Does Dyslexia Run in Families? What Parents Should Know
Updated: Oct 28
If you found reading or spelling difficult at school, you may recognise something familiar in your child’s homework. Perhaps spelling still needs checking, or reading aloud was something you avoided.
It is reasonable to mention that history, even if nobody ever used the word dyslexia. The useful next step is to describe the experience, rather than assume your child must have the same difficulty.
What does the Delphi definition say about family history?
The Delphi definition recognises multiple genetic and environmental influences on dyslexia and its development. The research also identifies family history as a risk factor. This means family background is relevant to an assessment; it does not make the outcome inevitable or provide a diagnosis by itself.
What if a parent was never diagnosed?
You can tell an assessor what you know and where you are uncertain. For example: “I was never assessed, but I needed someone to check spelling throughout school.”
That is more informative than changing an unconfirmed family experience into a definite diagnosis. If a relative has been assessed, say so without feeling you need to provide their private report.
A short description is usually a better starting point than a family investigation. You might note whether the difficulty involved learning letter sounds, reading unfamiliar words, reading slowly, spelling or getting written work finished. Keep the account factual. You do not need to decide which technical processing term explains it.
Why might siblings have different difficulties?
Consider an illustrative family in which one child avoids reading aloud while another reads willingly but struggles to spell independently. Their parents may wonder whether only the first child needs attention.
Instead of ranking the children against each other, describe what each can do, what remains difficult and what help is needed. These are examples for discussion, not diagnostic profiles.
Family resemblance does not mean identical learning needs. The Delphi framework allows for variation between individuals. Compare your child’s development and current demands with appropriate expectations, rather than using a sibling’s performance as the deciding test.
What if nobody else in the family has dyslexia?
An absence of known family history should not stop you discussing persistent reading or spelling concerns. “No known diagnosis” and “no difficulties anywhere in the family” are different statements. You can simply say what is known. There is no need to find an affected relative before asking school about your child’s learning.
A useful way to raise this with school
You could say: “There is a history of reading and spelling difficulty in the family. I have noticed that independent written homework is still very slow. Could we compare this with what you see in lessons and review the support?” This keeps the conversation centred on your child’s needs, while giving relevant background.
Bring one or two ordinary examples and explain what help was given. A finished piece of homework means something different if an adult read every question or supplied many spellings. Record that assistance honestly, without removing support simply to demonstrate a problem.
Discussing screening or assessment
If you are unsure which route is appropriate, Mark Trewby offers a free 15-minute introductory call. His £50 live online screening service is for ages 8–21 and is separate from diagnosis. Full diagnostic assessments cost £400: online across the UK for ages 11–21, or face-to-face in Bournemouth for ages 8–21.