Is my child dyslexic?

Signs of dyslexia (Early Years)
Certain signs may indicate that your child has a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) such as dyslexia. While many young children may exhibit these behaviors, it is the intensity and duration of these behaviors that provide key insights into the potential presence of dyslexia. Early identification can help provide the necessary support.

Common Indicators:
  • Difficulty learning nursery rhymes
  • Trouble paying attention, sitting still, or listening to stories
  • Enjoys listening to stories but shows little interest in letters or words
  • Struggles to learn or recite the alphabet
  • A history of delayed speech development
  • Commonly muddles words (e.g., "cubumber" for "cucumber," "flutterby" for "butterfly")
  • Difficulty keeping a simple rhythm
  • Finds it challenging to follow multiple-step instructions (e.g., "Put the toys in the box, then put it on the shelf"), but can manage tasks when broken into smaller steps
  • Forgets names of people (e.g., friends, teachers) or basic concepts (e.g., colors)
  • Struggles with auditory discrimination
  • Confuses directional words (e.g., up/down)
  • Family history of dyslexia or reading difficulties
  • Difficulty with sequencing (e.g., arranging colored beads, remembering classroom routines)
  • Substitutes words (e.g., "lampshade" for "lamppost")
  • Appears not to be listening or paying attention
  • Displays "good" and "bad" days for no apparent reason


Next Steps
Research has shown that early speech and language difficulties can be linked to later literacy challenges. Identifying potential speech and language concerns as early as possible is crucial, as much can be done before a child starts school to support their language skills. These early interventions can significantly benefit their reading development at school.

If you're concerned about your child's speech or language progress, talk to your GP or health visitor. If you suspect your child may have dyslexia, discuss your concerns with the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) at your child’s early years setting or with a SENCo from the SET Foundation. Early support can help prevent the development of low self-esteem and confidence.

The first step is to screen your child at age 6 to assess the likelihood of dyslexia. If your child shows no improvement with a structured literacy program based on the Orton-Gillingham approach, they may need a formal diagnosis. This diagnostic assessment is typically conducted for children aged 6 and older to confirm whether dyslexia is present.

To find out more about screening and assessments email us at: info@set.foundation.

More information
Early Help Better Future: A Guide to the Early Recognition of Dyslexia by Jean Augur
Understanding and supporting neurodiversity: Support strategies for families and carers, BDA 2017
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