Signs of Dyslexia in Children and Teenagers
Updated: Oct 28
Persistent difficulties with reading, spelling or written work can be signs of dyslexia. The pattern varies: one child may find unfamiliar words hard to read, while another reads accurately but slowly and continues to struggle with spelling. No single sign, checklist or school result can establish a diagnosis.
Signs during primary school
You may notice slow progress in learning sound-letter relationships, difficulty sounding out unfamiliar words, hesitant reading or persistent spelling errors. A child may need repeated practice to remember words and may avoid reading aloud. Written work can take much longer than expected.
These difficulties can have several explanations. Information about teaching, attendance, language experience, hearing, vision and development helps build a fuller picture. Support should respond to the child's needs while those questions are explored.
Signs in teenagers
In secondary school, the volume of reading and independent written work increases. A teenager may understand classroom discussion but take a long time to read a chapter, make notes or finish written assignments. Spelling may remain unreliable even when reading accuracy has improved.
Some students achieve reasonable marks with substantial time, help or effort. Others have more visible attainment difficulties. Consider the demands of everyday work and the support needed, alongside grades.
Memory, naming and processing
Some students also find remembering spoken information or retrieving familiar labels quickly difficult. Rapid naming concerns the speed of naming familiar items; it is not the same as general processing speed. Neither a slow response nor an isolated memory difficulty is enough to identify dyslexia.
Confidence and behaviour
Reading or writing may feel tiring, frustrating or embarrassing. Avoidance, anxiety or distress can be reasons to explore what is making schoolwork difficult. They are not specific signs of dyslexia and should be considered in their own right rather than attributed automatically to a learning difficulty.
What should parents do first?
Discuss your concerns with the class teacher or SENCo. Bring examples of work, describe how long tasks take at home and ask what support has been tried and how progress is being reviewed. Hearing or visual concerns should also be raised with the relevant health professional.
Screening or diagnostic assessment?
Screening can identify possible risk and help guide next steps. It does not provide a dyslexia diagnosis. A diagnostic assessment considers developmental and educational history alongside literacy and relevant learning skills to understand the individual's profile.
When might an assessment be useful?
Assessment may help when literacy difficulties persist and a clearer explanation would inform support. You do not need to be certain that dyslexia is the explanation before discussing your concerns. Mark can explain his assessment process and help you consider whether it is appropriate.
Further reading
Related dyslexia guides
Considering a dyslexia assessment?
Mark Trewby offers diagnostic dyslexia assessments for £400, including a personalised report within seven working days and feedback. Choose the appropriate service for the student's age and location:
Bournemouth appointments take place at the client's home or in a hired library room, with Bournemouth room hire and travel included in the £400 fee. You do not need to be certain that dyslexia is the explanation before getting in touch.