Dyslexia may not become apparent until a child begins school because that is the time when most children start to learn to read (about age six). However, parents can look for warning signs early in a child’s life that might indicate dyslexia. A child who begins talking later than normal, struggles to learn new words and has difficulty rhyming may be exhibiting signs of dyslexia.

By the time a child begins school, the signs of dyslexia usually become more pronounced. However, in some cases children do not have trouble with reading and writing until they try to learn more complex language skills.

Symptoms of dyslexia include difficulty recognizing printed words and letters and reading comprehension skills that are below  first-grade or second-grade levels. People with dyslexia may read from right to left and may have difficulty following rapid instructions or remembering things in sequential order.

Dyslexia may cause individuals to reverse letters or words but this is not the case with all individuals. A child may see the letter “b” as a “d” and may see words such as “ton” as “not.” While such reversals are normal in young children, they usually fade after the age of six. Some children with dyslexia continue to reverse letters and words as they grow older. People with dyslexia have difficulty seeing the similarities and differences in letters and words and may struggle to pronounce new or unfamiliar words. Dyslexia also can cause people to miss spaces, allowing words to blend together.

Dyslexia may result in difficulty communicating, and those affected may struggle to structure thoughts or to choose the right vocabulary to express ideas. They also may have trouble understanding what others are saying to them. Individuals with dyslexia have particular problems with lengthy instructions and complex ideas. Learning a foreign language and understanding abstract thoughts, such as jokes and proverbs, are particularly challenging for those with dyslexia.