What are the signs of dyslexia by age?

In kindergarten and 1st grade (ages 5-7), look for difficulty rhyming, learning letter sounds, and remembering sequences. In 2nd-3rd grade (ages 7-9), watch for slow reading, frequent guessing, and avoiding reading aloud. In 4th-6th grade (ages 9-12), signs include difficulty with comprehension, spelling, and written expression. In middle school and beyond, look for slow reading speed, difficulty with foreign languages, and avoidance of reading-heavy tasks.

My child was tested by the school and came back fine. Can they still have dyslexia?

Yes. School evaluations often use screening tools that measure broad academic skills rather than the specific phonological processing deficits that define dyslexia. Schools may also use a discrepancy model that misses children who compensate well. A private dyslexia-specific evaluation uses targeted assessments like the CTOPP-2 to measure the underlying processing skills.

Can dyslexia be cured?

Dyslexia is a neurological difference, not a disease, so it cannot be cured. However, with proper intervention using structured literacy approaches like Orton-Gillingham, children can develop strong reading skills and effective strategies. Early intervention produces the best outcomes. The brain builds new neural pathways for reading, but the underlying difference in processing remains.

What is the difference between a dyslexia screening and a full evaluation?

A screening is a quick check that identifies risk for dyslexia. It takes about 15-30 minutes and tells you whether further testing is recommended. A full evaluation is a comprehensive diagnostic assessment lasting 2-4 hours that measures phonological processing, rapid naming, reading fluency, comprehension, and more. It provides a formal diagnosis and specific recommendations for intervention and school accommodations.

What is the difference between dyslexia and ADHD?

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability affecting reading, spelling, and phonological processing. ADHD is an attention disorder affecting focus, impulse control, and executive function. About 30-40% of children with dyslexia also have ADHD. The key difference: a child with ADHD can decode words but may lose focus while reading, while a child with dyslexia struggles with the actual decoding process regardless of attention.

Does my child need an IEP or a 504 plan for dyslexia?

An IEP provides specialized instruction and is appropriate when your child needs specially designed teaching methods (like Orton-Gillingham). A 504 plan provides accommodations like extended time and audiobooks but no specialized instruction. If your child needs a different way of being taught to read, push for an IEP. If they can access the curriculum with accommodations alone, a 504 may be sufficient.

How do I request a dyslexia evaluation from my school?

Submit a written request (email or letter) to your school principal or special education coordinator specifically asking for an evaluation for a suspected specific learning disability in reading. Keep a copy. The school has 60 days to respond. If they refuse, they must provide Prior Written Notice explaining why. You have the right to an Independent Educational Evaluation at the school's expense if you disagree with their findings.

How much does dyslexia testing cost?

Private dyslexia evaluations typically cost $1,500-$5,000 depending on the provider and scope. At Dyslexia Evaluations, we offer free screenings and comprehensive evaluations for $1,500. School-based evaluations are free but may not specifically test for dyslexia. Some insurance plans cover neuropsychological testing, though coverage varies.

7 Signs of Dyslexia in First Graders Parents Miss

Jun 15

Written By Arran Gallagher-Krantz

How Do I Know If My First Grader Has Dyslexia?

If reading is becoming a daily struggle for your first grader, you're right to pay attention. The signs of dyslexia in first graders are easy to miss because they look like normal "still learning to read" behavior — trouble with letter sounds, mixing up words, and avoiding books. The difference is that these struggles persist and tend to cluster together.

First grade is one of the best windows to catch dyslexia early, and early support makes a real difference. Below are seven red flags parents most often overlook, what counts as normal, and what to do if these sound familiar.

Why First Grade Is the Moment That Matters

In kindergarten, almost every child looks a little behind, so dyslexia hides easily. By first grade, instruction speeds up and the gap widens. A first grader with dyslexia is usually bright, verbal, and eager to please, so signs get waved off as "he'll catch up." Research from the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity shows reading difficulties tend to persist without targeted help — but caught early, dyslexia responds remarkably well to structured support.

The 7 Signs of Dyslexia in First Graders

1. Trouble connecting letters to their sounds — knows the alphabet song but freezes on "what sound does b make?"

2. Difficulty rhyming or playing with sounds — can't find a rhyme for "cat" or clap out syllables; weak phonological awareness is consistent with dyslexia.

3. Guessing words from pictures — says "dog" when the word is "puppy"; smart kids use pictures to cover for not decoding.

4. Struggling to remember sight words — reads the or said right, then misses it two lines later.

5. Letter reversals + reading avoidance — reversals alone are normal; the signal is when they come with dodging reading.

6. Reading feels exhausting — meltdowns, sudden bathroom trips, fighting story time. Behavior is often the first clue.

7. Family history in a bright child — articulate and quick in conversation, but hits a wall the moment letters appear.

What's Normal vs. What's a Red Flag?

Usually normal on its own: occasionally flipping b/d, needing a few tries to learn a word, preferring play over reading.

More of a red flag, especially combined: lingering letter-sound confusion, forgetting sight words seen dozens of times, real distress or avoidance around reading, a family history of reading difficulty.

One sign alone rarely means much. Two or more, together and persistent, may indicate dyslexia and are worth a free dyslexia screening.

What Should I Do If I Recognize These Signs?

First, take a breath — noticing these in first grade is good news. It means you have time, and early structured help works. Get clarity rather than wait:

Start with a quick, free dyslexia screening.

If signs point that way, a comprehensive evaluation gives the full picture and the documentation schools need — see our full evaluations page.

Questions first? Our Q&A page covers what parents ask most.

Screening is free; a comprehensive evaluation is $1,500. We work with families in Madison, WI and nationwide via virtual evaluations. When ready, book an evaluation.

What Does a Dyslexia Screening Actually Involve?

The word "screening" sounds more intimidating than it is. It looks at the early skills reading is built on — hearing and working with sounds in words, connecting letters to sounds, and recognizing letters and simple words quickly. It does not label your child. Parents can expect it to be quick (a few minutes of game-like tasks), free, and to produce a clear next step. Think of it like a vision test for reading: it doesn't prescribe glasses, it tells you whether a closer look is warranted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a first grader be diagnosed with dyslexia? Yes — first grade is a strong age to screen and evaluate. Screening identifies risk and points to next steps; a formal diagnosis comes from a comprehensive evaluation.

Are letter reversals always a sign of dyslexia? No — reversing b/d is developmentally normal early. It's a concern only when it persists alongside other signs.

My child is smart — could it still be dyslexia? Absolutely. Dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence.

Should I wait to see if my child catches up? Waiting is the most costly choice. Most kids don't outgrow dyslexia on their own, and early help works best.

Is my child just a slow reader, or could it be dyslexia? A slower start isn't automatically dyslexia. The difference is the pattern — trouble with letter sounds, inconsistent sight-word recall, and avoidance that lingers despite practice. A free screening is the simplest way to tell.

The Bottom Line

The signs of dyslexia in first graders are quiet and easy to explain away, which is exactly why so many parents miss them. If any of this feels familiar, you don't have to figure it out alone.

Not sure if your child has dyslexia? Start with our free screening — it takes just a few minutes and could change everything.

→ Take the Free Dyslexia Screening

Arran Gallagher-Krantz

7 Signs of Dyslexia in First Graders Parents Miss

Is Dyslexia a Disability? What Parents Should Know

Dyslexia vs ADHD: How to Tell the Difference