8 Signs of Dyslexia Parents Notice Before School - A Dyslexia Assessor's Guide

Written by Jo Rees — Dyslexia Assessor & Specialist Teacher, Former SENCO, late-diagnosed dyslexic, and mum of three dyslexic children.

Often, parents spot the signs of dyslexia before school before anyone else does — not because they're experts in dyslexia, but because they're experts in their own child. They may not yet be connecting what they're noticing to dyslexia, but something feels off.

This guide shares the most common signs of dyslexia before school that parents notice at home, drawn from 19 years as a dyslexia assessor and the experience of raising three dyslexic children.

1. A change in behaviour

Once bright, sparky, curious and inquisitive — but school seems to wring it out of them. The sparks dull and the way your child holds themselves feels heavy. Difficult to explain to an outsider, but as a parent you can just see it. One of the hardest things to hear is your child referring to themselves as stupid or unintelligent, especially when you know that simply isn't true.

2. The surprising mismatch

Academic attainment doesn't seem to match their ability. Your child appears bright, quick to pick up practical things, no issues learning outside school — yet they're struggling to make progress with reading and spelling and it doesn't make sense. You may also notice a striking difference between their spoken vocabulary and their written work. They're great conversationalists who use a wide range of words verbally, but that just doesn't come through in their writing.

3. Two completely different children

You see one child at home; school reports another. Whether it's you seeing a loud, gregarious child at home while school describes someone quiet and lacking confidence — or the reverse — there are inconsistencies that don't add up. This disconnect is one of the most common signs of dyslexia parents notice, and one of the most frustrating to explain.

4. Words are a problem

From spoonerising ("par cark" instead of "carpark") to using ambitious vocabulary they can't quite pronounce, to struggling to find the right word and defaulting to "you know, that thingy" — there are so many dyslexic clues within speech that we often laugh off or overlook. These language quirks can be early indicators of dyslexia or other language differences.

5. Relentless curiosity

Dyslexic children tend to ask a lot of questions. They're inquisitive, thirsty for knowledge, and want to understand how things work. This big-picture thinking is one of the classic dyslexic strengths. They ask questions to connect new information with what they already know — a sophisticated learning strategy. Encourage it: it's often one of the first things to disappear when a child starts to realise they're struggling and feel different from their peers.

6. Entrepreneurial spark

The child selling apples from the garden, setting up a lemonade stand, or constantly thinking of ways to make money. Many parents accidentally shut this strength down before it has a chance to develop — but ask most parents of dyslexic children and they'll tell you there was a time their child showed real entrepreneurial flair. It's a dyslexic strength worth nurturing.

7. Strong emotional literacy

Empathy, kindness, an instinct for when someone is struggling. Dyslexic children are often brilliant at reading a room — facial expressions, body language, the unsaid. They tend to be naturally intuitive, solution-focused, and natural leaders. They want to fix things, support people, and generate ideas others haven't thought of.

8. A passion and talent for something

Music, sport, art, science, cooking, building — dyslexic children almost always excel in something they've chosen and pursued themselves. They've often taught themselves, applying positive learning behaviours that show clearly they are absolutely capable of learning. Which brings us right back to signs one and two: the behaviour change and the surprising mismatch.

What to do if you recognise these signs

This isn't an exhaustive list, and recognising several of these signs doesn't mean your child will definitely receive a dyslexia diagnosis. But these are the things many dyslexics share — and the things parents notice before schools do. If these signs of dyslexia before school are resonating, trust your instincts and start the conversation with school.

You can also explore assistive technology tools that support dyslexic learners at home — from text-to-speech software to reading tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the earliest signs of dyslexia in children? Early signs of dyslexia before school include late speech development, difficulty with rhymes, struggling to remember the names of letters or numbers, and showing a noticeable difference between verbal ability and written output. A key indicator is a child who seems bright and capable in practical tasks but struggles specifically with reading and spelling once they start school.

Can parents spot dyslexia before a formal diagnosis? Yes — and they often do. Parents are experts in their own children and frequently notice the signs of dyslexia before school professionals do. Things like behaviour changes, a mismatch between spoken and written ability, and unusual word use at home are all worth noting and raising with your child's school or SENCO.

What should I do if I think my child has dyslexia? Start by noting down what you're observing at home. Then arrange a separate meeting with your child's teacher or SENCO — not a parents' evening, which is often too rushed. Bring your observations and ask about dyslexia screening. You don't need a formal diagnosis for support to begin.