My son is 4 years old and just beginning to identify numbers and spell out words. My concern is that when he reads them, especially the numbers, he will read from right to left. He is also just beginning to be able to write his name and will generally write the letters from left to right, but at times he writes the letters backward, especially J and S. Could all this be an early sign of dyslexia? I do reinforce the correct way to read and write. Is there anything else I should or could be doing? -Afraid of Dyslexia
Answer: Nine to one, you are worrying unnecessarily about dyslexia. It is quite common for children at your son's age to write letters backward when they are first starting to write and to reverse numbers when reading them. Contrary to popular opinion, reversals are not an invariable sign of dyslexia.
In truth, the way young children speak is a far better clue to possible future dyslexia. This includes delayed speech and difficulties with pronunciation. It also includes an inability to recite nursery rhymes and confusing words that sound alike. Another important clue to the possibility of a child being dyslexic is having family members who have experienced difficulties with reading.
In a positive way, you want to continue helping your young son learn to read and write letters and numbers correctly. Reinforce that words are read from left to right by occasionally running your finger under words as you read them and then bringing your finger back across the page to start another line.
It will also be helpful to find out exactly how your son will be taught to form letters and numbers in the kindergarten he will attend so you can teach him to form them correctly. Get a copy of these forms from the school. If you have him describe the steps out loud as he is writing, it will help him immensely.