Preschool Warning Signs: Is It Too Early to Worry About Dyslexia?

When we think of dyslexia, we typically picture a school-aged child struggling to read. But the roots of dyslexia are present long before a child is expected to pick up a book. Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability, and the earliest signs are often related to spoken language, not written text.

While no single sign is a definitive diagnosis, a pattern of difficulty in these areas can be a red flag. Here are the key warning signs of dyslexia in preschoolers (ages 3-5) that every parent and educator should know.

1. Trouble with Rhyming

Difficulty with rhyming is one of the most significant and well-researched early indicators of dyslexia. The ability to hear and play with the sounds in language (known as phonological awareness) is a critical pre-reading skill. A child with a weakness in this area may:

• Struggle to learn and recite nursery rhymes.
• Not be able to tell if two words rhyme (e.g., “Do ‘cat’ and ‘hat’ sound the same?”).
• Be unable to come up with a word that rhymes with a simple word like “sun.”

2. Persistent “Baby Talk” and Mispronunciations

While all young children mispronounce words as they learn to talk, children who may be at risk for dyslexia often do so more frequently and for a longer period than their peers. You might notice:

• Consistently mispronouncing familiar words (e.g., “aminal” for “animal,” “pisghetti” for “spaghetti”).
• Mixing up the sounds in words (e.g., “flutterby” for “butterfly”).
• Having trouble clearly articulating multi-syllable words.

3. Difficulty with Word Retrieval

Have you ever had a word on the tip of your tongue? Children at risk for dyslexia may experience this frequently. They may:

• Use vague words like “stuff” or “thingy” because they can’t find the word they want.
• Substitute a related word (e.g., “fork” for “spoon”).
• Have a noticeable delay when trying to name a familiar object, color, or person.

This isn’t a problem with vocabulary; they know the word. The difficulty lies in rapidly and automatically retrieving it from their memory.

4. Struggles with Letters, Numbers, and Days of the Week

Learning and reciting sequences can be a challenge. This can manifest as:

• Difficulty learning and remembering the alphabet.
• Trouble recognizing the letters in their own name.
• Struggling to count to 20 or learn the days of the week.

5. A Family History of Dyslexia or Reading Struggles

Dyslexia has a strong genetic component. If you, your partner, or other close family members have struggled with reading or spelling, your child has a significantly higher chance of having dyslexia. Be sure to consider this when you are observing your child’s development.

What Should You Do?

If you are noticing a consistent pattern of these signs, it’s not a reason to panic, but it is a reason to act.

• Talk to your pediatrician: Share your concerns and ask about developmental milestones.
• Talk to your child’s preschool teacher: Ask if they are seeing the same patterns in the classroom.
• Read, talk, and sing with your child every day: Immerse them in a language-rich environment. Read rhyming books, sing songs, and play with the sounds in words.

While a formal diagnosis of dyslexia is typically not made until a child is in school, early awareness is key. By identifying potential risk factors early, you can ensure your child gets the rich language exposure and targeted support they need to build a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning.

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Related reading:

• Elementary Red Flags: When Reading Struggles Signal Dyslexia
• A Parent's Guide to Understanding Dyslexia
• How to Request a Dyslexia Evaluation from Your School