Dyslexic child?

Question

my stepdaughter's seven year old son plays hockey, sports etc. He is a middle child to an older sister and younger brother. He prefers to be with me when he is sick from school or at times when his mom is busy and a babysitter is needed. He is close to me and his mom appreciates that.

The problem is this..three years ago I noticed he appeared sleepy and suggested he have his eyes checked. His mom disagreed and said he was tired...I have noticed this look several times since. The other day while babysitting the three kids, I bought paint by numbers to which the oldest and youngest followed my directions explicitly even to the point of holding the brush for easier paint application.

Not only did the one I am referring to with the sleepy eyes have a problem following through with directions, he read the 17 as 71. Last week he asked me to call his friend on the phone as he read the numbers to me (wrong number) Letters are written backwards as well. What do you think? Should I shutup

Answer 1

tell the mother!

Answer 2

no dont shut up if he is mixing numbers and letters up he most likely does have a form of dsylexia

Answer 3

it proves you care of course speak about it

Answer 4

NO, do not shut up. This has nothing to do with you wanting to be right it has to do with the well being of a child. It may be difficult to convince the mother to get him checked out but be persistent. Don't just tell her about the different things you have noticed, show her. Sometimes us moms need to see it with our own eyes.

Answer 5

Do tell her. Make sure she knows that with work he can overcome it. And that many of the most intelligent and successful people - Einstein! - were dyslexic, because it sounds like she's afraid of what it might mean.

Answer 6

I have a son that is dyslexic and what makes many overlook it is that they are so good at other things you tend to overlook what they are weak in.  At 7 the school should be making notes about this as well, however i will tell you that when we went to get my son tested the doctor told us it is not uncommon for kids to see things backwards at this age because some just have weak muscles in the eyes and it will correct itself.  Just sit down with the mom and tell her you think she is a wonderful mom and you know she is doing a great job but you have noticed this more and more lately and would she consider getting him tested just to ease your conscious or at least talk to the teacher and see if they notice it at school as well.  Don't push her or you will upset her and if she does refuse to do it step back and wait and see.  If he is truely dyslexic the school will inform her.

Answer 7

Can he read? It is common for children to "mirror write" until age 7 and everyone has trouble now and then however if you are worried then you should speak up because you know the child better, my son is almost 5 and hes going next week to be tested for dyslexia he is ver young for this but his teachers are worried because he is so smart but is haveing trouble with his letters and numbers and his grandpa is dyslexic. If you are worried then speak up for sure after all a trip to the doc won't hurt if nothing is wrong good luck!