Common indicators

Dyslexia is a Learning Difficulty not a disease, therefore there is no cure and the pattern of strengths and weaknesses is not the same for each individual. However, there are many indicators which can be helpful in seeking the right expert advice and support.


EARLY INDICATORS

- Delayed baby milestones especially talking.
- Finds learning sequences difficult e.g. Alphabet, days of the week, months of the year
- Has difficulty pronouncing some words, often getting speech sounds mixed up.
- Has difficulty hearing and understanding rhyme.
- Awkward pencil grip.
- Poor fine motor skills.

SCHOOL AGE INDICATORS

- Lack of concentration
- Poor listening skills
- Unable to organise personal belongings
- Tires very quickly
- Poor spatial awareness, bumps into things, starts writing halfway along a page.
- Unable to remember a list of instructions
- Word finding difficulties - tip of the tongue feeling!
- Omits letters or words when reading
- Reads letters or words in a different order to how they appear
- Poor comprehension after reading a passage.  
- Difficulty with spelling , letters jumbled up, regular reversals used e.g. b, p and d.
- Poor handwriting, letters inconsistent in size, reversals, pressing too hard.
- Difficulty in understanding mathematical symbols
- Poor mental maths skills
- Difficulty with Mathematical concepts such as telling the time, recognizing shapes

ADOLESCENTS AND ADULTS

- Persistent reading and writing difficulties.
- Re-reads things several times to fully understand it.
- Avoids reading.
- Often asks others to proof-read work or relies on spellcheckers.
- Has difficulty following group conversations , discussions at meetings or lectures.
- Finds taking notes and memorising information difficult.
- Has difficulty reading maps, timetables and schedules.
- Has difficulty with organising belongings and time.
- Depression

A FAMILY HISTORY OF LITERACY DIFFICULTIES.

EARLY INTERVENTION IS KEY - IT IS NEVER TOO LATE