The Truth About Letter Flipping and Dyslexia: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Make it stand out

Last month, I made a post (see picture) with the words “Flipping letters is not a sign of dyslexia”. That post got over 2 million views! I couldn’t believe it. After reading through all of the comments, private messages, and emails, one thing became clear: Parents are seeing their older kids flip letters when writing — or even mirror write things completely backward — at home, and they need to know what to do! (see the post HERE)

If you've ever had a teacher recommend that your child be tested for dyslexia because they flip letters when writing, or if you've noticed this yourself and considered testing, this blog post is for you. Even if your child has been tested and diagnosed with dyslexia, and they continue to flip letters when writing, this blog post is for you.

Understanding Letter Flipping

One thing I wish every family knew is that flipping letters when writing is not a definitive sign of dyslexia. Instead, it's typically a sign of a processing weakness known as orthographic processing.

When Not to Worry About Letter Flipping

First, let’s note that not ALL letter flipping is cause for worry. It's important to note that letter flipping is quite common in young children who are still developing their writing skills. During the early stages of learning to write, many children will reverse letters such as 'b' and 'd' or 'p' and 'q.' This is a normal part of their development and usually resolves itself as they gain more practice and confidence with writing. If your child is in preschool or the early grades and occasionally flips letters, there’s generally no need to worry. However, if letter flipping persists beyond these early years and is accompanied by other learning challenges, it may be time to seek a professional evaluation.

Why Does This Myth Exist?

Children with dyslexia often flip letters when reading, not necessarily when writing. For instance, they might read "pad" instead of "bad" or even "bap." This type of confusion relates to visual orientation of letters (orthographic processing) and connecting the sound to the letter, which is more closely related to dyslexia.

However, some children with dyslexia also struggle with orthographic processing, confusing the way letters should be shaped. These children might have difficulty recalling the visual orientation of a letter and correctly writing it. This issue is not about producing the correct sound but about translating a visual image to the paper using motor skills.

Why It Matters Whether Letter Flipping Is a Sign of Dyslexia

You might wonder why it's important to distinguish whether flipping letters is a sign of dyslexia. Here's why:

1. Testing and Diagnosis:

• If you believe letter flipping is a sign of dyslexia and request dyslexia testing based on this alone, your child might not qualify for a dyslexia diagnosis. Dyslexia encompasses more symptoms, often linked to orthographic processing issues.

• If your child has dyslexia and continues to flip letters, their intervention may not be as effective as expected due to this additional processing weakness.

2. Proper Intervention:

• Understanding that letter flipping is often secondary to dyslexia helps in seeking the correct intervention and testing. If your child doesn't qualify for dyslexia but exhibits these issues, they might have a different learning disorder.

Signs of Orthographic Processing Weakness

If your child flips letters when writing, consider these additional signs that might indicate an orthographic processing weakness or dysgraphia (a written expression disorder):

• Spelling the same word incorrectly in various ways

• Spelling words phonetically correct but visually incorrect

• Flipping numbers or confusing math symbols (e.g., plus, minus, multiply, divide)

• Reading words that look similar incorrectly (e.g., reading "them" instead of "then")

• Miscopying words, numbers, and letters

If you notice several of these signs (not necessarily all), your child might have dysgraphia or a related processing disorder. (To learn more about signs and symptoms of different learning disabilities, grab our free guide HERE!)

What to Do Next

If you suspect your child has an orthographic processing weakness or dysgraphia, consider the following steps:

1. Seek an Evaluation:

• Look for a qualified educational diagnostician who understands the nuances of orthographic processing and dysgraphia. (Read about OUR Evaluations here!)

• Ensure the evaluator takes a comprehensive approach, considering all aspects of your child's learning profile.

2. Get the Right Intervention:

• Interventions for orthographic processing weaknesses and dysgraphia differ from those for dyslexia.

• Ensure your child receives targeted support to address their specific needs.

Understanding the distinction between dyslexia and orthographic processing weaknesses can make a significant difference in your child's learning journey. By seeking the right evaluation and intervention, you can better support your child's success in learning and life.

Wondering if your child has signs and symptoms of learning disability?

Grab our FREE Guide here!