For Families
SIGNS OF DYSLEXIA CHECKLIST
A simple tool to help parents and caregivers recognize early warning signs of dyslexia at home. Checking several items does not diagnose dyslexia, but it can guide your next conversation with a teacher, pediatrician, or evaluator.
Items checked: 0 of 23
Preschool & Early Elementary
- Trouble learning nursery rhymes, songs, or the alphabet
- Difficulty recognizing or producing rhyming words
- Struggles to name letters, numbers, or colors quickly
- Mispronounces common words or uses baby talk longer than peers
- Trouble remembering the names of familiar people, places, or objects
- Family history of reading or spelling difficulties
School-Age Readers
- Slow or inaccurate word reading, even with practice
- Avoids reading aloud or becomes anxious when asked to read
- Difficulty sounding out unfamiliar words
- Trouble remembering sight words from one day to the next
- Reads words in the wrong order or skips small words entirely
- Spelling is significantly below grade level or inconsistent
- Takes much longer than peers to complete reading assignments
Writing & Spelling Patterns
- Reverses letters or numbers beyond the typical developmental stage
- Inconsistent spelling of the same word within one piece of writing
- Difficulty organizing thoughts on paper
- Poor handwriting, awkward pencil grip, or letter formation
- Trouble copying from the board or a book
Speaking & Language
- Difficulty finding the right word when speaking
- Confuses words that sound similar
- Trouble following multi-step directions
- Needs extra time to answer questions or tell a story
- Misnames familiar objects or people
What should I do next?
If you checked several items, consider requesting a formal screening or evaluation through your child's school. Document specific examples to share during the conversation.
© 2026 Fluency Fuel. This checklist is for educational purposes and is not a diagnostic tool.