Table of contents
- What Every Parent Should Know About Dyslexia
- 6 Common Types of Dyslexia
- My Child is Showing Forms of Dyslexia: What to Do Next
- Learn More Daily With The Autism Voyage for Your Special Needs Family!
Forms of dyslexia affect children in different ways, from how they read to how they write and process language. Some kids struggle with breaking words into sounds, while others have trouble recognizing familiar words or tracking text. Spelling may also be inconsistent, especially when memory or sequencing is involved. These differences can be easy to miss, especially in bright kids who learn to mask the signs.
Before the pandemic, babies could recognize word boundaries by 4 months. Due to the post-pandemic language development crisis, many aren’t reaching that milestone until 12 months or later. This delay in early language development makes early screening for dyslexia more important than ever. The earlier you spot the signs, the sooner your child can get support, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Parents can learn more about real-life strategies and insightful resources by visiting Blogs for Special Needs Families for helpful articles and advice.
Disclaimer: All content on TheAutismVoyage.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, legal, financial, or clinical advice. Please consult licensed professionals as needed.
What Every Parent Should Know About Dyslexia
Dyslexia affects more than just reading, it changes how a child processes language, remembers information, and builds confidence. There are different forms of dyslexia, and each one impacts learning in its own way. Some children struggle with sounds, others with speed or visual tracking. If you’ve ever asked is dyslexia neurodivergent, the answer is yes, it reflects a different, not broken, way of thinking.
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Why Understanding Different Forms of Dyslexia Is Crucial
When parents understand the different forms of dyslexia, everything changes. These learning differences don’t reflect a child’s intelligence, they reflect how the brain processes language. Some kids struggle with sounds, others with visual word recognition, and some with memory or sequencing. By learning the early signs, you can take action sooner and avoid the heartbreak of mislabeling or missed support.
💡 Here’s why this knowledge matters:
Early understanding leads to early intervention.
It protects your child’s confidence.
Different subtypes need different tools.
You become a stronger advocate.
It helps your child feel seen.
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Tip:
The different forms of dyslexia deserve attention, not assumptions. With the right insight and early support, your child can thrive, not just survive, in their learning journey.
6 Common Types of Dyslexia
There are several recognized forms of dyslexia, and each one affects how a child processes language differently. Some kids struggle with sounds, others with sight words, tracking, or naming speed. Knowing the type helps you give your child support that fits their needs. It’s not about labels, it’s about building confidence.
#1: Phonological Dyslexia and Trouble With Sounds
Phonological dyslexia is one of the most common and widely recognized forms of dyslexia, especially in early readers. It affects how a child hears and works with the sounds in spoken words, skills needed to blend and decode. When phonemic awareness is weak, reading becomes slow and frustrating, even for bright kids. Among all the forms of dyslexia, this one often appears first and benefits greatly from early support.
How to Spot Phonological Dyslexia Early
Early signs of phonological dyslexia often appear before a child even starts reading. These children may struggle to hear and play with sounds, an essential foundation for reading success. Among all the forms of dyslexia, phonological types are most closely linked to trouble decoding words. The good news? Early intervention through structured, evidence-based support can make a big difference.
Common early signs to look for:
- 🧩 Trouble with rhyming or breaking words into syllables
- 📖 Avoidance of reading aloud due to frustration or embarrassment
- ✏️ Spelling that is highly phonetic and inconsistent
- 🔡 Difficulty sounding out new or unfamiliar words
Phonological dyslexia is often hidden behind behavior or avoidance, but with the right tools, kids can gain the confidence they need to become strong, capable readers.
#2: Surface Dyslexia and Sight Word Struggles
Surface dyslexia is one of the lesser-known but important forms of dyslexia. Children with this subtype struggle to recognize whole words by sight and rely on phonics to sound out even familiar words. Their reading is often accurate but slow and lacks natural flow. With targeted support, kids with surface dyslexia can build fluency and gain confidence over time.
Signs Your Child May Have Surface Dyslexia
Surface dyslexia can be easy to overlook, especially when the signs seem mild. Kids may read slowly but still get most words right. They often sound out familiar words each time, which affects fluency. These signs can overlap with other forms of dyslexia and may point to mild dyslexia.
What to look for:
- 🔤 Sounding out common words often
- 🐢 Slow but mostly accurate reading
- ✏️ Trouble spelling irregular words
- 🔁 Overlapping signs from other subtypes
#3: Visual Dyslexia and Letter Confusion
Among the many forms of dyslexia, visual dyslexia affects how the brain makes sense of what the eyes see. It’s not about poor vision, it’s about visual processing. Kids may confuse letters like b and d, skip lines, or say words look like they’re moving. These signs can be frustrating, but with the right support, children can learn strategies to make reading easier.
Does Your Child Mix Up Letters or Skip Words? This Could Be Why
Some children reverse letters, skip small words, or lose their place while reading. These signs may point to forms of dyslexia like visual dyslexia or directional dyslexia. It’s not about effort, it’s how their brain processes space, direction, and movement. Knowing this helps you offer the right kind of support.
What to watch for:
- 🔁 Reversing letters like “b” and “d”
- 👀 Skipping short words or lines
- 🔡 Overlapping signs from other types
- 🧭 Confusing left and right often
#4: Verbal Dyslexia and Language Processing
Verbal dyslexia is a less common but still important type within the broader forms of dyslexia. It affects how a child finds, organizes, and speaks words, especially under pressure. These kids often understand the material but struggle to say what they mean. Reading aloud, answering questions, or retelling stories can be stressful. With the right support, including targeted dyslexia therapy, their language skills can improve over time.
When Speaking and Reading Don’t Match Up
Some kids understand what they read but struggle to say it back. This may point to verbal dyslexia, a lesser-known form of dyslexia that affects spoken language. It often shows up as pauses, broken sentences, or trouble getting thoughts out. With the right dyslexia therapy, kids can improve both expression and reading fluency.
Signs to notice:
- 🤔 Trouble finding the right word
- 📚 Good understanding, weak expression
- 🗯️ Hesitant or choppy reading aloud
- ✍️ Writing doesn’t match their ideas
#5: Directional Dyslexia and Left-Right Confusion
Directional dyslexia involves trouble with spatial concepts like left vs. right, order, and direction. It often overlaps with other forms of dyslexia, especially visual and phonological types. Kids may reverse letters like b and d, mix up reading order, or struggle with simple directions. While sometimes brushed off as mild dyslexia, these challenges can impact both learning and everyday life if not addressed.
Letter Reversals Aren’t Always Just a Phase
Many kids reverse letters early on, but if it continues past age 7, it may be directional dyslexia. This lesser-known form of dyslexia affects how children understand space, order, and direction. They may mix up b and d, confuse left and right, or struggle with sequences. It can look like mild dyslexia, but without support, it may affect learning and self-esteem.
What to watch for:
- 🔁 Reversing letters beyond age 7
- 🧭 Confusing left and right
- 🔢 Struggling with steps or routines
- 😕 Signs that overlap with other types
#6: Double Deficit Dyslexia and Dual Challenges
Double deficit dyslexia is one of the most complex forms of dyslexia. It affects both how a child breaks down sounds (phonological processing) and how quickly they name letters or words (naming speed). This makes reading especially hard, because decoding and fluency are both impacted. Kids with this subtype may make slower progress, but with the right support, growth is still possible.
What Makes Double Deficit the Most Challenging Form of Dyslexia?
Double deficit dyslexia is one of the most difficult forms of dyslexia to manage. It affects both sound processing and naming speed, making reading slow and frustrating. Kids with this subtype often fall behind, even when they try their best. These challenges are real, and rooted in how the brain is uniquely wired.
Signs to look for:
⚠️ Struggles with both phonics and speed
🐢 Slow progress despite effort
📖 Hard time understanding what they read
🎯 Needs structured, repeated support
🧠 Confirms that is dyslexia neurodivergent is a yes
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My Child is Showing Forms of Dyslexia: What to Do Next
Spotting signs of different forms of dyslexia can feel like a lot, but you’re not alone. It doesn’t mean your child isn’t smart, it just means they learn in a different way. Acting early gives your child a better chance to thrive with the right support. Small steps now can lead to big progress later.
Next steps to consider:
📝 Write down what you notice
👩🏫 Talk to the teacher for input
🧠 Request an evaluation
📚 Learn which type of dyslexia it may be
🏫 Ask about IEPs or 504 plans
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or advice. Please consult with a licensed specialist for guidance specific to your child.
Learn More Daily With The Autism Voyage for Your Special Needs Family!
Helping your child thrive starts with understanding how they learn. Recognizing the signs of different forms of dyslexia is an important part of that journey. No two children experience it the same way, so early awareness and support truly matter. Our blog shares helpful insights for families navigating these challenges with clarity and compassion.
We know exploring the different types of dyslexia can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing school, therapy, and daily life. That’s why our content is designed to be clear, supportive, and practical. From learning differences to emotional resilience, we aim to provide parents with thoughtful guidance. You’re not alone, and we’re here to help you feel more confident, one blog post at a time.
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Key Takeaway:
- Dyslexia looks different from child to child.
There are many forms of dyslexia, and each affects learning in unique ways. Some kids struggle with sounds, while others mix up letters or read slowly. These signs often appear early but are easy to miss. Paying attention now can help you act sooner. - Understanding the type helps guide support.
The different types of dyslexia respond best to specific strategies. What works for one child may not help another. Knowing the subtype gives you better direction. It also helps when speaking with teachers or specialists. - You don’t need all the answers to get started.
Just recognizing the signs is a strong first step. Clarity leads to confidence, both for you and your child. Support doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to begin. Small actions today can lead to big changes tomorrow.