How to Act Early When Your Child Has Dyslexia-Related Learning Difficulties

When struggles in school start to surface

You're sitting at the kitchen table after dinner, watching your child slump over their homework with shrinking confidence and growing frustration. The letters in the reading exercise seem to dance on the page, they mix up similar-looking words, and their effort feels disproportionate to the progress they’re making. If this sounds familiar, you might be wondering if your child is simply a late bloomer—or if there’s something more going on.

For many children between the ages of 6 and 12, school isn’t just about learning subjects—it's where they develop confidence, independence, and identity. When a child has dyslexia, these foundations can begin to crack early without the right support. That’s why noticing signs, understanding what’s really going on beneath the surface, and intervening early can make all the difference.

Dyslexia is more than reversed letters

There’s a common misconception that dyslexia is just about reading letters backward. In truth, it’s a specific learning difference that affects how the brain processes written and spoken language. Children with dyslexia often struggle with phonological awareness, spelling, working memory, and sometimes even verbal expression. It affects each child differently—and that’s part of what makes early identification so tricky.

If you’re starting to feel something isn’t “clicking” as it should, you might want to look at common early signs of dyslexia. These signs can be subtle: difficulty rhyming, mispronouncing long words, late speech development, or an unusual dislike of reading aloud. Recognizing them early can help you create a roadmap for support before your child’s academic confidence deteriorates.

What early action can really look like

Acting early doesn’t always mean rushing to get a formal diagnosis—it means starting to adjust the environment at home and school to help your child feel capable and seen.

Begin by tuning into how your child talks about school. Are they constantly frustrated, fatigued after reading tasks, or comparing themselves harshly to classmates? These emotional cues often tell you more than a report card ever could.

You might also explore different ways to bring storytelling and language into your routine. Reading aloud together is one particularly powerful—and often underestimated—way to engage a child with dyslexia. It's less intimidating than independent reading and creates a shared moment of connection. This approach is explored more deeply in our article on how reading aloud can support dyslexic children.

Reframing ‘difficulty’ as difference

It’s easy to feel anxious or heartbroken when your child is struggling at school. But one of the most empowering steps you can take is to shift the narrative from “something is wrong” to “this is something we can work with.”

Create a home atmosphere where mistakes in reading or writing aren’t met with correction but with curiosity. Let your child know that many brilliant minds—including inventors, artists, and authors—have faced the same struggles. Help them feel proud of their brain, not ashamed of it.

This change in mindset can also guide your support strategies. For instance, children who avoid books might still crave stories. If your child resists traditional reading but has a vivid imagination, you might find new pathways to feed that thirst for narrative.

Try exploring creative alternatives to reading—audiobooks, drawing, storytelling games, or even writing comic strips. The key is validating your child’s curiosity, no matter the format.

Using tools and tech wisely

While technology isn't a quick fix, it can be an ally in supporting your child’s learning journey. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to support language exposure or searching for screen time that doesn't cause more overwhelm, a carefully chosen app can be a gentle step toward more literacy confidence.

One helpful tool is the LISN Kids app, which offers a growing library of original kids’ audiobooks and audio series for ages 3–12. It’s a screen-light, story-rich alternative that invites children to fall in love with stories again—without the pressure of reading print. The app is available on iOS and Android.

Work with your child’s school, not against it

Collaborating with your child’s teachers is crucial. If you’ve observed warning signs and your gut tells you that your child is struggling beyond the typical range, it’s time to start a conversation with the school. Request a meeting and come prepared with notes, examples, and questions about support services or assessments.

Interventions work best when they're consistent. Encourage your child’s school to personalize learning plans where possible, and remain patient during the process. You’re allowed to advocate without being confrontational—you and the school both want the best for your child.

Every small step counts

Supporting a dyslexic child may feel overwhelming at times, but remember: progress doesn’t come all at once. It happens in bedtime stories, patient listening, skipped spelling tests, school meetings, and the resilience your child builds every day. Rather than measuring success by academic scores alone, start by asking: Is my child more confident? Less anxious? More curious?

Whether you're trying to build a positive reading environment at home, searching for just-right books, or simply helping your child feel understood—you’re doing important work. And best of all, you're not doing it alone.