Multisensory Reading Clinic

THE TRUTH ABOUT DYSLEXIA Assessment: hOW DO WE TEST THE INDIVIDUAL FOR DYSLEXIA?

 

​

Dyslexia comes from the Greek roots dys- (difficulty), lex- (words), and -ia (abnormal condition), meaning “difficulty

with words.”

​

Testing for dyslexia across all ages—from 6 years 0 months to 13 years 11 months—therefore focuses on the student’s ability to work with words in the target language. It examines how the student expresses ideas through writing, reading, and speaking.

​

Dyslexia testing in reading and writing is grounded in the writing system of the language being assessed—whether it is the logographic system of Chinese or the alphabetic system of English. In every case, the student must connect spoken words to their printed forms. Common indicators of dyslexia appear across languages and include slow processing speed, awkward pencil grip, and difficulties with spacing, letter formation, and overall legibility of handwriting.

​

For English, which follows the alphabetic principle (where individual sounds are the basic units), additional clues emerge from how the student forms letters of the alphabet, matches sounds to pictures or words, and blends sounds to create words. The ability to convey ideas clearly in both spoken language and in print also provides important diagnostic information. Other related symptoms, such as confusion with left and right, difficulty sustaining attention, and impulsivity, often surface during testing as well.

​

Formal evaluation of dyslexia typically begins at age six because this is when most children start formal schooling and systematic reading instruction. It is also the age at which most standardized reading assessments become available. Testing generally continues up to 13 years 11 months, by which point students are expected to have developed solid reading and spelling skills. Most standardized measures of reading, spelling, and comprehension are normed only up to this age range.

​

Assessments include both standardized tests and informal (in-house) measures of the student’s decoding, receptive language, and writing skills. The results help identify the presence and severity of dyslexic symptoms. Along with the evaluation, appropriate recommendations and interventions should always be provided.

​

Finally, although formal standardized testing begins after a child has started school, early signs of dyslexia can appear as young as 15 months of age. These may include delayed speech, persistent baby talk, and difficulties with balance and coordination.

 

Be your child's ADVOCATE!