Dyslexia is a condition that affects the language part of the brain. People who have dyslexia find it hard to connect sounds with words. This causes a learning disorder, mostly affecting children. The disorder manifests in childhood until a certain age when it goes away. But some people who didn’t get enough attention have learning issues even as adults. Detecting dyslexia in children on time is important to treat it. Watch out for these early signs of dyslexia in young children and find a solution fast.
1. Delayed Speech Compared to Other Kids
Not all kids with delayed speech have dyslexia. But speech is one of the top determinants of a possible dyslexia disorder. If you notice your child is the last among peers, to talk, you should investigate.
Kids like to express themselves. It gives them confidence and assurance they are important. Try to have conversations with your kid for a while. If they don’t improve then, you should book a medical consultation.
2. Problems Remembering Letters and Words
Learning and remembering letters and words is the very beginning of knowledge. As we grow older, we begin to merge these words in our speech. Words turn into sentences, and then it becomes a full conversation.
Kids with dyslexia may have a challenge learning and remembering words. They may know it today and tomorrow; it’s gone. The kid may also have issues recognizing some words and pronouncing them well. If they don’t improve then, you should see a doctor for tests.
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3. Lack of Motivation for Reading
For every task, we expect a reward when we succeed. After earning a reward, we get motivation and inspiration to do more next time. One of the apparent signs of dyslexia in young children is the lack of motivation to read. The kid is not just interested since he’s not doing well and has no rewards.
Children who lack motivation need their parents to inspire them. Mix something they love with reading, like playing games or going to parties. Tell them if they finish reading a particular story, they get a reward for it.
4. Misusing Simple Words
After learning the words, the next thing is to start using them in sentences. Your brain helps you make the connection to do this well through experience. Kids with dyslexia may find it challenging to make this connection [1].
They come up with a sentence and input the wrong words. It makes it sound awkward and lacks concordance. You may need to continue to correct them. Help them realize their mistakes and teach them how to do better next time.
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5. Trouble Writing May Be a Sign of Dyslexia
Challenges with writing are early serious signs of dyslexia in young children. The ability to write comes from your capacity to understand. No one can write something unless they have a convincing knowledge of that subject.
If you suspect this issue with your kid, you need to get them to a doctor. Some kids will improve later without any intervention. But for other kids, they will need extra support to cope. Many people with writing troubles as kids end up becoming authors.
6. Not Desiring to go to School
It’s part of the lack of motivation we’re talking about. However, not all kids who exhibit this character may be having dyslexia. Some might be plain lazy. Children may, once in a while, show a lack of interest in attending school. But when it happens too often, it might be dyslexia.
You should take this sign more seriously if it combines with other challenges. Like trouble writing, misuse of words, and poor handwriting. Also, kids who don’t learn fast like the rest of the class may become a victim of teasing. That alone may discourage them from getting up for school.
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7. Slow Motor Skills Development
Synchronization of hands and muscle movement is a relatively permanent behavior change. Our body needs these skills for coordination, which is why we learn them from childhood. Some motor skills include walking, running, going upstairs, and so on. Inability to perfect these might be early signs of dyslexia in children.
Kids having these challenges will improve later. But they will require extra care if it is dyslexia. Find creative ways to help your kids do needlework, use tableware, and play video games. Music can help them learn faster if you encourage them to attend a class.
8. Trouble Calling Things With Their Right Names
Our brain helps us remember things and call them by their names. Such ability is important for proper communication and conversation. Some kids find it difficult to call things by their right names. This may be a result of dyslexia due to slow learning.
It will be best not to wait till it gets worse; check with a doctor now. If they have dyslexia, there are ways to help the kid improve. Constant learning with reinforced affirmation will help them to pick it up.
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9. Slow and Poor Handwriting May Be a Sign of Dyslexia
For kids with dyslexia, fine handwriting might be a fairytale. Not all kids that have poor handwriting or are slow in writing have dyslexia, however, if your kids have very poor handwriting and are slow in writing, you should take it up.
If your child’s slow and poor handwriting is a result of dyslexia, It would help to encourage them to keep a journal and create a conducive place for them in the home [2]. Allow them to share a personal experience through writing and find their vital areas to improve on it.
10. Having Problems With Rhymes
Rhyming is a fun way to teach kids how to read and learn. Nursery rhymes trigger their brain to learn words and creatively use them. Having problems with rhymes is one of the possible signs of dyslexia in young children. They find it hard to learn rhymes and even mix things up.
Most of the time, they can’t get it right. Rhyming is a skill that grows in stages. They’ll have to hear it, recognize it, and then produce it. The best way to teach rhymes is to make use of printable materials. Sing nursery rhymes with your kid to encourage them.
Also make use of a rhyming book, where they see the picture of the object they’re trying to rhyme. Apart from books make use of games, and engaging activities to promote rhyming.
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
