My older son is nine and he didn't learn to read independently until about age 5 or so, but progressed quickly. I remember two summers ago we were traveling and he was tearing through the Harry Potter books at such a rate I had to download one illegally to keep him occupied and me from going crazy.
His spelling and writing are atrocious, although according to the tests they are grade level or about 1/2 year behind. It hasn't been an issue up to now, but I am anticipating some problems this school year as he transitions to a traditional school.