It’s estimated that roughly 5% of all children in elementary school have some form of dyslexia. While this can be a concerning statistic to hear, it’s important that you understand the facts about dyslexic children. Today, though, let’s simply look at when to test for dyslexia.
How Do I Know if My Child Has Dyslexia?
The truth is, it is hard to say without evaluation. As a reading disability, symptoms of Dyslexia can begin appearing around the time your child begins to read and write letters. It is important to not panic if your child is showing signs of Dyslexia – they are just as capable to learn how to read and write like every other child.
Additionally, be considerate that symptoms of Dyslexia in children can be difficult to identify at an early age. Most children will have some issues grasping the concepts of reading and writing regardless of Dyslexia statistics.
Signs of Dyslexia
Your child may be displaying characteristics of Dyslexia if you observe them exhibiting the following behaviors:
- A complete disinterest in reading, writing, or drawing
- Slow development in learning new words and/or speaking in full sentences
- Difficulty grasping the concept of time, such as present or past tense
- Difficulty naming the months or the days of the week in sequence
- Inability to pick up on rhyming sequences or creation of them on their own
Again, some children simply develop at a slower rate than other children. However, if you’re noticing any of these symptoms it is reasonable to have your child evaluated.
Overcoming Dyslexia
Dyslexia is nothing that can’t be overcome – it is a learning disability that, with proper consideration and helpful tactics, can be easily managed. As a parent, it is important to understand as much as you can about what your child is experiencing. Whether it is at home or at school, supporting your child while they navigate learning with Dyslexia is an important component to their successes in reading and writing.
At Woodburn Pediatric, we offer Dyslexia testing and a number of resources for parents and teachers to aid children with Dyslexia. Our team of providers is here to help – contact us today to schedule an evaluation or to learn more about how you can best support your child.