Not everyone who experiences the challenges below has dyslexia. Other factors such as attention difficulties, vision or hearing issues, or gaps in education can cause similar struggles. The only way to know for sure is through a formal assessment or screening by a qualified professional. Getting evaluated ensures the right support, strategies, and accommodations are put in place.

Early Years (Preschool)

  • Difficulty learning nursery rhymes or recognizing rhymes
  • Trouble remembering the names of letters or sounds
  • Speech delays or mispronouncing familiar words
  • Struggles with sequencing (e.g., days of the week)
  • Avoids activities involving letters or sounds

Why it matters:

Early signs can help you seek support before formal schooling begins. Early intervention makes a big difference.

Primary Years (5–11)

  • Slow, effortful reading compared to peers
  • Frequent spelling mistakes, even with simple words
  • Difficulty sounding out unfamiliar words
  • Avoids reading aloud or becomes anxious when asked
  • Trouble remembering instructions or organising work
  • May excel in oral discussions but struggle with written tasks

Why it matters:

Primary school is when reading and writing become central to learning. Support at this stage helps prevent frustration and low confidence.

Secondary Years (11+)

  • Reading remains slow, especially under time pressure
  • Persistent spelling difficulties, including subject-specific vocabulary
  • Avoids extended writing tasks or produces very brief answers
  • Difficulty summarizing or taking notes quickly
  • Struggles with foreign languages
  • Weak working memory (e.g., remembering multi-step instructions)
  • Organisation challenges—missed deadlines, lost materials

Why it matters:

Secondary education brings heavier reading loads and exams. Continued support ensures your child can access the curriculum and maintain confidence.

Signs of Dyslexia in Adults

  • Reading may be slow or require extra effort, especially with dense or unfamiliar text
  • Frequent spelling errors, even with common words; trouble remembering names, passwords, or acronyms
  • Difficulty organising ideas, summarising, or producing extended written work
  • Trouble remembering instructions, phone numbers, or multi-step tasks
  • Missed deadlines, losing items, or feeling overwhelmed by planning tasks
  • Difficulty with foreign languages, or remembering the right word in conversation
  • Avoiding tasks that involve heavy reading or writing; feeling anxious in work or study situations
  • Strong problem-solving, creativity, verbal reasoning, or hands-on skills

Why it matters:
Recognising dyslexia in adulthood helps individuals seek accommodations, improve work or study strategies, and build confidence. With support, adults with dyslexia can thrive in careers, further education, and daily life.