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Signs of Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a lifelong difference that affects how the brain processes written and spoken language. While it’s most often linked to reading and writing, it can also influence coordination, organisation, memory and attention.

At Bredon School, we understand that no two students are the same – and that dyslexia comes with both challenges and unique strengths. With the right support, every dyslexic student can thrive.

Recognising the Signs

Dyslexia presents differently for each individual but there are common indicators that may appear at different stages of development. Recognising these signs early can open the door to understanding, confidence and successful support strategies.

 

Early Years

Early Years

Ages 0-4

  • Speech develops at a gentle pace, with unique pronunciations
  • Finds rhyming songs and word patterns more challenging
  • Uses creative and memorable versions of words (‘aminal’ for ‘animal’)
  • Loves listening to stories, even if letters and print feel unfamiliar
  • May take more time to recognise everyday words like ‘mum’ or ‘dad’
Primary School

Primary School

Ages 5-10

  • Learns letters and sounds steadily, with extra support
  • Develops their own way of blending sounds into words
  • Uses imaginative spellings that show phonetic awareness (‘bote’ for ‘boat’)
  • Explores different ways to express themselves – often stronger verbally
  • Approaches writing with effort and determination, even when it feels tricky
  • Prefers speaking and hands-on tasks to writing things down
  • Builds skills best with step-by-step guidance and repetition
Secondary School

Secondary School

Ages 11–18

  • Spelling continues to be a work in progress – especially with new vocabulary
  • May prefer practical or verbal tasks over reading and writing
  • Takes more time to write notes or organise thoughts on paper
  • Excels in discussion but finds structuring essays more challenging
  • Thrives with clear, sequenced instructions
  • Often creative, verbal, intuitive – and deeply insightful
  • Develops strategies to stay organised and manage daily tasks

Seeking Support

Noticing a pattern of challenges doesn’t mean something is ‘wrong’ – it means your child may benefit from a different approach to learning. That’s where dyslexia-specialist support makes a real difference.

If you’re concerned, speak with your child’s teacher, SENCo or GP. A Diagnostic Assessment (usually from age 7+) can confirm dyslexia and open the door to tailored strategies and classroom support.

At Bredon, We See the Whole Child

Whether or not a diagnosis is in place, our focus is on the student first.

We create personalised, encouraging learning environments where students can discover their strengths, develop independence and gain confidence in their own abilities.

Because at Bredon School, dyslexia doesn’t define a student – it’s one part of the story we help them write with pride.

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