Dysorthographia: when to be concerned

You have a doubt, but you neither want to dramatise nor miss something important. Between the teacher’s comments, homework that drags on and your child’s morale, it is not always easy to know when to act. Here are the signs to watch for, in exercise books as in everyday life, and the first steps to take. These landmarks will help you know when to talk about it.

Signs in the exercise books

The first place to look is the exercise books and assessments. Very numerous spelling mistakes, far more than other pupils make, are an early sign. This is especially true if they affect simple, frequently used words, and not just the difficulties of the year. Isolated errors on difficult words, on the other hand, are normal.

Also look at the nature of the errors: persistent phonetic spelling, confusion between sounds, words split incorrectly, agreements never made. And their inconsistency: the same word spelled in several different ways on the same page is a strong indicator. These errors often recur from one week to the next, despite corrections.

Finally, compare prepared dictations with free writing. A child who succeeds in word dictations but makes a great many mistakes in free composition often struggles to memorise spellings in the long term. This gap is a very telling sign. See the signs of dysorthographia.

Signs in the school's comments

The comments on school reports are often revealing. « Should pay more attention to spelling », « Lacks care », « Could do better in writing »: when these remarks come back year after year, they deserve to be taken seriously. Such comments can also overlook genuine difficulties.

Pay particular attention when the teacher points to a gap: « good oral pupil, but the writing does not keep up », « takes part well, but written work does not reflect their abilities ». This contrast is typical of a specific disorder. Teachers are often the first to notice it in class.

Do not hesitate to request a meeting with the teacher to discuss it. They can tell you whether your child really stands out from classmates, and since when. Their outside perspective is valuable for putting your concerns into perspective.

Signs during homework

Homework is a good indicator. A child who takes far longer than expected on a writing task, who keeps starting over, who exhausts themselves on a simple copy, is facing a real difficulty. These difficulties can turn evenings into moments of tension.

Also observe what happens with words to learn. If they revise seriously but forget them by the following week, this is not a lack of effort. Their memory for words is not consolidating. These repeated lapses are a characteristic sign.

Note what you observe over a few weeks: time spent, types of errors, reactions. These notes will be valuable for the GP and the speech and language therapist. Concrete observations are more useful than a general impression. See my child cannot remember words.

Search for Dys professionals near you

The only online directory dedicated to professionals working with Dys disorders

Signs in their behaviour

Difficulties with writing also show in behaviour. A child who avoids writing, who rushes homework to get it over with, who always chooses simple words, may be trying to protect themselves from failure. These avoidance strategies are often misinterpreted.

Other children react with anxiety: stomach aches before dictations, tears, excessive perfectionism. Others respond with defiance or anger. These reactions are calls for help, not whims. Every child reacts in their own way, but all of them need to be understood.

Phrases such as « I’m stupid » or « I’ll never manage » should also alert you. They show that the difficulties are starting to affect their confidence. Take these words seriously and reassure them. See dysorthographia and self-esteem.

Factors that increase the risk

Certain elements of your child’s history increase the likelihood of dysorthographia. Oral language difficulties in nursery school, such as a speech delay or mispronounced sounds, are among them. These early difficulties are often identified during the school health check.

A family history of dys disorders, in a parent, brother or sister, also increases the risk, because of the genetic component of the disorder. Dyslexia that has already been diagnosed is also very often accompanied by dysorthographia. Mention this family history to the doctor.

These factors do not mean your child is necessarily affected, but they justify particular vigilance. Several factors combined justify seeking advice earlier. See dysorthographia: is it hereditary.

The age at which to act

A diagnosis of dysorthographia is generally not made before CE1 or CE2, as errors are part of normal learning at the start. But this does not mean you should wait for that point to act. The early years are mainly a time for learning.

If significant difficulties appear as early as CP, particularly in linking sounds and letters, talk about it without delay. Early help can prevent difficulties from becoming entrenched. The sooner help arrives, the more effective it is.

Conversely, it is never too late. Some cases of dysorthographia are only identified at secondary school, in sixth form or even in adulthood. A late diagnosis is always useful. See at what age to diagnose.

The first steps

If several of these signs ring true, start by speaking with the teacher. Then book an appointment with your GP or paediatrician, bringing a few exercise books and your observations. Prepare a few questions so you do not forget anything during the appointment.

The doctor will check vision and hearing, then prescribe a speech and language assessment if needed. Sign up quickly for waiting lists, as delays are often long. Several speech and language therapists can be contacted at the same time.

While waiting for the assessment, simple adjustments can already be put in place in class, and you can adapt homework at home. These first measures often bring considerable relief to the child. See who to consult for dysorthographia.

Exchange with parents of dys children

A space for exchange, listening and support dedicated to parents of children with DYS disorders

Questions that keep coming up

What are the first signs of dysorthographia ?

Numerous and persistent mistakes despite practice, phonetic spelling that lasts, words spelled in several different ways, and a gap between spoken and written language. These signs are often visible from CE1 or CE2. Their persistence despite practice is the most important criterion.

Should you wait until CE2 to seek advice ?

No. The diagnosis is often made from CE1 or CE2, but if the difficulties are significant earlier, it is better to talk about them without waiting. Early help is always beneficial. It is better to seek advice for nothing than to miss a disorder.

My child gets good marks, could they still be dysorthographic ?

Yes, if they are compensating at the cost of considerable effort. A child who succeeds but becomes exhausted, cries or spends hours on homework also deserves an opinion. These children often compensate at the cost of great exhaustion.