Early Signs of Dyslexia at Age 3: What Parents Should Know

While dyslexia isn't diagnosed at least until children start to learn to read in school, there are early signs that appear as young as age three. Recognizing these early indicators can change the trajectory of a child's learning journey. 

When we recognize signs early, we can do something about. This is early intervention. The earlier the intervention, the better the outcomes for children who may struggle with reading and language development.

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Early Signs of Dyslexia

Here are five key signs of dyslexia to watch for in three-year-olds:

1. Delayed Speech Development

By the age of two, most children begin speaking in short phrases. If your child is not reaching common speech milestones or is developing language skills more slowly than their peers, this could be an early sign of dyslexia.

2. Mixing Up Sounds in Words

Children with dyslexia often mix up sounds in words. If your child frequently says "pusghetti" instead of "spaghetti" or "aminal" for "animal," they may have difficulty processing and organizing language sounds.

3. Difficulty with Rhyming

Rhyming is a foundational skill for reading. If your child struggles to recognize rhyming words in songs and stories or has trouble noticing that “cat” and “hat” sound alike, this may indicate an early sign of dyslexia.

4. Trouble Learning New Words

Some children with dyslexia find it challenging to acquire new words or recall familiar ones. If your child frequently forgets words they previously learned, they may be experiencing difficulties with language retention.

5. Family History of Dyslexia

Dyslexia has a genetic component. If you or a close family member has dyslexia, your child may be at a higher risk. Identifying this early can help you take proactive steps to support their learning needs.

What You Can Do

If you recognize these signs in your child, talk with your child's teacher or consider consulting a specialist. Early intervention is key to helping children with dyslexia build strong language and literacy skills. Resources such as speech therapy, structured reading programs, and parental support can make a world of difference.

Does this sound like your child? Book a call to learn more about how you can support your child's language and literacy development.

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