Bedtime stories used to be the best part of the day. Now your child groans when it's their turn to read, guesses at words from the pictures and melts down over a spelling list that took the whole evening. They're bright, curious and quick with ideas, so why is reading so hard? This guide walks through the signs of dyslexia in children that parents might notice at different ages, what isn't a sign on its own, how it can affect confidence, and how an assessment can answer the question.
This post is general information, not a diagnosis. Only a qualified professional can assess your child's learning.
Dyslexia, in plain words
The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) describes dyslexia as a specific learning disability that causes difficulties with word reading and spelling, affecting accuracy, speed or both. These difficulties persist even with instruction that works for other children. The U.K.'s National Health Service (NHS) adds that dyslexia mainly affects reading, writing and spelling, and that it does not affect intelligence.
That last point matters. A child with dyslexia isn't lazy and isn't "not trying." Their brain simply processes written language differently, and reading takes more effort than it does for their friends.
Early signs of dyslexia in young children
Signs of dyslexia in children age 6 and younger often show up around sounds and letters, before reading really takes off. The NHS lists signs such as learning to speak later than other children and not being interested in language activities like saying the alphabet.
At home, you might notice your child:
struggles to learn letter names and the sounds they make
finds rhymes and word games hard, when other kids enjoy them
has trouble sounding out short, simple words
forgets a word they read correctly on the page before
avoids looking at books, or gets upset when asked to read
One sign alone isn't cause for alarm. It's the pattern, and whether it lasts, that tells you more.
Signs of dyslexia in children age 8 to 10
By the middle years, reading is expected to feel smoother. Signs of dyslexia in children age 8 and up can look different. Signs of dyslexia in children reading at this stage include reading that is slow and effortful, and the NHS notes being slow and hesitant when reading aloud and reading below the level expected for their age.
You might also see your child:
guess at longer words from the first letter or the pictures
lose their place or skip lines
understand a story well when you read it aloud, but not when they read it themselves
take much longer than expected over reading homework
say they're "stupid" or "bad at reading"
Signs of dyslexia in children's writing and spelling
Writing can show the same struggles. Common signs of dyslexia in children's writing include:
spelling the same word several different ways on one page
written work that looks messy and has lots of spelling mistakes, which the NHS lists as a sign
writing that is much simpler than how your child talks
trouble getting ideas onto paper, even when they can explain them well out loud
The gap between what your child can say and what they can write is often one of the clearest dyslexia signs in kids.
What is not a sign on its own
Some things worry parents but don't mean much by themselves. Mixing up b and d, or writing a letter backwards, is very common while young children are learning to write. The IDA notes that many children reverse letters before age 7.
A single tough report card, a dislike of one book, or one slow reading week also isn't a sign. Children learn at different speeds. What's worth noticing is a pattern of struggle that lasts and that doesn't improve with ordinary practice and support.
The emotional side, frustration, avoidance and confidence
Dyslexia in children symptoms aren't only about reading. The NHS notes that children with dyslexia may become frustrated, which can lead to disruptive behaviour or to becoming withdrawn at home.
You might see stomachaches before reading time, tears over homework, jokes to dodge reading aloud or a growing belief that they're "not smart." Some ways to help at home:
Read together for fun. Take turns, or read to them, with no quizzing afterwards.
Praise effort and strategies. "You kept going on that tricky word" builds more confidence than "good job."
Point out their strengths. Building, drawing, sports, kindness and big ideas all count.
Keep homework short. Short breaks help more than long, tearful sessions.
Dyslexia, ADHD or both?
Reading struggles can overlap with attention. A child who drifts off during reading could have trouble with reading, attention or both. The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) notes that ADHD often occurs with other conditions, including learning disorders.
You don't need to sort this out yourself. A thorough assessment looks at the whole picture, so you aren't left guessing.
What to write down before you ask for help
Before a consultation, a few notes can make the conversation much more useful. You don't need to be sure it's dyslexia. Try jotting down:
What you see at home. For example, "guesses at words," "spells 'because' three ways" or "cries before reading."
When it started. Has it been there since early reading, or did it show up as books got harder?
What helps. Does your child do better when you read aloud, give more time or break tasks into smaller steps?
Family history. Did a parent or sibling find reading or spelling hard?
Your child's strengths. What they love and do well is part of the picture too.
Bring any past reports or work samples you already have. These notes help an assessor understand your child as a whole person, not just a reading score.
How a learning assessment helps
A psychoeducational, or learning, assessment looks at how your child learns: reading, writing, math, memory, attention and thinking skills. It can help explain why reading feels so hard, identify learning disabilities in reading or writing, and give clear recommendations you can use at home.
Our psychologists assess children, teens and adults at every office, Ottawa included. Learn more about psychoeducational assessments in Kitchener-Waterloo and psychoeducational assessments in Cambridge. In Ottawa, our guide to psychological assessments in Ottawa explains how the process works. For assessment fees and next steps, ask during your free consultation.
How counselling supports your child and your family
Reading struggles can take a toll on a child's confidence and on family evenings. Counselling gives your child a safe place to talk about frustration, build self-esteem and learn ways to cope when school feels hard. For younger children, sessions often use play, drawing and games, and parents are usually involved.
We offer counselling for children ages 6 and up in person at our Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and Ottawa offices, or online. Family therapy can help when homework battles are affecting everyone.
Sessions with our therapists range from $130 to $200, depending on the clinician.
Depending on your plan, insurance may cover some or all of the cost. Coverage varies, so check your plan.
We accept Health Spending Accounts (HSAs).
We can direct bill many insurers, including for sessions with a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). Desjardins is the exception: through TELUS eClaims, we can direct bill Desjardins for sessions with an RSW, RP or psychologist, but not for an RP (Qualifying).
Book a free 15-minute consultation with our admin team. "Reading is really hard for my child, and I want to understand why" is enough.
If you're in crisis: if your child or anyone else is in immediate danger, call 911. If anyone is having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text 9-8-8 any time, day or night. Our crisis lines page lists both.
Your child's struggles with reading say nothing about how bright they are. Getting answers is a kind first step.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources
International Dyslexia Association (IDA), Definition of dyslexia
National Health Service (NHS), Dyslexia in children
U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)