When Should You Get Your Child Evaluated for Dyslexia Warning Signs and Expert Tips

Reading difficulties can be frustrating for both children and parents. When a child struggles to keep up with reading tasks, it raises an important question: is this just a phase, or could it be dyslexia? Knowing when to seek an evaluation can make a big difference in how your child learns and grows. This post will help you understand the right age for assessment, the warning signs to watch for, and how to find the right psychologist who specializes in learning disabilities.

Understanding Dyslexia and Its Early Signs

Dyslexia is a common learning disability that affects reading and language processing. It does not reflect a child’s intelligence but makes reading and spelling more challenging. Early identification is key to providing the right support.

When can dyslexia be detected?

While formal diagnosis often happens during early school years, signs can appear much earlier. Some children show warning signs before they start reading, such as difficulty recognizing letters or rhyming words. However, diagnosing dyslexia too early, such as before age 5, can be tricky because many young children develop reading skills at different rates.

The Right Age to Get Your Child Evaluated

Most experts recommend considering an evaluation around ages 6 to 8, when children begin formal reading instruction. At this stage, it becomes clearer whether reading difficulties are due to dyslexia or simply normal learning variations.

Is there such a thing as too young?

Young children (under 5) may not be ready for a full dyslexia assessment. Instead, early screening tools and observations can help identify children at risk. If your child shows early warning signs, you can work with educators or specialists on early interventions without a formal diagnosis. However, you can also consider factors such as if the child has been receiving speech therapy, if there is a family history of dyslexia, then it is important to intervene earlier. At Katy Psychological Services, we have the latest assessment instruments to identify early signs of dyslexia starting at the age of 5.

Warning Signs to Look For

Parents are often the first to notice when something feels different about their child’s reading progress. Here are some common warning signs that suggest an evaluation might be needed:

• Difficulty learning letter names and sounds

• Trouble recognizing common words by sight

• Slow or inaccurate reading

• Problems with spelling, often reversing letters or mixing up sounds

• Avoidance of reading activities or frustration during reading

• Difficulty rhyming or playing with sounds in words

• Struggles to follow multi-step instructions involving language

• Family history of learning disabilities or dyslexia

  
  

If you observe several of these signs consistently, it’s a good idea to discuss your concerns with your child’s teacher or pediatrician.

How to Select a Psychologist for Dyslexia Assessment

Choosing the right professional for your child’s evaluation is crucial. Not all psychologists have experience with learning disabilities or dyslexia.

Look for these qualities:

• Specialization in learning disabilities

• Experience working with children of your child’s age

• Use of evidence-based assessment tools for reading difficulties

• Ability to provide clear feedback and recommendations

• Willingness to collaborate with parents, teachers, and other professionals

  
  

You can start by asking your pediatrician for referrals or contacting local learning centers... or you can start right here! Our psychologists are experts in evaluating for learning differences (several of us are dual licensed as school psychologists).

What to Expect During the Evaluation

A thorough assessment usually involves at least three sessions. The psychologist will meet with you first to get a good understanding of developmental history and current concerns. Then the psychologist can give you an estimate of how many hours of testing are needed and give you a price quote. Then your child comes in for the assessment. We will take a comprehensive look at areas of concern, such as your child’s reading, spelling, language skills, memory, and processing speed. We also get current information from your child's teacher(s).

The goal is to understand your child’s strengths and challenges, not just to label them. We are invested in helping you learn "why" your child is struggling. After the evaluation, you will meet with the psychologist and receive a detailed report with recommendations for support, which might include tutoring, classroom accommodations, or therapy.

Remember, many children with dyslexia grow up to be successful adults with the right help.

Can I get diagnosed as an adult?

Yes! If you have always struggled with reading but were never tested, we can help. Adults come to us for testing because they are interested in going back to school, or maybe struggling in school, and would benefit from extra accommodations that higher education systems provide.