A child of a family member had no reading or even pre-reading skills (she didn't have a clue what sound each letter made) at all when she started school, and I hear now she is reading 3 years ahead of her grade level. Some kids read early and some don't. And I agree that you don't have to read early to be gifted.

I'm sorry I do not know exactly when or why it clicked for her.

I would not be too concerned from what you have written.