🌿Could My Child Be Dyslexic? Signs Parents Often Notice First

Many parents who contact me about a dyslexia assessment start with the same concern:

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“They’re bright and understand everything, but something just isn’t matching up.”

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Their child may have fantastic ideas but struggle to get them onto paper. They may enjoy stories but avoid reading. They may learn spellings one day and forget them the next.

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Dyslexia is not about intelligence. Many dyslexic children are creative, capable thinkers who have simply been working much harder than people realise.

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If you are starting to wonder whether dyslexia could explain what you are seeing, I have created a free parent guide:

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Could it be Dyslexia?

You can download it here: Could it be Dyslexia?

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Common signs of dyslexia in children

 

Every child is different, but parents often notice:

• reading takes much longer than expected
• avoiding reading aloud
• difficulty remembering spellings
• spelling the same word differently in one piece of writing
• brilliant ideas but difficulty getting them onto paper
• written work does not reflect their understanding
• difficulty remembering instructions or sequences
• frustration, avoidance or reduced confidence around school work

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Sometimes these signs appear early.

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For other children, particularly bright children who have developed ways to compensate, difficulties may only become clear when school demands increase.

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Can my child be dyslexic if they can read?

 

Yes.

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This is one of the most common misunderstandings about dyslexia.

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Some dyslexic children read accurately, but it takes far more effort and concentration than expected.

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They may appear to be keeping up, but the amount of energy required can start to affect confidence and enjoyment.

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When should I consider a dyslexia assessment?

 

A dyslexia assessment can be helpful when you want to understand:

• why your child is finding aspects of learning harder
• their individual strengths and challenges
• what support strategies will make the biggest difference

 

A good assessment is not about finding what is “wrong” with a child. It is about helping them understand how they learn.

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I’m Charlotte MacDougall, a Specialist Teacher, Dyslexia Assessor and former school leader. I provide diagnostic dyslexia assessments for children and teenagers across East Sussex, Kent and Surrey, including Crowborough and Tunbridge Wells.

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If you are wondering whether dyslexia could be part of your child’s story, start with my free guide:

 

Could it be Dyslexia?

You can download it here: Could it be Dyslexia?

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Come and join me on social media here:

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