Should I be concerned about mirror writing?

With permission, a question that we received through Ask the Expert:

Question:
Should I worry about mirror writing in my kindergarten son? From my understanding, dyslexiaA language-based learning disability that affects reading. is an auditory problem rather than a visual one, is that true? Is it just that my son hasn’t gotten the directionalityA component of concepts of print, directionality includes knowledge about how to read an English book or text, including: read top to bottom, read left to right, identify first and last word, tracking, and return sweep. of print from left to right at this stage rather than it being a major learning disability?

Answer:
Mirror writing by itself is not troubling in a kindergarten student. Beginning writers are mastering several skills, including directionality. There are other factors (weak phonological skill, family history of reading difficulty, speech/language delay) that are considered risk factors for reading difficulty.

Dyslexia is a language-based reading difficulty. As such, if your son has persistent difficulty with several of the language-based behaviors I’ve listed below, you should talk with his teacher and share your concerns.

* Learning letter names and some letter sounds
* Recognizing words that rhyme
* RetellingRecalling the content of what was read or heard. simple stories
* Recognizing words that share the same beginning sound
* Understanding simple concepts about print

Here are two readings that you may find useful:

Common Signs of Dyslexia (opens in a new window)

Dyslexia: Beyond the Myth (opens in a new window)