As parents, we all want to see our children thrive—especially in school. So when your child struggles with reading while their classmates seem to catch on quickly, it can be worrying. You may wonder: Do they just need more practice? Or could it be something more—like dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a common learning difference that affects reading, writing, and spelling. But it’s also more than just a reading difficulty—it shapes how a child learns, thinks, and processes information. Understanding the early signs of dyslexia and what to do next can help you provide the right support early on.
Early Signs of Dyslexia in Children
Dyslexia can present differently at each developmental stage. Being aware of the signs—especially during preschool and early primary school—can help with early identification and intervention.
Preschool (Ages 3–5)
Difficulty learning letters or recognising their sounds
Trouble remembering nursery rhymes or simple songs
Mispronouncing common words or mixing up similar-sounding ones
Struggles with rhyming or learning new words
Primary School (Ages 6–9)
Confusing similar letters (like b and d, or p and q)
Reading slowly or skipping words
Difficulty sounding out unfamiliar words
Inconsistent spelling
Trouble remembering sequences (days of the week, months, etc.)
Hesitation or avoidance when reading aloud
Upper Primary (Ages 9–12)
Difficulty summarising what they read
Struggles with writing structure and organisation
Skipping small or common words while reading
Trouble with reading comprehension despite decoding words correctly
If your child shows several of these signs consistently, and their struggles persist despite regular practice, it may be time to consider a formal assessment.
The Strengths of a Dyslexic Mind
While dyslexia poses challenges in a traditional academic setting, it also brings unique cognitive strengths. Many individuals with dyslexia excel in creative problem-solving, visual thinking, and pattern recognition.
A recent article in The Straits Times shared how one writer saw their dyslexia as an “unfair advantage.” It helped them build resilience, adaptability, and an intuitive approach to challenges—skills that proved invaluable in adulthood.
Common Dyslexia Strengths:
Thinking in pictures rather than words
Spotting patterns and making connections
High levels of creativity and imagination
Emotional resilience and problem-solving skills
Recognising these strengths alongside the challenges helps children build confidence and self-worth.
What to Do If You Suspect Dyslexia
If you’re noticing consistent signs of dyslexia in your child, don’t wait to seek support. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes.
Next Steps:
Talk to their teacher – Teachers can provide insights about your child’s performance compared to peers.
Get a screening done - Learning and behavioral therapists at Inside Out Counselling Wellness can help with a screening.
Consider professional assessment – A formal evaluation by an educational psychologist can confirm a diagnosis and highlight specific areas of need.
Explore dyslexia support services – In Singapore, the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS) offers screenings, diagnostics, and tailored intervention programs.
Consider private assessments – Private educational psychologists also offer detailed assessments of reading, writing, and language abilities.
Helping Your Child Thrive with Dyslexia
A dyslexia diagnosis is not a setback—it’s a key to understanding how your child learns best. Specialised literacy programs such as those based on the Orton-Gillingham approach use structured, multisensory techniques that support the dyslexic brain.
Ways to Support Your Child at Home:
Read together regularly and listen to audiobooks
Use assistive tech like text-to-speech or speech-to-text tools
Encourage creative outlets like drawing, storytelling, or comic-making
Break tasks into smaller steps and celebrate small wins
Build a calm, encouraging learning environment
Looking Ahead: Your Child’s Future Is Bright
Yes, dyslexia can make reading and writing more challenging—but it does not define your child’s potential. Many successful leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators have dyslexia and credit it as part of their success.
With early identification, the right strategies, and plenty of encouragement, your child can thrive both academically and personally.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering “Does my child have dyslexia?”—trust your gut. The earlier you seek answers, the sooner your child can get the help they need to grow in confidence and turn their challenges into strengths.
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