If your child is struggling to read, it can be frustrating and concerning, especially if you’re unsure of the cause.
Dyslexia, a common learning difficulty, affects how the brain processes language, making reading, writing, and spelling challenging.
While there are various types of dyslexia, understanding which type your child may have is a crucial first step in helping them overcome these challenges. As online Reading Specialists, we work with children in grades K-5 to help bridge their reading gaps, giving them the tools to succeed in school and life.
If you think your child might have dyslexia, keep reading to learn about the seven main types of dyslexia, how they affect reading, and how to recognize them in your child.
1. Phonological Dyslexia
Phonological dyslexia, the most common type, makes it difficult for children to break down words into their component sounds (phonemes).
Since reading involves connecting letters to sounds, kids with phonological dyslexia may struggle with decoding new words and often find phonics-based reading instruction particularly challenging.
Signs in Your Child:
Difficulty sounding out new words.
Trouble with spelling words phonetically.
Struggling with blending sounds together to form words.
2. Surface Dyslexia
Surface dyslexia affects the ability to recognize whole words by sight. Children with this type rely heavily on phonics to decode words, but they struggle with words that don’t follow typical phonetic rules (often referred to as "irregular words").
Signs in Your Child:
Difficulty reading words that don’t sound like they are spelled (such as “island” or “yacht”).
Over-reliance on sounding out words.
Slow, effortful reading, even for common words.
3. Visual Dyslexia
Visual dyslexia is linked to difficulties with visual processing. Kids with this type may have trouble recognizing and remembering the shapes of letters or distinguishing between letters that look similar (like “b” and “d”).
This type can often overlap with other forms of dyslexia, leading to challenges in both reading and writing.
Signs in Your Child:
Confusing similar-looking letters or words.
Difficulty with reading fluency and writing legibly.
Complaints of eye strain or frequent headaches during reading.
4. Primary Dyslexia
Primary dyslexia is hereditary and affects the brain's left hemisphere, responsible for language processing. It's usually lifelong, but with the right interventions and strategies, children can significantly improve their reading skills.
Signs in Your Child:
Persistent reading struggles, despite adequate instruction.
Family history of dyslexia or other reading difficulties.
Difficulty with phonemic awareness, spelling, and reading fluency.
5. Deep Dyslexia
Deep dyslexia is a more severe form, where children may substitute words while reading. For example, they might see the word “cat” and say “dog” instead. This type usually involves significant difficulty with both phonological and visual processing, making reading comprehension a challenge.
Signs in Your Child:
Frequent word substitutions when reading aloud.
Difficulty with both decoding and understanding what they read.
Struggling with abstract words or non-concrete language.
6. Double Deficit Dyslexia
This type involves deficits in both phonological processing and naming speed. Children with double deficit dyslexia have trouble breaking down words into sounds and also have slow recall of words.
This can make reading a particularly slow and laborious process.
Signs in Your Child:
Extremely slow reading speed.
Difficulty recalling the names of common objects quickly.
Trouble with both sounding out words and recognizing them by sight.
7. Attentional Dyslexia
Attentional dyslexia makes it difficult for children to focus on individual words or letters when reading.
Kids may find their eyes "jumping" across the page or mixing up letters and words because they cannot focus properly on a single part of the text.
Signs in Your Child:
Skipping words or lines when reading.
Difficulty tracking words on the page.
Complaints about words appearing to "move" or shift around.
How to Help Your Child
If any of these signs for the different types of dyslexia sound familiar, it's important to remember that early intervention is key to helping your child succeed.
Our Reading Specialists provide personalized, targeted support to children in grades K-5 who are struggling to read, whether due to dyslexia or other challenges like ADD, ADHD, or processing issues. By identifying your child’s specific type of dyslexia, we can develop a customized learning plan to help them close their reading gap and grow into confident, capable readers.
Next Steps for Parents
If you suspect your child has dyslexia, a formal evaluation can provide clarity and help guide the right interventions. Early recognition and appropriate support can make a world of difference, turning reading into a more enjoyable and successful experience for your child.
We’re here to support you on this journey, helping your child not only reach grade-level expectations but also develop a love for reading that lasts a lifetime. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help, feel free to reach out to us for a consultation.