Understanding Dyslexia: A Parent’s Guide to Signs, Testing, and Support
Could It Be Dyslexia?
Understanding the Signs, Testing, and Support That Can Make a Difference
If your child is struggling with reading, spelling, or writing, you may have asked yourself: Could it be dyslexia? You’re not alone and your question is valid.
Dyslexia is more common than most people think, and it often goes undiagnosed, especially in bright kids who learn to compensate. In this blog, we’ll break down what dyslexia is, how to spot the signs, what testing involves, and what helps.
What Is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a brain-based learning difference that affects how people process written language. It’s not about intelligence. Many people with dyslexia are creative, insightful, and deeply capable. However, reading and spelling can feel like decoding a foreign language.
Dyslexia often runs in families and shows up early, though some kids fly under the radar until school becomes more demanding.
While I often describe dyslexia as feeling like your thoughts live in one language but the world demands another, here’s the clinical definition: Dyslexia involves difficulty with accurate and fluent word reading, writing, and spelling, despite appropriate instruction. These challenges persist for at least six months and interfere with academic, work, or daily functioning.
Roughly 1 in 10 people have dyslexia, which means in a class of 20 students, 2 may be affected.
Is Dyslexia a Disability?
Yes, and that’s not a bad thing. Dyslexia qualifies as a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) under federal law. This label opens the door to accommodations, services, and legal protections. This simply means that someone with dyslexia learns differently and deserves the right support.
Professionally, we don’t use the term “dyslexia” as a diagnosis in our diagnostic manual. Instead, it falls under Specific Learning Disorder in Reading and/or Writing. To make things slightly more confusing, sometimes a person can have a learning disorder in reading or writing and not have dyslexia. Dyslexia is a specific type of reading disorder characterized by difficulties with phonological processing, which is the ability to manipulate and understand the sounds of spoken language.
Signs of Dyslexia
Every child is different, but here are some common signs:
Difficulty learning letters and sounds
Trouble rhyming or remembering sequences
Slow, effortful reading or guessing words
Spelling that doesn’t follow rules (“creativ speling”)
Reversing letters/numbers (b/d, 6/9)
Avoiding reading aloud
Struggles with word retrieval (“aminal” for “animal”)
Low self-esteem around reading tasks
Confusion with directions (left/right) or telling time
Working hard, but still falling behind
If your child shows several of these signs, it may be worth having them evaluated.
What to Do if You Suspect Dyslexia
Step 1: Take Notes.
Write down what you’re noticing. Look at sleep, vision, hearing, or anxiety too. These can mimic or worsen learning struggles.
Step 2: Talk to the School.
Ask for an evaluation. If they decline, request documentation of their reasoning and ask for next steps.
Step 3: Get a Private Evaluation.
If needed, seek out a licensed psychologist for a full psychoeducational assessment. Our office offers these and can help guide you through the process.
What a Dyslexia Evaluation Includes
Evaluations for dyslexia should be conducted by a psychologist, neuropsychologist, or school psychologist who has training and expertise in psychological assessments, including psychoeducational evaluations. An evaluation for dyslexia will include:
Interviews with the child, their parents, and their teachers
Testing of reading, spelling, and writing
Cognitive measures (e.g., memory, processing speed)
Review of emotional and environmental factors
A written report with personalized recommendations
Evaluations typically take 2–6 hours, depending on your child’s needs. Sometimes, it can take a few weeks to a month to receive the final report.
What Helps: Evidence-Based Support
Dyslexia is not something that goes away. We consider dyslexia as a life-long neurotype. In other words: this is just simply how someone’s brain works. However, we can improve one’s reading and spelling to reduce the functional impairments caused by dyslexia. Intervention is necessary and is effective!
Structured Literacy
Programs like Orton-Gillingham, Barton, or Wilson that are explicit, multisensory, and cumulative.
Phonemic Awareness Training
Strengthens the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words.
Assistive Technology
Text-to-speech, audiobooks, speech-to-text, smart pens, and dyslexia-friendly fonts make reading and writing more accessible.
School Accommodations
Extra time, reduced reading loads, spelling supports, and access to tech help level the playing field, just like glasses help with blurry vision.
A Supportive Environment
Encouragement and connection matter. Children with dyslexia are more likely to feel anxious or defeated. Validation and warmth go a long way.
Protecting Self-Esteem
Kids with dyslexia often know they’re struggling. Without support, they may feel “less than.” Help them see that their brain isn’t broken, it’s just wired differently. Here are some tips:
Let them pursue hobbies that build confidence
Avoid comparing them to siblings or peers
Remind them regularly that effort matters more than speed
Enjoy the ways in which their brains are unique and special
Sometimes, schools will advocate for you to reduce after school activities to replace that time with tutoring. Tutoring is important for children with dyslexia, but so is building up their self-esteem and following their intrinsic interest in various things. It is important that we don’t take away the things that build up their spirit, confidence, and sense of community.
Also, one of the most important jobs you’ll have as a parent is advocating for your children, especially before they are able to do so on their own. There are many misconceptions about dyslexia, including by some well-meaning teachers. Ask questions. Seek support. Advocate for your child.
Final Thoughts
You are not overreacting by seeking answers. If your child has dyslexia, they can absolutely thrive with the right tools, support, and understanding. The sky is the limit for these children, we just need to help them get there. In fact, Gavin Newsom, Governor of California, shared that he was diagnosed with dyslexia at 5-years old. Now, he is in charge of the state of California. These children are unstoppable. (https://edsource.org/2018/gavin-newsom-knows-what-it-is-like-to-struggle-with-reading/598688)
We’re here to help if you have questions or if you’d like to schedule an evaluation for your child.
~Dr. Mihelic
