Free Online Dyslexia Test
Why do I need a dyslexia test?
When there is a problem, it helps to understand that problem and have a label and
explanation for it, because then - and only then - are we able to know where to
go and what to do for help. We are offering a sample dyslexia assessment
created by a dyslexia tester and tutor to help you identify if this is what you
or your child may be dealing with.
What do I need to do?
First, you need to observe your children or become aware of your own reading habits. If you are looking
at your children, you need to watch how they deal with language: Were they slow
to connect letter names and sounds? Do they have difficulty with rhyme? These are
all indicators. The first part of the free dyslexia test deals with questions such
as these and looks at your family history, which is another strong indicator of
the possibility of
dyslexia.
What do I look for?
Dyslexia symptoms while reading are not random; there is a consistent pattern.
Here is a list of patterns to look for:
- Difficulty reading single words
- Particular difficulty decoding nonsense or unfamiliar words
- Reading comprehension is often superior to decoding individual words
- Inaccurate and labored oral reading of passages
- Trouble reading small "function" words: that, is, an, for
- The ability to sound out or read a word on one page and then on another page, or
even just a few lines, and later inability to recognize or decode the same word
- Poor memory for sequences, facts and information that has not been experienced
- Slow reading
- Poor spelling
What does the dyslexia test consist of?
According to Dr. Sally Shaywitz, author of Overcoming Dyslexia, there are
three steps that must be followed for an accurate evaluation and dyslexia assessment:
- Establish a reading problem according to age and education.
- Gather evidence supporting its "unexpectedness"; high learning
capability may be determined solely on the basis of an educational or professional
level of attainment.
- Demonstrate evidence of an isolated phonologic weakness, with other
higher-level language functions relatively unaffected.
How do I accomplish these three steps?
Step 1: If you see any of the symptoms of dyslexia listed above
and your child's reading level is below what it should be, even though it is apparent
that he/she is a bright child, then we have established the first part of the evaluation.
When he/she is having reading struggles despite intelligence
or effort, that is a strong indication you are dealing with dyslexia.
Step 2: The more observations you make to this end and the more
evidence you gather showing a consistent struggle with reading and writing, then
you have moved through the second step of the evaluation. The first part of our
dyslexia assessment will give further evidence to support this.
Step 3: Take the phonologic dyslexia test that contains the recommended
components of phonemic awareness and memory, reading words in isolation for decoding
and nonsense words to look for specific phonological weaknesses.
Do I really want to label my child or myself as dyslexic?
As parents, we are often hesitant to give our children certain labels. There can
be a great deal of negative association with words such as learning disability,
Attention Deficit Disorder, and dyslexia. Dyslexia is an important term
to help identify kids with reading difficulties and is one from which we need not
shy away. It is important for children to understand that their reading difficulties
come from the way their brains are wired and not their intelligence level.
Giving a label gives an explanation and, therefore, can lead to a solution.
This is how Dr. Orton, in his book Reading, Writing, and Speech Problems in Children
, described the term dyslexia to a five-year-old: dys means problems,
and lexia means words, so dyslexia means problems with the
words you speak, the words you hear, and the words you see.
Children and adults are so excited to have a word for it-one that explains
what is going on.
Katherine Schantz, head of the Delaware Valley Friends School, shares, "It's just
such a meaningful term, and the kids understand that their brain works differently
and feel relieved." We should not be afraid of the term, the label,
but embrace it, explore it, and discuss it with our children so that they can receive
the correct help and begin to find success
with words.
Please begin the next portion of our free online dyslexia test.