When parents think of dyslexia, they often picture a child reversing letters or struggling to read aloud. While those may be signs of dyslexia often discussed in the media, dyslexia often appears much earlier—and in ways many families don’t recognize.

Early signs parents may miss

According to Deborah Fannin, director of the Dyslexia Education and Training Center in Toledo, understanding the early warning signs and knowing how to advocate for your child can make a meaningful difference in both academic success and self-confidence.

“Dyslexia doesn’t always travel alone,” Fannin explains. Many children with dyslexia are also diagnosed with conditions such as ADHD or dysgraphia, making it more difficult to recognize the underlying reading disorder.

Parents may notice subtle developmental differences long before reading instruction begins. Some children are late talkers or have speech that is difficult to understand. Others struggle to pronounce words correctly or have difficulty expressing their thoughts clearly.

As children enter preschool and kindergarten, additional signs may emerge. Difficulty learning the alphabet, remembering the order of letters or numbers, or sequencing information can all be early indicators that warrant further evaluation.

While experiencing one or two of these challenges does not necessarily mean a child has dyslexia, Fannin encourages parents to pay attention to patterns and seek answers if concerns persist. Preparing for school meetings

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An Individualized Education Program (IEP) or school intervention meeting can feel overwhelming, especially after a new diagnosis. Fannin recommends that parents spend time learning about dyslexia from reputable sources before sitting down with the school team. One important question to ask is whether the school uses evidence-based reading instruction grounded in the science of reading and structured phonics. These approaches have been shown to help many students with dyslexia build foundational reading skills.

Parents should also ask what classroom accommodations are available. Depending on the child’s needs, these might include extended time on tests, access to a scribe, teacher-provided notes instead of copying from the board or permission to use a recording device when information is presented orally.

Just as importantly, Fannin encourages parents to ask about their child’s strengths.”Too often meetings focus only on deficits,” she said. Identifying what a child does well helps educators and families build confidence while supporting areas of difficulty.

Finding support beyond the classroom

Receiving a dyslexia diagnosis can leave families with more questions than answers. Fortunately, parents don’t have to navigate the journey alone. The International Dyslexia Association is a reliable resources for information about dyslexia, evidence-based instruction, advocacy and support. Connecting with trusted organizations can help parents better understand their child’s needs while learning how to advocate effectively within the school system.

Building confidence at home

While specialized reading instruction is essential, emotional support at home is also important.

Fannin encourages parents to begin with acceptance. Children with dyslexia often recognize that learning comes more easily to their peers, and they need reassurance that their challenges do not define their potential. She also recommends helping children discover activities where they can experience success outside of academics. “My son was proud to be an Eagle Scout,” Fannin shares, noting that accomplishments outside the classroom can become powerful confidence builders.

Parents can also strengthen language skills by reading aloud together or listening to audiobooks. These shared experiences expose children to rich vocabulary and complex language without the barriers that reading difficulties may create.

A dyslexia diagnosis may change the way a child learns, but it does not limit what they can achieve. With early identification, effective instruction, strong advocacy and encouragement at home, children with dyslexia can build the skills—and confidence—they need to succeed.