Recognising Early Signs of Dyslexia in Children

As Muslim parents, we strive to support our children in every aspect of their lives, including their education. It’s essential to be aware of the possible challenges our little ones may face, such as dyslexia. Early detection is crucial in ensuring they receive the necessary support to thrive. In this warm and friendly guide, we’ll discuss the early signs of dyslexia in children and provide helpful resources for further information.

Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty that affects a person’s ability to read, write, and spell. It is not related to intelligence, and those with dyslexia have the potential to excel in various fields. According to Dr. Sally Shaywitz, a leading dyslexia expert, it is estimated that one in five people have some form of dyslexia.

Early Signs of Dyslexia in Children

It’s important to remember that children develop at different rates, and some may take longer to grasp certain skills. However, if you notice any of the following signs in your child, it may be worth consulting with a professional to explore the possibility of dyslexia:

Difficulty with rhyming: Struggling to recognize or produce rhymes can be an early indicator of dyslexia, as it shows challenges with phonemic awareness (the ability to hear and manipulate individual sounds in words).

Problems with letter recognition: If your child has difficulty identifying or naming letters, especially those in their own name, it could be a sign of dyslexia.

Trouble learning the alphabet: Children with dyslexia might find it challenging to learn and recite the alphabet in the correct order.

Difficulty with phonics: Phonics is the ability to connect sounds with their corresponding letters. Dyslexic children may struggle to match sounds to letters and blend them to form words.

Inconsistent spelling: Inconsistencies in spelling, such as writing the same word differently in the same sentence, can indicate dyslexia.

Slow reading progress: Dyslexic children may take longer to learn to read compared to their peers and might have difficulty recognizing familiar words.

Problems with comprehension: Dyslexic children may struggle to understand the meaning of words or sentences they read, even if they can decode them.

Difficulty with handwriting: Dyslexic children may have messy or hard-to-read handwriting and struggle with writing letters in the correct order or direction.

Avoidance of reading and writing: Children with dyslexia might avoid activities that involve reading and writing due to frustration or embarrassment.

Family history: If there is a history of dyslexia or reading difficulties in your family, your child may have an increased risk of developing dyslexia.

Remember, it’s essential to consult a professional if you suspect your child may have dyslexia. Early intervention can make a significant difference in their educational journey and overall well-being.

What to Do if You Suspect Your Child Has Dyslexia

Seek professional help: If you suspect your child may have dyslexia, consult with a paediatrician, psychologist, or educational specialist who can assess your child and provide guidance on the next steps.

Educate yourself: Learn about dyslexia and the various teaching methods, accommodations, and resources available to support your child. The International Dyslexia Association and the National Center on Improving Literacy are great places to start.

Advocate for your child: Work closely with your child’s school and teachers to ensure they receive the appropriate support and accommodations. Be proactive in communicating your child’s needs and progress.

Provide emotional support: Help your child build self-esteem and resilience by focusing on their strengths and interests. Encourage them to participate in activities they enjoy and excel in, and remind them that having dyslexia does not define their abilities or intelligence.

Connect with others: Join support groups or online communities to connect with other parents who have children with dyslexia. Sharing experiences and advice can be invaluable.

By recognizing the early signs of dyslexia and seeking the necessary support, you can help your child overcome the challenges they may face. Remember, with the right guidance and assistance, children with dyslexia can excel in school and beyond.

As Muslim parents, our role is to provide a nurturing environment for our children, support their unique needs, and celebrate their achievements. By educating ourselves about dyslexia and being proactive in addressing it, we empower our children to reach their full potential and contribute positively to the world.

May Allah guide us all in our parenting journey and grant us the wisdom and patience to support our children in the best possible way. Ameen.