5 Yr Old Reads Numbers Backwards

Not to worry at age 5! If you think about it, he has just entered the learning phase where order and orientation matters. He just does not get that concept yet, and it is developmentally on target. Think about it, a chair is a chair, if it is upside down, but a b is a q is a d is a p...but they are all the same shape, and number order is the same right now. 87 and 78 is the cone on top of the ice cream or on the bottom? It is still an ice cream cone...

If he has issues, you will see them once he starts to learn concepts and learn to read. The issues you need to be concerned about specifically for dyslexia are the inabability to manilpulate and identify phonemes (the smallest sounds) and a problem with the symbols that represent them. If you see that problem as he begins to learn reading, have him evaluated sooner, rather than later and advocate that he receive an Orton Gillingham or alphabet phonics dyslexia instructional program to learn to read. The sooner kids with reading issues get this the better.

Visual processing issues can cause this kind of trouble, but you would be seeing a whole slew of other issues with him, and handwriting would most likely be a huge struggle. Occupational therapists and Developmental Optomistrists can assess visual processing issues.

At 5, I would not think anything of it unless he continues to struggle and does not improve as he moves through K and 1st grade.

M.

I wouldn't be too concerned with a 5yo, but keep an eye on it. He hasn't had much instruction yet in reading or writing, so "natural" could go in either direction. As he writes more, his body will learn which direction to move, and it will become more automatic to read in that direction, too.

I'm very mildly dyslexic, and it has never inhibited my ability to read or write. I do have to think real hard if someone tells me to turn left, however. I once turned my head the wrong way when my dentist asked me, with a drill still whizzing in my mouth, to turn slightly to the right. Ouch. (Little ouch.)

Hi-

At this age, it is totally developmentally appropriate! I am a reading specialist, and 5 and 6 year olds get letters and numbers backwards all the time. They are still learning directionality of print (left to right, top to bottom, etc.) If he's still doing it at the end of 1st grade, you can inquire about it. Even then, it's still considered developmental. Both of my children wrote all of their letters and numbers backwards throughout kindergarten and most of their first grade year. Both are also gifted, so don't worry unless it persists past first grade.

I'm almost certain my son used to do this. Not any more. Your boy is only five. He just isn't comprehending which number is in the 10s column and which number is in the ones column and how you say it.

No worries! Relax!
S.

I would try it again later, have him do something else and try it again, if it persist schedule an appt with your pediatrician.

Hello Beth-

I do that too and in my late 20's I was told I have a processing disorder, Centeral Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD). Before you start worrying, keep an eye out and see if it continues, it may just be a stage in his learning that he'll outgrow.

However if he switches letters or number often over the next year or so, have him tested. He can be tested for free through the school system. If he does have a disorder, he may be able to get services through the school from and IEP program.

Good luck.

R. Magby

I would check for dyslexia... my mom and little brother have it... didn't find out in my brother until he was in 4th grade because he was able to read and write...he just struggled a bit... his school life got a lot easier once we figured out what was going on! (it was very minor in his case... he only had issues with backwards letters/numbers... he was able to learn normally, no speech issues, decent handwriting, etc...)

I wouldn't worry about it. Just correct him and give him chances to practice doing it correctly. Some work with place value could be useful, too. (Like 23 is two tens and three ones), as could hanging a 100 chart in his room or play area to actually examine the numbers in progression.

What he's doing actually makes a lot of SENSE since he was doing well with 0-20. Numbers in the teens are named for the ones place not the ten. So when you read 14, you read the four first and then say teen for the ten. He just needs more practice with these larger numbers to figure out that the teens are an exception in number naming, not the rule.

HTH,
T.