My 4 yo is learning his numbers. He's writing them all backwards (i.e. his 3 looks like a big E). Dyslexia?

Question

My son is in Jr. Kindergarten (3rd year of pre-school) and has been learning how to write his numbers and letters. He practices at school and at home but just recently started writing his numbers from 1 to 7 backwards. Could that be a symptom of dyslexia? If heard people say it is and others say that's a myth (writing backwards). If he has dyslexia, I want to be aware of it and get him help as early as possible. My husband was diagnosed with dyslexia way after he graduated from high school. He had trouble all through school and it's such a shame that he didn't get help with it when he was young. Thanks!

Answer 1

It is very common for kids that age to write certain numbers/letters backwards (like 3, S, 5, L, etc.) Talk to his teacher and she'll tell you so.

My nephew had the same problem and his pre-school teacher told us that it's normal. Sure enough, problem went away.

Answer 2

I would reinforce the correct way to write it, but honestly many children up till 2nd grade will write 3's and 5's backwards. I would keep and I out though.

Answer 3

Four is still too early to give a definitive answer about dyslexia. I understand your concern because of your husband's difficulties in school. I noticed you said "just recently", if it would make you comfortable, have him assessed by a specialist who deals with dyslexia. Be prepared to be told he might be too young and you might have to have him re-tested. In the meantime, I hope you are not pressuring him. He is four and his job should be that of child. Learning isn't always easy and children who are pressured at a young age will rebel and big time, when they are older.

Take care.

Answer 4

At 4 it is *way* to early to diagnose him as dyslexic because of writing his numbers or letters backwards. Of course you should keep an eye on it should it turn out that he really does have dyslexia. However, it is not unusual for kids to write some numbers and letters backwards up until about the second grade.

Answer 5

It may or may not be . My daughter is left handed and she started out the same way. I was pretty concerned and asked my friend whos son was dyslexic and she said if you write the number and she copies it down backwards then maybe she is. She is 5 now and still once and a while her name is like mirror image  but it is less and less. Most kids do grow out of it .I would say give it a year and if hes still doing it  get help because it is tuff on kids in school with dyslexia.

Answer 6

Almost all children do "mirror writing" when first learning.

It is more common in left handers, although at 4 your sons laterality isnt fully defined yet.

I would NOT recommend correcting him, maybe encourage him to read, play games with numbers.

Learning is always easier (and more fun) through games.

Good luck!!!

Answer 7

MYTH.  THE most common misunderstanding re dyslexia is letter or word reversal or words and sentences dancing around on the page.

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability and is of neurological origin. Most noted are difficulties with accurate or fluent word recognition and spelling and writing, decoding abilities. It is a disorder in one or more of the processes involved in using language, spoken and written and can show itself as an imperfect ability to listen, read, think, speak, write, and spell and even math.

At 4 years of age (and older) however, it is VERY common for this to occur.  His fine mother skills are certainly not ready to handle such tasks, give him some time.  There is more to dyslexia that writing words and number backwards, but seeing as how your husband has this learning disability, it is certainly something I would follow closely for it is a hereditary.  

For now, in order to prepare him to read and write, he needs exopsure to the written word.  I would work on concepts of print.  Make sure he knows that reading is from left to right, that he has familiarity with books knowing the front from the back and that he is imitating reading for this is considered pre reading.  The best thing you can do for him is to read to him, let him hear you, model reading and the correct use of the spoken word.  Allow him to print and even scribble if he needs to, notes to you and relatives.  This enables him to understand that words can be written down and read later by him or someone else.  READ TO YOUR SON....it is one of the most important things you can do for him.

Answer 8

When I was learning to write my numbers and letters, I wrote a bunch of them backwards too. And I do not have dyslexia today. I was just a slow learner. I've heard that a lot of kids mess up easy things like this. And it was not long until I corrected myself.

I'm going to say that it's too early to call what it might be. But I'd say it's just the common symptom of little kids writing things incorrectly.

Answer 9

Dyslexia can be inherited. I found some interesting information here:

http://school.familyeducation.com/learni...

Answer 10

It's WAY to early to tell. I will let you know this, in all my years of teaching 3-6yr olds in private school I have not met a ONE that didn't make one number or letter backwards. I wouldn't worry about it just yet. Give it some time. HE IS LEARNING!:)

Answer 11

Many fours are still writing backwards and normally I'd tell you not to worry. However, there is a genetic component to dyslexia so you might need to be a little more cautious. Talk with his teachers and if they share your concern ask for an evaluation.

Answer 12

Its very possible. But imagine looking at a book of symbols you aren't familar with. Then imagine being told you have to close the book and write some of the symbols. You might get some backwards too.

Ask his teacher. Have him tested.

Answer 13

take him to a rehabilitation center when he's old enough. I am Dyslexic and yes it sounds like he may be but you won't know until you have him tested.

Answer 14

I did something similar until about age 6. My parents still talk about how worried they were. But I'm not at all, even remotely, dyslexic. Just keep an eye on it, and let his teachers know your concerns so they can watch for signs as well (I'm assuming he's in preschool?). Good luck!

Answer 15

4 yr old? what do u expect of him? give him time!!  i bet hes fine!!