There are many misconceptions regarding Dyslexia, so it is important as parents and teachers to understand what Dyslexia is. Dyslexics share common characteristics, but no two are exactly alike. It is difficult as a parent when you know your child is very intelligent, yet they struggle with spelling and reading. We see their strengths in sports, music, art, science, and math. We may read to them every night, saturate them with the written word, and see that they have high vocabularies. Yet, they still struggle with spelling and reading. This struggle is real and frustrating.

If your child has 3 or more of the following warning signs, you should learn more about dyslexia.

• delayed speech
• mixing up the sounds and syllables in long words
• chronic ear infections
• constant confusion of left versus right
• can’t create words that rhyme
• a close relative with dyslexia
• dysgraphia (slow, non-automatic handwriting that is difficult to read)
• letter or number reversals continuing past the end of first grade
• extreme difficulty learning cursive
• slow, choppy, inaccurate reading
• terrible spelling
• often can’t remember sight words or homonyms
• difficulty telling time with a clock with hands
• when speaking, difficulty finding the correct word
• trouble with math-memorizing facts and sequence of steps
• dreads going to school-complains of stomach aches or headaches

This is a partial list from http://www.BrightSolutions.US reprinted with prior permission from Susan Barton.

Students with Dyslexia may not have all of these symptoms, however if your child is struggling with some of these, it will be worth your while to learn more about Dyslexia. Reading Within Reach offers a free initial consultation and screening to determine if your child would benefit from private tutoring.