Signs Your Child Might Be Struggling with Dyslexia (And What to Do Next)
It is heartbreaking to watch a bright, capable child become frustrated to the point of tears over a simple reading assignment or spelling test. If evening homework has turned into a daily battleground, you might be wondering if something more than just "needing to try harder" is going on.
Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences, affecting up to 20% of the population to some degree. However, because it often goes undetected in standard classroom settings, many students suffer in silence, assuming they just aren't smart.
The truth? Dyslexia has absolutely nothing to do with intelligence. It is simply a neurological difference in how the brain processes language. Recognizing the signs early is the first step toward getting your child the right kind of help.
Common Signs of Dyslexia by Age
Dyslexia looks different depending on the child's age and grade level. Here are the key red flags to watch for:
In Preschool and Kindergarten:
Difficulty learning and remembering the names of letters in the alphabet.
Trouble recognizing rhyming words (like cat and bat).
Frequent mispronunciation of familiar words (saying "aminal" instead of "animal").
Struggling to remember the days of the week or their own address.
In Elementary School:
Confusing letters that look alike (like b and d, or p and q).
Reading very slowly and sounding "choppy" or robotic.
Guessing at words based on the first letter rather than sounding them out.
Terrible spelling, even after studying the same word list all week.
Complaining that reading makes their head hurt or that the words "move" on the page.
In Middle and High School:
A massive gap between their listening comprehension (which is usually excellent) and their reading comprehension.
Extreme avoidance of reading out loud in class.
Needing unreasonable amounts of time to finish reading-heavy homework.
Struggling to learn a foreign language.
What to Do Next If You Suspect Dyslexia
If you are nodding along to several of the signs above, take a deep breath. Dyslexia is highly manageable, but it requires a very specific approach.
1. Talk to Your Child's Teacher Start by asking if they are seeing the same struggles in the classroom. However, keep in mind that many general education teachers are not extensively trained to screen for dyslexia.
2. Seek Specialized, Multi-Sensory Instruction This is the most critical step. Standard tutoring (like simply reading more books or practicing flashcards) does not work for a dyslexic brain. In fact, it often just causes more frustration.
Students with dyslexia need an Orton-Gillingham-based approach. This is a highly structured, explicit, and multi-sensory way of teaching reading.
3. Get Support at the Broken Arrow Study Hub You don't have to figure this out alone. At the Broken Arrow Study Hub, we specialize in helping struggling readers using the Wilson Reading System—a premier, research-backed program designed specifically for students with language-based learning disabilities like dyslexia.
Our certified tutors work one-on-one with your child at an individualized pace. We break down the English language into manageable rules, rebuilding your child's foundational skills and, more importantly, their academic confidence.
Take the Next Step
Dyslexia doesn't have to hold your child back. If you are in the Broken Arrow or greater Tulsa area, reach out to the Broken Arrow Study Hub today. We will assess your child's current reading level and build a customized intervention plan to help them thrive.
