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When reading and schoolwork feel like a daily uphill climb for your teen, it can leave you worried and unsure how to help. Many parents wonder if it’s a lack of effort or something deeper, like dyslexia. This guide explains what dyslexia looks like, why it happens, and how to support your child’s learning and confidence.
Jump to a section
- What is dyslexia in teens?
- What causes dyslexia in teens?
- How dyslexia in teens develops over time
- How dyslexia in teens is diagnosed
- Treatment for dyslexia
- How to parent a teen with dyslexia
- How to prepare my teen with dyslexia for adulthood
- How to support my teen’s mental health with dyslexia
- Getting ready for a dyslexia evaluation
- Other conditions that can look like dyslexia
- How schools can support teens with dyslexia
- How to tell if treatment is working
- When to seek urgent help
Key takeaways
- Dyslexia is a lifelong learning difference that affects reading, spelling, and writing, not a sign of low intelligence.
- Signs often show up early but may become clearer in the teen years with heavier school demands.
- Causes involve both brain-based factors and the teen’s environment, but with the right support, progress is possible.
- Treatments include structured literacy programs, assistive technology, family support, and school accommodations.
- With early help and steady encouragement, teens with dyslexia can succeed academically, emotionally, and in adulthood.
What is dyslexia in teens?
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that makes it harder for teens to read, spell, and sometimes write, even though they have typical intelligence and put in effort.
It arises from differences in how the brain processes written language, which can make decoding words slow or confusing. Data shows that dyslexia affects roughly 5–12% of students globally and often persists into adolescence if not effectively addressed.
Signs of dyslexia in teens
Dyslexia signs often start in childhood and become clearer as reading demands increase in middle and high school. These patterns tend to be consistent over time and interfere with learning, even with good teaching and effort.
- Difficulty reading accurately or smoothly aloud
- Trouble sounding out unfamiliar words
- Frequent spelling mistakes, even with familiar vocabulary
- Avoiding reading or writing tasks at school and home
- Taking longer to complete homework or tests involving reading
- Struggling to understand what they’ve just read
- Confusing the order of letters or numbers when writing
- Feeling anxious or frustrated during reading activities
What causes dyslexia in teens?
Parents often ask, “Why is reading so hard?” when their teen tries their best. The research points to a mix of brain‑based differences, school environment factors, and the emotional impact of ongoing struggles:
Biological and genetic risk factors
One 2024 study found that variants in DNAAF4, DCDC2, and NRSN1 are linked to differences in how adolescents’ brains process language.
These genes influence brain areas for reading, making it harder to connect written symbols to their sounds. Teens with a family history of dyslexia are more likely to share these traits.
Environmental and social influences
In addition to the biological and genetic risks, a child’s environment could contribute to the development of dyslexia.
Evidence shows that limited teacher training in dyslexia can affect how well students get the help they need. When classroom strategies don’t match a teen’s learning needs, reading challenges can grow over time.
How dyslexia in teens develops over time
Reading challenges don’t simply disappear with age; they shift and can show up differently across adolescence.
Early adolescence (12–14)
- Persistent decoding struggles: Reading and writing difficulties continue, slowing progress in text‑heavy subjects.
- Lower academic confidence: Ongoing struggles can make your teen doubt their abilities in other areas.
- Greater frustration in class: Group reading or timed tests may trigger stress or avoidance.
Middle adolescence (15–17)
- Compensatory strategies: Your teen may rely on memorization or guessing instead of decoding.
- Fluency gaps: Reading speed and accuracy still lag, which affects comprehension.
- Hidden workload stress: Heavier reading demands make it harder to keep up, even with effort.
Late adolescence (18–19)
- Academic independence challenges: College or job training may require more reading than feels manageable.
- Study skill gaps: Time management and organization can be harder without earlier support.
- Coping strain: Without accommodations, literacy demands can increase daily stress.
How dyslexia in teens is diagnosed
Getting a clear diagnosis helps you understand what your teen needs and how to get the right support. A friendly, thorough process reduces stress and turns guesswork into a plan.
- Developmental history: A review of early learning and family history to spot patterns linked to dyslexia, so the team knows where to focus.
- Academic testing: Standardized reading, spelling, and comprehension measures to pinpoint skill gaps that guide instruction.
- Language evaluation: Tests of phonological awareness and verbal processing to see how your teen handles sounds and words.
- Cognitive assessment: Memory, attention, and problem‑solving checks to rule out other learning differences.
- School input: Teacher observations and progress reports to understand classroom challenges and strengths.
Treatment for dyslexia
Dyslexia can’t be “cured,” but targeted instruction and support can greatly improve reading and writing skills. Most teens do best with a combination of structured literacy instruction, helpful tools, and steady encouragement.
Phonological‑based therapy
Phonological‑based therapy is a structured literacy approach that teaches the connection between sounds and letters in a systematic way.
A 2023 review found that intensive phonics instruction can significantly improve reading accuracy and fluency in adolescents. These gains matter because they help your teen read with more ease and confidence. This approach works through:
- Sound–symbol mapping: Strengthens links between spoken sounds and letters, helping your teen decode more accurately.
- Word decoding: Builds a step‑by‑step method to break unfamiliar words into parts, reducing guesswork.
- Reading fluency: Increases speed and accuracy, so comprehension improves on longer texts.
Assistive technology (e.g., text‑to‑speech)
Assistive technology includes tools like text‑to‑speech and reading apps that make written content more accessible.
Evidence shows these tools work best when paired with phonics and multi‑skill language support. For your teen, this means keeping pace with assignments without constant struggle. Families can expect:
- Access to content: Digital text and text‑to‑speech allow your teen to engage with grade‑level material while skills are built.
- Better comprehension focus: Offloading decoding frees attention for understanding and remembering ideas.
- Less fatigue: Technology reduces exhaustion from long reading tasks, leaving energy for learning.
Family and lifestyle support
Research suggests that close parent–teacher coordination and steady encouragement increase motivation and reduce anxiety for teens with dyslexia. That matters because feeling supported at home keeps your teen engaged when school feels hard. Here’s how to help your teen day‑to‑day:
- Coordinate with teachers: Align strategies between home and school so your teen hears the same cues everywhere.
- Encourage short daily reading: Brief, enjoyable sessions build skills without overwhelm, sustaining momentum.
- Celebrate progress: Notice small wins to boost confidence and persistence during tougher units.
Intensive multi‑sensory interventions
Multi‑sensory programs combine visual, auditory, and movement‑based methods to strengthen reading and writing. A 2023 review reported these approaches can increase engagement, with more adolescent‑specific studies still needed. This matters because higher engagement often leads to better retention. These programs typically include:
- Hands‑on activities: Movement and touch reinforce language patterns, helping lessons stick.
- Integrated skill practice: Reading, writing, and speaking are linked to build stronger connections.
- Tailored pacing: Instructions are adjusted to your teen’s needs, keeping work challenging but doable.
How to parent a teen with dyslexia
Home is where confidence grows. Small, steady habits — and how you respond when reading feels tough can make school feel possible again.
One study found that parent involvement in structured literacy and steady emotional support boosts motivation and resilience. That’s important because feeling backed at home helps your teen stay engaged even when school is challenging. Here’s how to help in ways your teen will respond to:
- Read together: Share short, interesting pieces to make reading positive and low‑pressure.
- Practice skills in real life: Use recipes, signs, and lists to reinforce reading beyond homework.
- Listen first: Let your teen vent before problem‑solving, so they feel heard and calmer.
- Model persistence: Show how you work through challenges to normalize effort and patience.
- Keep routines steady: Predictable schedules reduce stress and create room for practice.
How to prepare my teen with dyslexia for adulthood
Thinking ahead reduces stress later. Practicing self‑advocacy and accommodations now helps your teen step into college or work with confidence.
Evidence shows that transition planning with self‑advocacy, accommodations practice, and career guidance helps young adults with dyslexia thrive in college and work. This matters because early preparation makes the leap to independence manageable. Here’s how to get your teen ready:
- Teach self‑advocacy: Practice how your teen explains their learning needs to teachers or employers.
- Practice accommodations: Use tools like text‑to‑speech or extended time in real‑world tasks.
- Explore careers together: Match strengths and interests to training paths and roles.
- Build daily living skills: Budgeting, cooking, and scheduling increase confidence outside school.
- Connect with mentors: Pair your teen with adults who have navigated similar paths.
How to support my teen’s mental health with dyslexia
Research suggests that when schools and families address self‑esteem and anxiety together, teens with dyslexia have better mental‑health outcomes. This matters because emotional support keeps learning and friendships on track. Here’s how to bolster well‑being:
- Validate feelings: Let your teen know frustration and worry are understandable and manageable.
- Highlight strengths: Celebrate talents outside of reading to build identity and pride.
- Create safe spaces: Ensure your teen has places where they feel accepted and understood.
- Encourage supportive friendships: Help your teen connect with kind, accepting peers.
- Model self‑care: Demonstrate habits like movement, hobbies, or mindfulness to handle stress.
Getting ready for a dyslexia evaluation
Comprehensive assessments work best when they include cognitive, academic, and language testing. This is important because because a thorough evaluation gives you and your teen a clear roadmap. Here’s how to make the process smoother:
- Gather school records: Report cards, test scores, and teacher notes help evaluators see patterns.
- List observed challenges: Note real‑life examples of reading or spelling difficulties at home.
- Ask about test types: Knowing what will be measured helps you prepare your teen.
- Note emotional impact: Share how challenges affect confidence, mood, and daily life.
- Confirm accommodations: Ensure recommended supports are documented for school use.
Other conditions that can look like dyslexia
Because several conditions can cause similar reading struggles, a teen might be misdiagnosed if the evaluation isn’t thorough. Knowing the differences can guide you toward the right support plan.
- ADHD: Can cause difficulty focusing on reading, but also affects attention and impulse control in many non-reading tasks.
- Autism spectrum disorder: Learning challenges may come from differences in social communication or understanding language, not from decoding printed words.
- Intellectual disability: Impacts overall learning and thinking skills, while dyslexia is specific to reading and related language areas.
- Auditory processing disorder: Trouble interpreting sounds can make reading harder, but the main challenge is how the brain processes what it hears.
How schools can support teens with dyslexia
School partnerships work best when everyone uses the same plan. Asking for specific support plans keeps progress steady across classes.
- Request an evaluation: Start an Individual Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan to secure formal supports and accountability.
- Ask for structured literacy: Ensure instruction uses evidence‑based phonics and multi‑sensory methods.
- Arrange extended time: Extra time reduces pressure and lets your teen show what they know.
- Provide alternative formats: Audiobooks and digital text make assignments accessible while skills grow.
- Schedule regular check‑ins: Meet with teachers to track progress and adjust supports.
How to tell if treatment is working
Track these on a schedule so you can adjust support with confidence.
- Reading fluency: Check words read correctly per minute every 3 months. Faster, smoother reading shows your teen is building automatic skills that make schoolwork easier.
- Spelling accuracy: Look at weekly spelling tests. Fewer mistakes signal that phonics practice is sticking and confidence is growing.
- Comprehension scores: Compare semester assessments. Stronger comprehension means your teen isn’t just decoding words; they’re understanding what they read.
- Homework completion: Review assignments month-to-month. More consistent completion suggests reduced stress and better focus on tasks.
- Confidence reading aloud: Notice willingness at home or in class each term. Greater ease shows your teen feels less anxious and more capable with peers.
When to seek urgent help
Sometimes the stress around reading spills into safety concerns. If these red flags show up, act quickly and loop in professionals.
- Refusing to go to school for several days in a row
- Sudden drops in grades across subjects
- Expressing hopelessness or withdrawal from friends
- Talking about feeling worthless or “stupid”
- Showing signs of depression or severe anxiety
If you’re in the U.S. and your teen is in crisis, call or text 988, or use webchat at 988lifeline.org.
FAQs about kleptomania in teens
Sources
- Gedik, A., & Akyol, E. (2024). Prospective teachers’ knowledge and beliefs about dyslexia. Journal of Innovative Research in Teacher Education. https://doi.org/10.29329/jirte.2024.650.2
- Lim, W. W., Yeo, K. J., & Handayani, L. (2023). A systematic review of interventions for children with dyslexia. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 12(3), 1642–1650. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v12i3.25099
- Macaire, G., Marchand, C., & Margat, A. (2023). Supporting nursing students with dyslexia: The situation in France in 2022 and outlook. Recherche en soins infirmiers, 153(2), 7–23. https://doi.org/10.3917/rsi.153.0007
- Muyassaroh, S. N., & Kamala, I. (2021). Learning motivation of dyslexia students in overcoming learning difficulties. Abdau: Jurnal Pendidikan Madrasah Ibtidaiyah, 4(1), 51–61. https://doi.org/10.36768/ABDAU.V4I1.172
- Nakano, T., & Ciasca, S. M. (2022). Identification of signs of dyslexia test: Comparison of performance between children with dyslexia and other development disorders. Distúrbios da Comunicação, 34(1). DOI/publisher not listed in Consensus.
- Rinne, N., Wikman, P., Sahari, E., Salmi, J., Einarsdottir, E., Kere, J., & Alho, K. (2024). Developmental dyslexia susceptibility genes DNAAF4, DCDC2, and NRSN1 are associated with brain function in fluently reading adolescents and young adults. Cerebral Cortex, 34. https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhae144
- Santos, B. R., Germano, G. D., & Capellini, S. A. (2022). Teachers’ opinions regarding the learning skills of Brazilian dyslexic schoolchildren. In M. Carmo (Ed.), Education and New Developments 2022 – Volume I (pp. 205–209). https://doi.org/10.36315/2022v1end044Zdravkova, V. (2022). The influence of dyslexia on children’s self-esteem in primary school. Knowledge – International Journal, 54(4), 757–762. https://doi.org/10.35120/kij5405757z
Residential Treatment for Dyslexia in Teens
At our Residential Treatment Program, we create a calm, encouraging environment where your child can get the specialized support they need to make progress.
Our approach combines therapeutic reading interventions, one-on-one tutoring, and emotional support so your teen doesn’t just improve their skills — they rebuild confidence and motivation. Families living in Arizona and Idaho can access our Teen Programs: