When Capable Readers Struggle: The Hidden Impact of Stealth Dyslexia

Does your child read well—but not easily? Do they take much longer than expected to complete reading assignments, avoid reading despite being highly curious, or seem exhausted after tasks that involve reading? For some gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) learners, strong intelligence and advanced vocabulary can mask underlying reading challenges. When a child’s reading skills appear “fine” on the surface but don’t match their overall abilities, there may be more going on beneath the surface.

This session will explore stealth dyslexia—a lesser-known presentation of dyslexia in which bright learners often compensate so effectively that their challenges go unnoticed. We’ll discuss what stealth dyslexia looks like, why some children are identified late, and why reading at grade level does not always mean reading is effortless or efficient.

We’ll also explore common misconceptions and questions parents face: Why do some people doubt a child could have dyslexia if they read well? Do school screeners catch these learners? What types of evaluations reveal hidden reading challenges? How do processing speed, ADHD, anxiety, and other co-occurring differences affect the picture? And how can stealth dyslexia show up at school as avoidance, perfectionism, fatigue, or behaviors that may be mistaken for lack of effort or attention issues?

Parents will walk away with:

• A better understanding of stealth dyslexia and how it can appear in gifted and 2e learners

• Insight into the signs of hidden reading challenges—even when a child reads at grade level

• Guidance on assessment, school advocacy, and identifying what support a learner may need

• A deeper understanding of the emotional and academic impact of compensating for reading difficulties

This session is for parents who wonder why reading seems harder for their child than it should, why their capable learner struggles despite strong abilities, or whether there may be an overlooked piece of the puzzle.

This event will be recorded and emailed to all RSVPs.

This event will have live Spanish translation.

Dr. Lisa White has worked with gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) children, teens, and families for nearly 20 years and has been part of Summit Center since its founding in 2009. She provides strengths-based psychoeducational and neuropsychological evaluations, as well as parent coaching and educational consultation to help families better understand their children’s profiles and find supportive learning environments. Dr. White’s clinical interests include the social-emotional needs of gifted and 2e learners, ADHD, learning differences, and the unique experiences of 2e girls and teens. Through her work with families, schools, and parent communities, she is passionate about helping 2e learners be understood, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Teresa Nair, REEL's Parent Community Program Manager, is the mother of two vibrant 2e kids and who is 2e herself, holds a M.Ed. in Cognitive Diversity from Bridges Graduate School. Teresa has a diverse professional background, including roles as a classroom teacher, a board member for organizations that support the disabled communities in Silicon Valley, and a consultant.