General Indicators of Dyslexia


Some things to look for in 5-7 year-old children

If several of these "Symptoms" occur together, further advice should be sought.

1.

Early speech problems e.g. pronunciation, getting words in the wrong order. NB often there is an excellent vocabulary and child is articulate.

2.

Some difficulty in detecting the differences in sounds like b, p, d, g, j, u, y, l, f, v, th.

3.

Difficulty in remembering rhymes.

4.

Short concentration span.

5.

Sometimes the child may seem clumsy or awkward or even "accident-prone".

6.

Difficulty in remembering the days of the week in order.

7.

Difficulty in remembering personal details e.g. birthday, home address, telephone no...

8.

Difficulty in remembering a sequence of events e.g. the order of events in the day.

9.

Difficulty in remembering and following a set of instructions.

10.

Difficulty in dressing the correct order and with fastening buttons and laces, tying a tie.

11.

No concept of Left or Right.

12.

Sometimes difficulty holding and/or manipulating a pencil, crayon, scissors: cannot keep within the outline when colouring a picture.

13.

When starting to read there may be little or no progress in spite of verbal ability, good vocabulary and an obvious interest in learning.

14.

Sometimes a difficulty in catching and throwing a ball etc. E.g. confusion over which hand to use, inability to synchronise body movements.


Problems such as these can lead to frustration and fear of failure. This may cause behaviour problems at home or at school, ranging from withdrawal to temper tantrums.