How to Test for Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning disability, often inherited, that makes learning by traditional methods difficult. Reading, writing and spelling are the most challenging subjects for dyslexics. There is no single test that can diagnose this disorder. There are several tests that can be given to gauge decoding, fluency, spelling and word recognition skills. There are also warning signs, certain behaviors and skills that parents, teachers or trained professionals can observe that will show the likelihood that a child is dyslexic. These, combined with the results of tests, are used to positively diagnose dyslexia. Below are steps to take to lead to a diagnosis.
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Instructions
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Diagnostic Tests
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Identify weaknesses in speech. The easiest way to do this is to have the child say the name of each letter in the alphabet and the sound the letter represents. This will indicate patterns of speech errors.
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Identify weaknesses in reading. There are several reliable tests for reading. One of the most popular is the DIBELS test for oral reading fluency. This test requires that the child read aloud for one minute from a test-selected passage that has not been read previously. After one minute, a formula is applied that figures the number of words read. There are benchmarks already established that indicate low-risk, some-risk and high-risk status.
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Identify problems with handwriting. A good way to determine handwriting difficulties is for the tester to call out names of letters in random order and have the child write them. This can also be done with simple three letter words. This will also be helpful in determining any listening or hearing problems.
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Complete the teacher checklist of indicators. Tests alone cannot determine if a child is dyslexic. Teacher checklists are just as important. There are such checklists already compiled by experts in this field. They are available at schools in the special-education department or can be found on the Internet. They are usually composed of no more than 20 indicators and are in a "yes-no" format. Aside from the parents, the classroom teacher is the most qualified observer of a child because of the quantity and quality of the time spent together.
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Don't forget family history. Another factor to be considered along with test data and observations of professionals is family history. Dyslexia is an inherited disorder. If it is possible to know if a child's parents or grandparents were dyslexic, a diagnosis will be much easier to make.
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