How to Spot Early Signs of Dyslexia in Your Child Before Age 6

Why Early Signs of Dyslexia Matter

When you're raising a curious, talkative toddler who seems fascinated by books but struggles to recognize letters or remember simple rhymes, it's easy to wonder: is this just a phase or something more? The truth is, every child learns at their own rhythm. But when signs of reading difficulty persist—even before school starts—it might be time to consider if dyslexia could be part of the picture.

Dyslexia doesn't suddenly appear in first grade. Subtle indicators can show up years earlier—in preschool or even in the toddler stage. Recognizing these early signs doesn't mean labeling your child prematurely, but rather preparing to support them with understanding and the right strategies. When dyslexia is identified early, children get a better chance to thrive emotionally and academically.

What Is Dyslexia—And What It’s Not

Dyslexia is not about intelligence. It’s a neurologically based learning difference that primarily affects reading, spelling, and sometimes writing. Children with dyslexia might have trouble identifying letter sounds, decoding words, or remembering sequences of information. But they often possess strengths in areas like problem-solving, creativity, and oral communication.

It's important to remember that many children mix up letters or struggle with pronunciation at first—it’s part of development. However, when difficulties persist and interfere with learning language fundamentals, they can be early markers of dyslexia.

Red Flags to Watch For Before Age 6

If your child is under six, here are some signs that may signal dyslexia is present—not definitively, but enough to warrant a closer look:

• Difficulty identifying or remembering nursery rhymes and songs
• Trouble pronouncing multi-syllabic words (like "pasghetti" for "spaghetti")
• Delayed speech development compared to peers
• Difficulty recognizing letters, even those in their own name
• Mixing up directional words like "up/down" or "left/right"
• A family history of reading difficulties or dyslexia

None of these signs on their own guarantee a diagnosis—but if two or more are persistent, it's wise to monitor their development closely. A child who struggles intensely with rhyming, for example, may have more difficulty later when learning phonics and decoding text.

How to Talk to Your Pediatrician or Teacher

If your child is in preschool or kindergarten, their teachers can be a valuable first resource. They see a range of reading and language development patterns daily and can often help differentiate between typical development and something more concerning. Share what you've observed and ask specific questions:

• Have you noticed difficulty with letter recognition?
• Does my child follow story sequences or directions like peers?
• Do they enjoy books, even if not recognising the letters yet?

Likewise, a pediatrician may recommend a speech-language evaluation or a referral to an educational psychologist, especially if there are multiple red flags alongside family history.

Supporting Literacy Before Formal Reading Begins

Helping a child at risk of dyslexia doesn’t mean drilling them with flashcards. Instead, it involves creating a language-rich environment that nurtures confidence and enjoyment. Here’s how:

• Read aloud daily—even if your child can't read yet
• Play sound and rhyming games (e.g., “What rhymes with cat?”)
• Use visual and tactile activities to connect letters and sounds
• Encourage storytelling, even if it's just from picture books

Listening to stories is also a powerful gateway into language for emerging readers. Apps like LISN Kids offer professionally narrated audiobooks and original audio series designed specifically for children aged 3–12. Whether during bedtime or quiet time, tuning into rich, well-crafted stories on iOS or Android encourages listening comprehension, vocabulary building, and narrative awareness—all of which lay the groundwork for reading readiness.

When to Seek a Formal Evaluation

Ideally, evaluations for dyslexia begin once children are in kindergarten or first grade, when reading instruction is underway. However, early screenings can be helpful when multiple risks indicators are present. A licensed professional, such as an educational psychologist or speech pathologist, can assess how your child perceives and processes sounds, remembers sequences, and makes language connections.

Early diagnosis doesn't mean pushing academics sooner. It simply means tailoring the way your child learns best. Intervening early has been shown to reduce frustration, increase reading success, and boost confidence.

It’s OK to Not Have All the Answers

As a parent, it’s normal to feel anxious when something seems off. You can’t see into the future, but you can start by choosing to observe, ask questions, and support your child with empathy. Many families have walked this road—some feeling very alone at first—and found great relief in understanding dyslexia better and in connecting with the right support.

If you’re wondering what life might look like in primary school with a dyslexic learner, read about how dyslexia affects school life and what you can do to help. Or start preparing for the road ahead with daily strategies that support reading and confidence from the start.

And if your child is older, unsure why reading feels hard, you can gently introduce the topic using this guide for talking about dyslexia with a 7-year-old. Every insight you gain now gives you power—not fear—to support your child toward joyful learning.