Dyslexia Isn’t Always About Reading Difficulties

When people think about dyslexia, the first thing that often comes to mind is difficulty reading. Maybe it’s slow decoding, struggling to sound out words or confusing letters like b and d. And yes, those challenges can be part of the picture but they’re not the whole story.

Dyslexia isn’t just about reading. It’s about how the brain processes and holds onto information. It’s about memory, organisation, and how thoughts are translated into action, especially in the classroom. And often, it’s these lesser-known signs that get missed the most.

That’s why some children can go undiagnosed for years, sometimes even into adulthood, because they don’t fit the typical image of what dyslexia is supposed to look like.

Here are three signs of dyslexia that are often overlooked:

They forget what you just said but remember things from years ago

Does your child seem to forget simple instructions moments after you’ve given them? You might say, Put your shoes on, grab your bag, and meet me at the door, and they’ll only manage one of those things, if that.

Yet at the same time, they can recall vivid details from a holiday three years ago, or tell you exactly what someone said during a trip to the park last summer.

This is a classic sign of a working memory difficulty, something that’s commonly associated with dyslexia. Working memory is the brain’s ability to hold and use small bits of information over a short period. It’s like mental sticky notes and for some children, those notes fall off before they’ve even had time to read them.

This doesn’t mean your child isn’t listening or paying attention. It means their brain processes information differently and that difference deserves to be understood, not punished or overlooked.

They take ages to get their ideas onto paper

Your child might be full of stories, ideas, and clever insights but when it comes to writing them down, everything slows right down. A simple writing task can lead to frustration, tears, or complete avoidance. You know they know the answer but getting it onto paper is like wading through treacle.

This gap between what a child knows and what they can show is something I see time and time again in my work as a dyslexia assessor. It’s not a lack of intelligence. In fact, many children with dyslexia have above-average reasoning and verbal abilities.

What they struggle with is pulling everything together, spelling, sentence structure, organisation and physical handwriting all at once. That’s a lot of mental load, and it’s why they often feel exhausted or disheartened after doing what might look like a ‘simple’ task.

They lose track of what they’re doing even in the middle of a task

This one is subtle but important.

Your child might start a task with the best of intentions but get stuck halfway through. They might forget what they were meant to be doing, lose their place in a sentence, or miss out entire steps in a process even if it’s something they’ve done before.

This isn’t laziness. It’s often related to processing speed, sequencing or working memory challenges. All of these are common in children with dyslexia.

It might look like daydreaming, lack of focus, or forgetfulness. But underneath, there’s usually a very real cognitive challenge that’s slowing things down. Without the right support, these children can end up believing they’re simply not good enough or that they’re always doing something wrong.

These are not signs of laziness or lack of effort

They are signs of a brain that works differently. And with the right understanding, those differences can become incredible strengths.

Dyslexic individuals often have remarkable creativity, emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills. But before they can reach their full potential, they need people around them who see what’s really going on and who help them feel safe, seen and supported.

When we don’t recognise the signs, children can begin to internalise the idea that they’re failing. That they’re not good enough. That they’re always behind. But the truth is: they’re not behind they just need the right approach.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts

You know your child better than anyone. If you’re noticing things that don’t seem to sit right, even if school hasn’t raised concerns, it’s okay to ask questions. Many teachers are doing their absolute best, but most have received very little training in how to spot or support dyslexia.

A diagnostic assessment can provide clarity and reassurance for both you and your child. It helps to understand their learning profile in depth and opens up opportunities for tailored support that meets their unique needs.

More than anything, it helps your child understand that they’re not less than, they’re simply wired differently.

Let’s start with a conversation

If you’re unsure what the next step is, or just need someone to listen, I’m here. Whether it’s questions about assessments, support strategies or just wanting to be heard my inbox is always open.

📩 Get in touch today

Because every child deserves to feel confident in who they are and dyslexia should never be a barrier to thriving.