5 Reading Disorder Signs Every Parent Should Know
                     5 Reading Disorder 
Signs
When a child struggles to read, parents often sense something is off long before a teacher or 
clinician pinpoints the challenge. Early awareness matters because reading difficulties don’t 
usually disappear on their own; they tend to grow as academic demands increase. Spotting 
the key signs can help families recognize when a potential reading disorder may be 
contributing to these challenges and move toward clarity, support, and confidence in their 
child’s learning journey.
5 Signs of a Reading Disorder
Sign 1: Difficulty Recognizing Words Automatically
One of the earliest indicators is trouble recognizing familiar words. A child may sound out 
the
same word repeatedly, read slowly, or lose their place easily. This isn’t about effort or 
motivation; many bright students still struggle to read fluently. Likewise, when reading feels 
laborious, their comprehension often suffers because so much energy goes into decoding 
each individual word.
If these challenges persist over time, especially beyond early elementary grades, it may be 
time to explore a more formal look at what’s happening beneath the surface. Families often 
notice that their child avoids reading aloud, becomes anxious with longer text, or tires quickly. 
A speech-language pathologist can help determine whether these struggles relate to 
decoding, fluency, or underlying language skills that impact reading confidence and 
performance.
Sign 2: Struggles With Sound Awareness
Another common sign of dyslexia involves difficulty connecting sounds to letters. Kids may
have trouble rhyming, breaking apart words, or identifying the sounds within a word. 
These foundational skills are vital for building more advanced reading abilities, and gaps 
here can affect spelling, vocabulary growth, and overall comprehension.
Educational assessments can provide a comprehensive look at these foundational skills and 
may evaluate how a child processes language, stores information, and applies reading skills. It 
is important to note that the evaluation methods used can depend on the professional 
administering it, but these insights help families understand not just that a child is  
struggling, but also the reasons why.
Sign 3: Inconsistent Spelling and Writing Skills
Children who struggle with reading often demonstrate unpredictable spelling patterns.
Words may be spelled correctly one day and incorrectly the next. Written sentences may 
leave out sounds, reverse letters, or appear fragmented. These patterns are more than simple 
mistakes; they can be a reflection of how the brain processes language.
Some children with these ongoing challenges may be showing signs of a reading disorder, 
especially if they continue to fall behind peers even with extra classroom practice or support.
Sign 4: Avoidance or Frustration Around Reading
Emotional signs can be just as telling as academic ones. A child may avoid homework that
involves reading, become upset when asked to read aloud, or express feeling “behind” or “not 
good at reading.” These emotional responses often stem from repeated struggles and can 
impact self-esteem and motivation over time.
If these patterns continue, families may want to pursue a second conversation, especially if 
prior screenings were inconclusive or if challenges are increasing as texts become more 
complex. A clearer understanding can support next steps and ease uncertainty, and 
obtaining a reading disorder diagnosis may be a part of that process.
Sign 5: Difficulty Understanding What Was Read
Sometimes a child can read words on the page but struggles to explain what they mean.
They may miss key details, forget information quickly, or have trouble making connections. 
Comprehension depends on vocabulary, background knowledge, and the ability to think 
about language, not just say the words. When comprehension consistently lags, a deeper 
evaluation can be helpful.
Families can turn to formal educational assessments to clarify whether comprehension 
challenges stem from decoding issues, language processing differences, or a combination of 
factors. These evaluations help pinpoint the specific skills that need support.
Moving Forward With Clarity
When families see several of these signs together, taking action early can make a meaningful 
difference. A precise reading disorder diagnosis can help families feel confident about the 
path ahead, guiding targeted support and next steps. Educational Inspiration offers expert 
evaluations led by our speech-language pathologist and reading specialist who understands 
the science of reading and the emotions that come with these challenges.
To learn more or schedule an evaluation, contact us today.