Dyslexia is often misunderstood. Many people assume it’s just about struggling to read or spell, but it’s so much more than that. Dyslexia affects how the brain processes information, which means the signs can show up in unexpected ways.
If you or your child experience difficulties with learning but can’t quite pinpoint why, here are seven signs of dyslexia that you may have missed.
1️⃣ Struggles to Find the Right Word
Have you ever had a word on the tip of your tongue but just can’t get it out? This happens frequently for dyslexic individuals. They might pause mid-sentence, substitute words (saying “volcano” instead of “tornado”), or use vague terms like “thingy” when they can’t recall the exact word. This can make verbal communication frustrating, despite often having a great vocabulary.
2️⃣ Difficulty Remembering Sequences
Dyslexia affects memory, especially when it comes to recalling sequences. This might look like:
• Struggling to remember the order of the days of the week or months of the year.
• Mixing up the steps in a multi-step task.
• Finding it hard to follow a sequence of numbers, such as times tables.
While rote learning works for many children, those with dyslexia often need alternative strategies to retain information.
3️⃣ Slow Processing Speed
It’s important to clarify that dyslexia is not linked to intelligence. However, many dyslexic individuals process information differently, which can slow things down. They might:
• Take longer to read and understand written text.
• Struggle to keep up with conversations, especially in fast-paced discussions.
• Need extra time to formulate written or verbal responses.
This isn’t a lack of ability—dyslexic brains often think deeply and make unique connections that others might miss.
4️⃣ Messy Handwriting & Letter Confusion
Dyslexia can impact fine motor skills, leading to handwriting that is inconsistent or difficult to read. This can include:
• Letters being different sizes or slanting in different directions.
• Difficulty staying on the line when writing.
• Mixing up letters that look similar, like b/d and p/q, even past the typical age when this is expected.
This can make writing physically tiring, causing dyslexic individuals to avoid it whenever possible.
5️⃣ Easily Distracted or Zoned Out
Many dyslexic individuals have difficulty sustaining attention, especially with reading or writing tasks. This isn’t necessarily ADHD, but rather:
• A tendency to daydream when bored or overwhelmed.
• Difficulty staying focused on written material for long periods.
• Avoiding reading-heavy tasks because they feel exhausting.
Because dyslexia affects working memory and processing speed, staying engaged with traditional learning methods can be a challenge.
6️⃣ Mixing Up Left and Right
A surprising sign of dyslexia is directional confusion. This can appear as:
• Regularly mistaking left and right.
• Finding it hard to follow directional instructions (e.g., “Turn left at the traffic lights”).
• Struggling with spatial awareness, such as reading maps or organising information visually.
While not all dyslexic individuals experience this, it’s a common sign that is often overlooked.
7️⃣ Finds Learning a New Language Extra Hard
Dyslexia affects the way the brain processes sounds and patterns, making foreign languages particularly difficult to learn. This can look like:
• Struggling to remember vocabulary words.
• Finding grammar rules confusing.
• Difficulty pronouncing new words correctly.
Many dyslexic individuals find learning a second language much harder than their peers, especially when traditional teaching methods are used.
What Next?
If you or your child experience several of these signs, it might be worth exploring a dyslexia assessment. Early recognition and the right support can make a world of difference.
Dyslexia is not a weakness; it’s a different way of thinking. Many dyslexic individuals are highly creative, excellent problem solvers, and deep thinkers. The key is finding the right strategies and tools to help them thrive.
Do any of these signs sound familiar?
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