Is there a learning disability in my 4 year old son if he reads and writes things backwards?

Question

My son is learning to read and write, at his pace. I have noticed that when he attempts to sound things out, or read letters in a word, he does it right to left. Should I be concerned?

Answer 1

this sounds like dyslexia, my son has a sevre case of dyslexia. Becuase of thsi, I home school him, & have been for goign on 3 years now. The school board here has told us so many times, that "Dyslexia dosnt exists" , So we too khis education in our own hands, & he's been doing so much better now, & is alot happier too.

Answer 2

In older children this might be a sign of dyslexia, however your child is only four.  What you need to do is serve as a model for him.  Read with him and use your finger to point to each word, movind left to right.  Help him write is name, working in the same manner.  When he gets to kindergarten and is still having trouble, his teacher can refer him for testing for any learning disabilities.  Either way, don't be discouraged.  He can still exceed and get good grades- just make sure you give lots of support and encouragement.

Answer 3

It can be a sign of dyslexia but also most children as they develop go through a stage of writing letters the wrong way round and mixing them up. The most common mistake is they mix up b and d. As they grow older most children do start to sort out these problems. Keep an eye on your son and if you are still worried see your doctor.

Answer 4

not a 4---4 is young to be reading and writing--even though it is teh norm now a days--many kids just aren't ready yet--I struggled until I was half way through second grade--and than ended up near the top of my class

Answer 5

He's just learning.  I would check out

handwriting without tears  www.hwtears.com/

They are a great program that teaches kids to write their letters correctly.

GOOD LUCK and don't stress to much he is only 4.

Answer 6

Reading and writing backwards can be a sign of dyslexia in older children. I wouldn't worry about it too much at age 4, it is quite common and usually resolve on its own.

Just keep working and monitor his progress. Sounds like you are doing a very good job with him...

If he still does this in kindergarten, that will be a good time to discuss it with a professional. I am sure even his teacher will have suggestions for you. There are very effective ways to help him with visual perception.

Best of luck!

Answer 7

Dyslexia.

~M~

Answer 8

at 4 years old most children do that as they are learning to read and learning right and left. I wouldnt worry about it until he gets into 1st grade or higher and still doing it. I got dignosid with my disabletes at age 4 but it was obvous that I had them. As long as he is on target age with his other skills such as dressing himself...ect then dont worry quite yet.

Answer 9

He's only four... it's pretty good that he's starting to read and write. I know plenty of four year olds that can't!

Play some games with letters and words... cut them up and put them back together all the while emphasising the fact the we read/write left to right.

Answer 10

This is one of the things that happens when kids are pushed to read and write early. He's probably fine and will outgrow it.

Answer 11

yes, I work in a school with 4 to 6 year olds and many of them do this.  

Some do it a lot and others just have lapses of concentration.  To be honest though, the ones most likely to be dyslexic are the ones who struggle to form their letters  and remember what the letters are.  

He just hasn't got his left to right order in his head yet.  That will come.  Make sure when you are doing activities with him, even counting objects for example, do it from left to right.  Make a game of 'which side do we start at'. before reading or writing.  Smile and say which side, can you do it --- yes! you got it!  ---or--- ooh oooh nearly, try again! yes, you new that really didn't you!  Then he may learn to stop and think about it independently.

Signs of dyslexia can be evident at this age (I am dyslexic) but I wouldn't be concerned at this point at all.  The left and right thing is tricky untill it becomes automatic.

Just make sure he's a 'happy' learner and he'll go far xx

Answer 12

Hi, my now 12 year old daughter was the same we took her to Kip Mcgrath to get her help with her reading, spelling, maths etc she was really struggling with school, after a few weeks there she was tested and then diagnosed with Irlen Syndrome sort of like Dyslexia but all she needs are these special coloured glasses, if you are really worries wait until he goes to school and see if he progresses if he doesn't progress well,  go to Kip McGrath they are great there, and they will soon see if he needs any extra help or if he needs to be tested for any learning disability, our daughter was always 2=years below her reading level, it has been 2-3years with these glasses and she has finally gotten up to her reading level.

Answer 13

he is too young to make this determination based on writing or even sounding.  Some errors are developmental until about 2nd grade!  Directionality is tough- think about how many letters are just circle and sticks put together (a, b, p, g, and so on!)

One of the markers in young children that can suggest dyslexia is if he has trouble rhyming or remembering song rhythms.  Like when saying nursery rhymes, does he get the rhythm right?  It's normal for little ones to have trouble with the middle letters of the alphabet song- but they should be able to keep rhythm with you as you sing to them.

As for the visual strengthening, you can also play matching games with and without a memory component- like 'concentration' or those 'can you see what's different' from picture to picture like you see in 'Highlights'.  That can help him learn to pay attention to small details, which is important when learning to write.

Just let him have fun now!

Hope this helps!