Neurodevelopmental Disorders & Learning Differences

Dyslexia in Children: Symptoms, Causes & Best Therapies

Authored by: The DrSensory Editorial Team

Reviewed by: 🛡️ DrSensory Clinical Review Board

Last updated: June 2025

All medical content on this page has been reviewed and approved by licensed Doctors on the DrSensory Clinical Review Board. Our reviewers follow strict editorial standards and ensure alignment with current APTA guidelines, evidence-based practice, and orthopedic rehabilitation protocols.

What Is Dyslexia?
Common Signs and Symptoms of Dyslexia
Causes and Risk Factors

14 min read

How Dyslexia Is Diagnosed
Evidence-Based Therapies for Dyslexia
Dyslexia and Co-Occurring Disorders
At-Home Strategies for Parents
🧑‍⚕️ Find Dyslexia Specialists Near You
📣 For Therapists: Grow Your Practice
Frequently Asked Questions

Dyslexia: Understanding, Treating, and Supporting Your Child

What Is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a neurologically-based learning disorder that primarily affects the development of reading, spelling, and writing skills. It is not a sign of low intelligence—many individuals with dyslexia are highly intelligent and creative, but need specialized approaches to reading and language learning.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Dyslexia

Early identification is key to intervention. Common signs include:

Difficulty learning letter names and sounds
Trouble rhyming or breaking words into syllables
Slow or inaccurate reading
Poor spelling and inconsistent writing
Avoidance of reading or writing tasks
Family history of reading or language difficulties

These signs often appear in preschool or early elementary years, but many children go undiagnosed for years.

Causes and Risk Factors

Dyslexia often runs in families and is linked to differences in brain structure and function that affect how language is processed. Key risk factors include:

Genetic predisposition
Language delays in early childhood
Poor phonological awareness
Co-occurring conditions such as ADHD or dysgraphia

Understanding the root neurological and sensory components is critical for effective treatment.

How Dyslexia Is Diagnosed

A comprehensive evaluation may include:

Standardized reading and language assessments
Cognitive and phonological processing tests
Speech-language evaluations
Input from teachers and caregivers
Visual and auditory processing assessments

SLPs often play a central role in identifying dyslexia and tailoring intervention plans.

Evidence-Based Therapies for Dyslexia

Dyslexia is highly manageable with the right support. Treatments are often multi-disciplinary and include:

✅ Speech-Language Therapy (SLP)

Phonological awareness training
Decoding strategies
Language comprehension support
Fluency and vocabulary development

✅ Occupational Therapy (OT)

Visual-motor integration
Executive functioning and attention
Classroom accommodations and handwriting support

✅ Physical Therapy (PT)

Core strength and postural support for sustained attention during seated tasks
Gross motor development, especially when linked to dyspraxia or sensory processing challenges

✅ Multisensory Reading Programs

Orton-Gillingham
Wilson Reading System
Barton Reading & Spelling System

These programs are most effective when delivered by trained professionals in one-on-one or small group settings.

Dyslexia and Co-Occurring Disorders

Many children with dyslexia also face challenges with:

Dysgraphia (writing difficulty)
ADHD (attention and impulse control)
Sensory Processing Disorder
Anxiety related to academic struggles

Holistic care often involves multiple specialists, which DrSensory’s database is designed to support.

At-Home Strategies for Parents

Read aloud daily using audiobooks or paired reading
Use colored overlays or larger fonts
Break homework into small, manageable tasks
Explore text-to-speech and speech-to-text tools
Practice phonics games and word puzzles

Remember: Consistency and encouragement are essential.

🧑‍⚕️ Find Dyslexia Specialists Near You

Whether you’re just starting to explore concerns or ready to build a treatment team, DrSensory is here to help.

✅ Search by ZIP code or specialty

✅ Access verified OTs, SLPs, and PTs

✅ Filter by insurance or teletherapy options

✅ Completely free to use

👉 Find a Therapist for Dyslexia on DrSensory

📣 For Therapists: Grow Your Practice

Are you an OT, PT, or SLP who supports children with dyslexia?
Join the DrSensory network to:

Get discovered by families looking for your expertise
Promote your services through a trusted, niche-specific platform
Collaborate with professionals across disciplines

👉 Add Your Practice to the DrSensory Directory

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is dyslexia curable?

No, but early and consistent intervention can dramatically improve reading and writing skills.

Can a speech therapist treat dyslexia?

Yes. SLPs often play a key role, especially with phonological and language-based components.

What age is best for intervention?

The earlier the better—ideally in kindergarten or first grade—but it’s never too late.

Is dyslexia considered a disability?

Yes, it is recognized as a specific learning disability under IDEA, which can qualify a student for academic accommodations and IEPs/504 plans.

This page provides general educational content and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a licensed provider for diagnosis and treatment.

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