulty with the order of the letters

• Slow reading and writing speeds.

• Errors while reading

• Difficulty in following order of directions

• Poor handwriting skills

• Poor phonological awareness and word attack skills

Teenagers and Adults

In addition to the above characteristics, dyslexia in adults may present with the following difficulties as well:

• Difficulty in writing expression.

• Poorly organized writing skills

• Difficulty in planning and organizing written tasks like articles, letters, etc.

• Difficulty in revising content for exams

• Avoids reading and writing

• Difficulty in note-taking or copying

• Poor ability to memorize phone numbers or numerical data

• Difficulty in following deadlines

Associated problems

Individuals with dyslexia may have some associated problems which may be present such as:

• Difficulty with short term memory

• Difficulty with reading, writing & manipulation of numbers

• Limited attention span such as ADHD

• Poor time management skills

• Poor physical coordination problems like dyspraxia

Diagnosing Dyslexia

The earlier a child with dyslexia is diagnosed, the more effective interventions are likely to be. However,  learning disability diagnosis in young children can be difficult because the signs and symptoms are not always obvious. A dyslexia assessment can be carried out by a psychologist. In addition, they will be able to understand your child’s requirements and help you and the teachers support your child.

The assessment may involve observing your child in their learning environment, talking with key parents and teachers involved with your child’s learning, and asking your child to take some tests.

These tests will assess your child’s:

• Reading and writing abilities

• Language development and vocabulary

• Logical reasoning and memory

• The speed they can process visual and auditory data

• Organizational skills

After your child has been assessed, you will receive an assessment report that states their strengths and weaknesses, with recommendations of what could be done to improve areas they’re having difficulties with. If you're looking for a "dyslexia specialist near me" or "how to assess dyslexia in children", early identification can make a major difference.

Managing Dyslexia: Effective Therapy Approaches

Dyslexia is a lifelong condition, but with the right therapy, children can thrive academically and emotionally. The type and intensity of support depend on the child’s learning needs.

Professionals Who Help

• Special Educators: Provide structured strategies for reading comprehension, spelling, and vocabulary using multisensory methods.

• Psychologists: Offer emotional and behavioral support to children, parents, and teachers.

• Speech-Language Pathologists: Help improve phonological and language skills to enhance reading and communication.

• Occupational Therapists: Work on fine-motor and organizational skills.

• Physical Therapists: Address coordination or motor challenges when present.

At 1SpecialPlace, India’s leading online therapy platform, a multidisciplinary team of experts provides holistic, individualized therapy for dyslexia and related learning difficulties.

Tips to Support a Dyslexic Child

Parents play a vital role in supporting their child’s learning and confidence. Here are some expert-approved tips:

1. Establish a Routine

Children with dyslexia benefit from structured routines. A consistent schedule with short breaks helps them stay organized and manage time better.

2. Practice Reading Together

Make reading a daily habit. Try paired reading or audiobooks and discuss the story together. Break passages into smaller sections and encourage your child to answer questions at their pace.

3. Make Learning Fun

Use games like “I Spy,” memory activities, or phonics-based games to make learning engaging. Play word or spelling games to enhance reading and vocabulary.

4. Writing Practice

Children with dyslexia often find writing challenging. Use creative tools like sand trays, shaving foam, or colored pens for practice. Help them plan ideas before writing and use visual aids to organize their thoughts.

5. Use Color Coding

Color-coded notebooks and post-its help children differentiate subjects and stay organized. This simple visual system can make a big difference.

6. Build Self-Esteem

Encourage your child’s efforts and celebrate small achievements. Recognize their strengths be it art, music, or sports and nurture them to boost confidence.

7. Support Homework

Create a distraction-free study space and use visual checklists. Collaborate with teachers for tailored learning plans and reward your child’s efforts.

8. Avoid Comparisons

Each child has unique strengths and abilities. Focus on progress rather than comparison to maintain motivation and self-esteem.

Tips to Promote Writing in Children with Dyslexia

1. Develop Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor strength improves handwriting. Engage your child in fun activities such as:

• Coloring

• Finger painting

• Bead threading

• Pulse transferring between bowls

2. Teach Through Visualization

Children with dyslexia are strong visual thinkers. Read aloud and ask them to describe what they imagine, then help them organize these visuals into written stories.

3. Make a Keyword Chart

Write commonly used words and articles (“a,” “and,” “the”) on a chart and place it on the study table. This helps with vocabulary recall during writing.

4. Practice Writing Skills

Use large-font, ruled notebooks for clarity. Practice alphabets, words, and short sentences daily.

5. Play Spelling-Writing Bee

Gamify spelling practice by turning it into a fun competition. Give points for each correct word to keep your child motivated.

READ RISE Program for Dyslexia at 1SpecialPlace

READ RISE is a science-based, therapist-led reading intervention program by 1SpecialPlace. It supports children with dyslexia and other reading challenges through structured, step-by-step learning. The program combines multisensory instruction, personalized therapy, and emotional support to enhance reading fluency and decoding skills. What makes READ RISE special is its heart-centered approach grounded in research, yet tailored to each child’s unique journey.

Whether your child is just beginning to show signs of reading difficulty or already has a dyslexia diagnosis, READ RISE provides a nurturing path to literacy success. Because every child deserves the chance to rise.

Final Thoughts

Children with dyslexia can thrive when given early intervention, encouragement, and consistent support. Stay patient, communicate openly with teachers, and continue home-based strategies alongside professional therapy.

With the right guidance such as 1SpecialPlace’s online dyslexia therapy your child can overcome reading challenges and develop the confidence to succeed.