08 Nov Is A Self-Test For Dyslexia Effective?

There are many free dyslexia tests available with a quick online search. These tests take only a few minutes to administer and promise instant results, unlike those with a trained evaluator, which may take several sessions before results are available. But how effective is a self-test for dyslexia?

Read Next: What does a dyslexia evaluation look like?

Can you self-test for dyslexia?

It can be difficult to self-test for dyslexia without being familiar with the different types of dyslexia, as well as the many other potential factors that could affect reading outside of the disorder. There are many children who display reading deficits that stem from other underlying difficulties that look like dyslexia on the surface, but are, in fact, separate disorders.

For example, although there is significant comorbidity between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia, there are also ADHD children who struggle with reading but do not have dyslexia. Often, their attention and impulsive difficulties impact their reading, but they do not have the phonological or naming difficulty that children with dyslexia often have.

Likewise, children with behavioral impulsivity or emotional difficulties may struggle to learn properly in the classroom and therefore have a hard time picking up on the essentials for reading. Again, this would not be indicative of dyslexia.

A self-test for dyslexia may not take these additional factors into account, leading to incorrect conclusions and potentially unnecessary treatments.

Nevertheless, there are some common signs of reading difficulty that may indicate dyslexia, which we discuss here.

Who tests for dyslexia?

Testing for dyslexia is not a proprietary service, so any qualified professional can do so. Technically, any doctor can furnish a diagnosis, but as with any disorder, it would not be ethically appropriate for a doctor to make a diagnosis outside of their expertise and training.

Most often, a diagnosis for dyslexia is given by a psychologist or neuropsychologist. It can also be diagnosed by special education teachers or other educational evaluators.

Where can you get a test for dyslexia?

Tests for dyslexia are most commonly conducted by psychologists in their office or by educational evaluators in office settings.

Although schools often test children’s reading abilities, they can be reluctant to make definitive diagnoses. Even after going through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) special education process, children with reading deficits will often receive a classification of a “specific learning disability” but will not receive a specific diagnosis.

Read Next: Is Dyslexia Testing Available At School?

Can you get a dyslexia test at home?

A home dyslexia test typically takes one of two forms: A DIY self-test or with a professional in-home evaluator.

DIY self-test

A DIY self-test generally takes the form of an online survey or test. These types of tests are closer to screenings since they do not identify the root causes of the problem.

That said, a dyslexia self-test can be a valuable starting point by helping determine if you need to seek a more comprehensive evaluation with a medical professional.

In-home evaluations

An in-home evaluation brings the expertise of a trained professional to you. They will be knowledgeable about dyslexia and the many potential factors that may contribute to reading difficulties.

Since this type of evaluation is more comprehensive than a self-test, they can identify the cause of dyslexia as well as the learning styles and teaching methods that will be most effective for your child’s success.

Dyslexia Evaluations With Dr. Malkin

Correctly interpreting the results of a dyslexia self-test can be tricky. A professional evaluator can explain what the results mean for your child and answer any questions you may have.

Dr. Malkin offers comprehensive dyslexia evaluations that assess your student’s memory and determine their natural strengths and weaknesses to determine the cause and the best educational options to help them succeed.