Common Signs of Dyslexia - Years 4-8

The characteristics noted below are often associated with dyslexia if they are unexpected for the individual's age, educational level, or cognitive abilities. A qualified diagnostician can test a person to determine if he or she is truly dyslexic.

* Is usually reading below grade level.

* May reverse letter sequences - "soiled" for "solid," "left" for "felt."

* May be slow to discern and to learn prefixes, suffixes, root words, and other reading and spelling strategies.

* May have difficulty spelling; spells same word differently on the same page.

* May avoid reading aloud.

* May have trouble with word problems in math.

* May write with difficulty with illegible handwriting; pencil grip is awkward, fist-like or tight.

* May avoid writing.

* May have difficulty with written composition.

* May have slow or poor recall of facts.

* May have difficulty with comprehension.

* May have trouble with non-literal language (idioms, jokes, proverbs, slang).

* May have difficulty with planning, organizing and managing time, materials and tasks.