Dyslexia vs. Reading Delays: How Calgary Parents Can Tell the Difference

Why This Question Matters So Much

Many Calgary parents come to us feeling confused, worried, or overwhelmed. They notice their child is struggling with reading but aren’t sure why. Is this simply a reading delay? Is it dyslexia? Is it something they will outgrow—or something that needs targeted support?

You’re not alone.This confusion is extremely common, especially because dyslexia isn’t always recognized early in classrooms, and reading delays can sometimes look very similar in the early stages.

The truth is this:

👉 A reading delay and dyslexia are NOT the same thing👉 The difference affects what type of support your child needs👉 Early intervention—especially structured literacy—is the key to success

This guide will help you understand the differences, the signs to look for, and the best next steps for Calgary families seeking reading support.

What Is a Reading Delay?

A reading delay means a child is not reading at the level expected for their age—but the underlying learning systems are intact. In other words:

• the child simply needs more time

• they may have missed foundational skills

• they may need more exposure to reading

• the delay may be environmental (e.g., limited reading opportunities)

Reading delays can be caused by:

• starting school young

• inconsistent instruction

• missed school time

• second-language challenges

• limited phonics exposure

Children with reading delays generally catch up with consistent practice and solid instruction.

What Is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a neurological learning difference that affects how the brain processes language—especially phonological processing.

Children with dyslexia struggle with:

• connecting letters to sounds

• sounding out new words

• spelling

• reading fluency

• working memory

• sequencing

Dyslexia is NOT caused by:

• low intelligence

• poor parenting

• lack of motivation

In fact, dyslexic learners are often bright, creative, intuitive thinkers who excel in visual, hands-on, or problem-solving tasks.

The key difference:

👉 Dyslexia does NOT resolve on its own.👉 It requires structured, explicit reading instruction.

This is why more families are seeking dyslexia tutoring in Calgary—because waiting often widens the reading gap.

Signs Your Child May Have a Reading Delay (Not Dyslexia)

Children with reading delays often show milder, more global challenges. Common signs include:

1. Late exposure to reading

Not enough books, reading time, or phonics instruction early on.

2. Inconsistent schooling

Moves, absences, or disruptions can cause gaps.

3. Mild difficulty with certain concepts

They struggle, but learn steadily with repetition.

4. Slow but noticeable progress

With consistent reading practice, they improve.

5. No major issues with phonological awareness

They can rhyme, clap syllables, and identify beginning sounds.

What usually helps?

• extra practice

• phonics instruction

• reading aloud

• guided reading support

These learners can catch up quickly with the right help.

Signs Your Child May Have Dyslexia

Dyslexia symptoms are more pronounced, persistent, and specific.

1. Difficulty connecting letters and sounds

Your child can’t reliably remember which sound goes with which letter.

2. Struggles to sound out even simple words

Words like “cat,” “map,” “shop,” or “left” may be hard.

3. Guessing instead of decoding

They rely on pictures or context clues.

4. Spelling that seems “all over the place”

Spelling is inconsistent, missing letters, or reversed.

5. Difficulty remembering sequences

Days of the week, number patterns, steps in tasks.

6. Slow, effortful reading

Even familiar texts feel tiring.

7. Family history of reading challenges

Dyslexia is highly hereditary.

8. Reading does NOT improve with extra practice

This is the biggest indicator.

A child with dyslexia will not progress significantly with:

• memorizing sight words

• guessing strategies

• reading leveled books

• repeated reading without decoding instruction

What they need is structured literacy tutoring, which rewires the brain’s reading pathways.

Feature	Reading Delay	Dyslexia
Cause	Limited exposure or instruction	Neurological difference
Severity	Mild to moderate	Moderate to severe
Response to Practice	Improves with repetition	Minimal improvement
Letter-sound knowledge	Usually solid	Difficult or inconsistent
Spelling	Mild difficulty	Significant difficulty
Guessing Words	Sometimes	Very Common
Family History	Not typical	Very Common
Needs Structured Literacy	Helpful	Essential

Why the Distinction Matters

A reading delay may resolve with general reading practice.Dyslexia will not.

A child with dyslexia needs:

• explicit instruction

• systematic phonics

• multisensory learning

• structured literacy

• predictable routines

• targeted decoding support

Without specialized support, dyslexic learners often fall further behind every year—and their confidence suffers deeply.

This is why children in Calgary benefit enormously from early dyslexia tutoring, assessment, and structured literacy programs.

How Calgary Parents Can Tell What Their Child Needs

Here are the simplest next steps.

Step 1: Observe progress closely

If your child is:

• trying

• practicing

• attending school regularly

…but still struggling, this is a sign of more than a delay.

Step 2: Look for patterns—not isolated moments

Dyslexia shows up across:

• reading

• spelling

• writing

• sequencing

• memory

A delay usually affects fewer areas.

Step 3: Trust your instincts

Many parents of dyslexic children say:

“I knew something wasn’t adding up.”

If that’s how you feel, follow that instinct.

Step 4: Seek structured literacy tutoring

Structured literacy is the internationally recommended method for dyslexia.

It is:

• explicit

• multisensory

• cumulative

• systematic

• individualized

And it is the foundation of reading intervention at DOBI Reading Program in Calgary.

How DOBI Reading Program Helps Distinguish Dyslexia From Reading Delays

DOBI Reading Program specializes in:

• dyslexia tutoring

• structured literacy instruction

• multisensory reading intervention

• support for autistic learners and ADHD

• reading and spelling support for learning disabilities

Our Calgary center at 200 Country Hills Landing NW, Unit 202 is designed to offer:

• individualized lessons

• a calm, predictable environment

• targeted phonics-based instruction

• measurable progress

Whether your child has dyslexia or a reading delay, we help you understand the difference—and give your child the tools they need to thrive.