What is Dyslexia? Signs Parents Should Know

Parenting often comes with questions that no one prepares you for. I remember sitting at the kitchen table, workbook open, wondering why reading was such a battle. Letters seemed to dance on the page, words were skipped, and what should’ve been a simple 10-minute lesson stretched into an hour of frustration—for both of us.

At first, I thought maybe I wasn’t teaching correctly. Maybe we just needed to practice more. But the harder we pushed, the more tears came—until I discovered what was really going on: dyslexia.

If you’ve ever wondered if your child’s reading struggles are “normal” or if something deeper might be at play, you’re not alone. This article is here to share both my experience and practical information to help you recognize signs of dyslexia and know what steps you can take next.

What is Dyslexia?

Let’s start by clearing up some misconceptions.

Dyslexia isn’t about “seeing letters backwards.” It’s not a sign of laziness, low intelligence, or poor parenting. In fact, children with dyslexia are often bright, creative, and full of ideas—they just process written language differently.

A Simple Definition

Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects how the brain processes reading, writing, and spelling. It makes it harder for kids (and adults) to match sounds with letters and recognize words quickly. This can make reading slow, effortful, and sometimes frustrating.

How Common is Dyslexia?

You might be surprised—dyslexia affects about 1 in 5 people. That means it’s not rare at all. Chances are, you know several people with dyslexia, even if they’ve never shared it.

And here’s the important part: dyslexia does not mean a child isn’t intelligent. Many famous innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders have dyslexia. It simply means their brain learns in a different way. 

The Signs I Saw (And What Parents Should Watch For)

Every child is unique, but there are common signs of dyslexia that tend to show up at different stages. Looking back, I can clearly see them in my own experience.

Early Childhood Signs (Preschool & Kindergarten)

• Struggles to learn nursery rhymes or simple songs

• Trouble remembering the alphabet or recognizing letters

• Late speech development or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds

• Mixing up similar-sounding words (like cat and cap)

At the time, I brushed some of these off as “normal delays.” But combined, they were early indicators.

Elementary School Signs

This is when it became more obvious. Signs included:

• Avoiding reading or getting frustrated quickly

• Mixing up letters (like b/d, p/q, was/saw) beyond the usual early stage

• Struggles to spell even simple words correctly

• Reading very slowly compared to peers

• Trouble retelling a story in order

This was the hardest season, because I could see the frustration building. My child wanted to do well but couldn’t match the effort to the result.

Teen & Adult Signs

Yes—dyslexia can remain undiagnosed well into adulthood. Signs can include:

• Reading slowly and avoiding long texts

• Struggling to memorize facts without extra support

• Preferring audiobooks or verbal learning

• Trouble organizing writing or summarizing information

For parents, noticing these signs early can save years of struggle. But even if you’re realizing this later, there are still powerful tools that can help.

The Emotional Side of Dyslexia

If I’m honest, the hardest part wasn’t the academics—it was the emotional toll.

Children with dyslexia often feel “less than.” They watch peers breeze through reading and wonder, “Why can’t I do this too?” Parents may feel guilty, frustrated, or worried they’re not doing enough.

In our home, the turning point was realizing:

• My child wasn’t broken.

• I wasn’t a failing parent.

• We just needed a different approach.

Once we shifted the focus from “keeping up” to celebrating progress, the pressure lifted. That’s when learning finally started to feel possible again.

What Parents Can Do (Next Steps)

So what should you do if these signs sound familiar?

Step 1: Seek Understanding

Start by learning as much as you can. Understanding dyslexia helps you see your child’s struggles through a lens of compassion instead of frustration.

Step 2: Consider Evaluation

If you suspect dyslexia, a professional evaluation can provide clarity. Depending on where you live, this may be done through your school system, a private psychologist, or a dyslexia specialist.

Step 3: Try Proven Approaches

The Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach is one of the most effective methods for dyslexic learners. It uses multisensory strategies (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) to make connections stick. Instead of just seeing a word, kids might also trace it in sand, say it aloud, and write it.

Step 4: Support at Home

You don’t need to be a professional to help your child thrive. Simple things make a difference:

• Read aloud together (yes—even older kids love this) • Break lessons into short, manageable chunks

• Use faith-based memory verses as gentle reading practice

• Encourage creativity—drawing, storytelling, music—where your child can shine

A Faith-Based Perspective

As a parent walking this journey, one thing anchors me: the truth of Scripture.

“For You created my innermost parts; You wove me together in my mother’s womb. I give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” — Tehillim (Psalm) 139:13–14, TS2009

Dyslexia is not a flaw. It’s part of the unique way YHWH designed your child. Their worth isn’t determined by reading levels—it’s rooted in being His beloved creation.

When the challenges feel heavy, I remind myself: my role isn’t to “fix” my child. It’s to walk with them, advocate for them, and remind them daily that they are wonderfully made.

Free Resource for Parents

If this resonates with you, I created something to help: the Free Dyslexia Parent Toolkit.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Practical strategies you can use right away

• Encouraging Scriptures for when you feel weary

• A prayer for parents walking this road

• Printable resources designed with dyslexic learners in mind

It’s my way of reminding you: you’re not walking this alone.

Here Dyslexia can feel overwhelming at first—for parents and children alike. But it’s not the end of the story. With the right tools, patience, and faith, your child can thrive.

If you see signs of dyslexia in your home, take a deep breath. Your child isn’t behind. They’re on a different path, and that path is still filled with purpose, potential, and hope.

Download the Free Toolkit Here: 

Here at Humble Happenings, we’re walking this journey too. And together, we can make sure every child knows the truth: they are fearfully and wonderfully made.