Mirror Writing: What Is It And Why Does It Happen?

Mirror writing is a very common disorder in early learning. In this article, we’ll teach you how to identify this disorder and when to look out for a specialist.

Certainly, the concept of mirror writing will sound completely unfamiliar. However, it’s something you see more often than you think. This type of writing consists of writing the letters backwards, as if the person were looking in a mirror.

The most common example of mirror writing is that of ambulances. If you haven’t noticed, notice that the word ambulance is written backwards on the front of this type of vehicle. This has a reason: it helps with identification. It’s written like this so that drivers looking in the rearview mirror can read it and make their way to the ambulance.

In children, mirror writing occurs frequently. When they start to write, not a few children write the letters and numbers backwards (from right to left), for no apparent reason.

Causes of mirrored writing in children

We can differentiate two major reasons for mirrored writing in children:

1.- Laterality problems

In general, mirror writing occurs more commonly in left-handed people. For this reason, experts guarantee that it happens due to a preponderance of one hemisphere of the brain. In the case of left-handed people, it’s the right hemisphere.

In a world where everything seems to be made for right-handed people, we shouldn’t worry about left-handed children developing this way of writing. It is simply something natural for them, according to the way they see the world and perform actions.

Logically, this is not something intentional. It’s just the way the brain orders the way you write. In fact, it would certainly be very difficult for anyone to intentionally master this technique.

2.- Perception problems 

Mirror writing usually appears between the ages of four and seven. This period of life coincides with the time when children develop the predominance of one hemisphere of the brain, which happens between three and five years of age. This determines laterality. That is, if the child is right-handed or left-handed.

Finally, we must take into account that at this age the child is in the process of developing perception and motor skills. That is, she may not yet be able to recognize all the shapes of letters or words. Or maybe, if you do, you still can’t put it down on paper.

Is there a relationship between mirror writing and dyslexia?

Yes there is. But up to a point. Mirror writing is often associated with children who suffer from dyslexia. However, it is not an exclusive symptom of this disorder. It may just be a learning phase and then disappear.

What to do when a child writes in a mirrored way?

The most common, in cases of mirrored writing in children, is that it has no continuity and disappears after the age of six. If this does not happen, it is recommended to consult a professional to rule out the relationship of this problem with other visual, cognitive or perceptual disorders.

There are some simple activities that parents can do with children who have this problem. Here we explain some:

• First, identify exactly which symbols seem more complicated for the child to memorize or draw.
• Make “paths to follow” with arrows so that the child naturally assimilates the correct way to write the numbers and letters.
• Draw hollow letters of preferably large size for the child to fill in or paint with colors and strengthen the understanding of the correct form.
• Draw a line of dots for the child to complete, following the correct direction of the letter or number.
• Finally, have the child write the letter or number without visual aids. If she does it correctly, we can move on to the next symbol she has difficulty with.

In addition, reading from an early age helps children to know the letters and, therefore, to recognize their shapes and meanings. On the other hand, it also creates healthy study habits, expands vocabulary and improves spelling.