Is your child finding reading, spelling or following instructions harder than their friends? Here are the signs of dyslexia in 5 to 10 year olds, age by age, and what to do if you spot them.
The early signs of dyslexia can show before a child learns to read and write.
Dyslexia can be spotted in the child’s:
- speech development
- ability to follow instructions
- reading and writing
- emotions and behaviour
Spotting the signs early means your child can get the right help sooner. Dyslexia is not a sign of low intelligence, and with support, dyslexic children thrive.
Free 10-minute course
Spot the signs of dyslexia
Know what to look for and what to do next, in 3 short activities. 10 minutes a day, with free printable worksheets.
Try it today: notice and note
You don’t need a test to start. Just watch and listen during everyday moments.
- Pick one quiet moment this week, like reading a bedtime story or doing homework together.
- Notice anything the child finds hard, such as rhyming, remembering letters or following a list of instructions.
- Write down what you saw and when. Take your notes with you when you talk to the child’s teacher.
Want a simple checklist to spot the signs?
The Early Dyslexia Signs card gathers the signs to look for in one place, with ready-made steps for you on the front and a picture activity for your child on the back. It’s based on research from “Defeat Dyslexia” by H. Swinton. It’s one of 56 ten-minute activities in the Mooki Cards deck.
Instant download · use on a phone or tablet, or print and fill in
Dyslexia symptoms in children aged 5–10
The signs and symptoms of dyslexia can vary with a child’s age. Every child learns at their own pace, so one sign on its own is not a worry. Look for a pattern of several signs that carries on, even with extra help.
Below are common signs of dyslexia for preschool, kindergarten and elementary (primary) school children.
Children aged 3–5:
- Delayed speech development: late to start talking, or has difficulty saying words.
- Struggles to recognise letters: finds it hard to remember the names of letters.
- Trouble rhyming: unable to spot rhyming words or patterns in songs or poems.
- Difficulty learning the alphabet: trouble remembering the order of the alphabet.
- Problems with sequencing: difficulty following instructions or saying the days of the week.
Children aged 5–7:
- Confusion with letters: mixes up similar letters, like “b” and “d” or “p” and “q”.
- Inconsistent spelling: spells the same word differently each time, even simple words.
- Difficulty blending sounds: trouble sounding out words, which makes reading slow and hard work.
- Poor reading comprehension: can read a piece of writing but not understand what it means.
- Dislike of reading: avoids reading or seems frustrated when asked to read.
Children aged 8–10:
- Persistent spelling errors: keeps making lots of spelling mistakes.
- Slow reading speed and fluency: slow at reading and stumbles over words.
- Limited vocabulary: knows fewer words, so finds it hard to express themselves.
- Poor organisation and time management: difficulty managing projects and deadlines.
- Low self-esteem: feels demotivated by struggling at school.
A parent’s story
One SEN parent remembers the early signs, in themselves and in their child:
“Walking home from school after a long day, I’d ask my mum for a big bowl of ‘Spellenamy’ for dinner. My confused mum would ask me again what I wanted. It took a while before she understood I meant spaghetti.
My child is the same. They struggle with the names of things and come up with some very imaginative words: ‘Mulk’ for milk, ‘Blanbit’ for blanket and ‘Racsan’ for rucksack.”
Many of these signs also show up in a child’s schoolwork. Learn how to spot the signs of dyslexia in your child’s writing.
For more signs of dyslexia in children, see these trusted links:
What is dyslexia? Spot early signs
Watch the one-minute ‘Dyslexia Made Easy’ video below: what dyslexia is, and 4 signs to look out for.
Could it be something more?
Some signs of dyslexia overlap with other needs. A child can also have more than one. It may be worth looking more closely if your child:
- struggles to understand or use words when talking, not just reading them: read about speech, language and communication needs
- can’t focus, forgets instructions or rushes their work: read about the 3 types of ADHD
- finds numbers much harder than words: read about dyscalculia symptoms
How to get dyslexia help for a child
After learning the signs of dyslexia, you might have spotted some signs in your child.
If you think your child may be dyslexic, start by talking to their teacher. Take your notes with you. The school may:
- set up a dyslexia screening test
- recommend a formal assessment for dyslexia
- put extra reading and spelling support in place
In the US, you can ask your child’s public school in writing for a free evaluation for special education services. In the UK, speak to the school’s SENCo (special educational needs coordinator).
Read more:
- Get help for a dyslexic child
- 100 words every dyslexic child needs to learn
- Words that are hard for dyslexics to read and spell
The bottom line
Signs of dyslexia in 5 to 10 year olds include mixing up letters, spelling the same word in different ways, slow reading and trouble with rhymes and sequences. Note what you see, talk to the school, and start helping at home today. The Mooki Cards deck has 56 ten-minute activities, including Early Dyslexia Signs, to help you spot the signs and support your child.
