A question I get asked a lot is are there any tests for dyslexia? Well, today we will explore:
- free tests that are available for people with dyslexia
- the main symptoms of dyslexia
- what you should do if you suspect you have dyslexia
- free online dyslexia tests
There are many free online tests for dyslexia. They serve their purpose however these tests only give you a general indication of the likely hood of having dyslexia. Since no two people are the same nor are two dyslexic people, therefore appropriate testing needs to be intensive. Not only will you to need to know whether you have dyslexia but also how that plays out for you.
These test can be time consuming and expensive. Having said that if you or a friend have learning issues causing you frustration then I suggest you consider expert help very seriously.
Dyslexia is an inherited condition that can be identified through special brain imaging tests.
I assume that you are reading this article because you are the parent, teacher or friend of somebody who has learning issues with reading and writing and mathematics. The person you are concerned about is generally smart and can be well spoken yet for some reason school has not quite been a happy place for them. The progress they make is not in line with that of their peers.
This is a concerning aspect and one that you should be following up.
Most free online tests try to pin point a series of behaviors that likely point towards a student being dyslexic.
There are three traits however that will ring alarm bells if you are concerned.
The first I have already spoken about. The child who appears smart yet functions well below their age level at school.
The second would be if that particular child also has somebody in their immediate family who has dyslexia. If one of the parent is dyslexic then 50% of the children will also be dyslexic. If both of the parents are dyslexic then all of the children will be dyslexic.
The third being if the child experienced any language delay. Most children can say up to five words by the time they are one. If a child has not learnt any speech by the time they are two then there is some form of a language delay. Since dyslexia is a problem with the processing of language then it may support the evidence of dyslexia.
Of course any of the above three do not definitely mean a person has dyslexia however if all three are present then there is a good chance of it being dyslexia and I would recommend getting specialized help.
What are some free online tests for dyslexia?
There is the Davis Test which can be found at Is it dyslexia? . This particular test provides you with 37 multiple choice questions for you to complete. Once completed you submit them and a confidential report will be made available to you. beatingdyslexia.com offer a similar test with 14 multiple choice questions and the opportunity to undertake further specialized testing. dore.co.uk also offer a similar multiple choice survey as the beating dyslexia test.
Bright solutions founded by Sue Barton offer you a page full of possible symptoms at different age levels. I have included this document here for your information.
Warning Signs of Dyslexia
If a child has 3 or more of the following warning signs, encourage that child’s parents and teachers to learn more about dyslexia.
In Preschool
- delayed speech ,mixing up the sounds and syllables in long words
- chronic ear infections ,severe reactions to childhood illnesses,constant confusion of left versus right
- late establishing a dominant hand, difficulty learning to tie shoes, trouble memorizing their address, phone number, or the alphabet
- can’t create words that rhyme, a close relative with dyslexia
In Elementary School
- dysgraphia (slow, non-automatic handwriting that is difficult to read) letter or number reversals continuing past the end of first grade
- extreme difficulty learning cursive ,slow, choppy, inaccurate reading, guesses based on shape or context
- skips or misreads prepositions (at, to, of), ignores suffixes, can’t sound out unknown words
- terrible spelling, often can’t remember sight words (they, were, does), or homonyms (their, they’re, and there)
- difficulty telling time with a clock with hands
- trouble with math, memorizing multiplication tables, memorizing a sequence of steps
- when speaking, difficulty finding the correct word (lots of “whatyamacallits” and “thingies”)
- common sayings come out slightly twisted
- extremely messy bedroom, backpack, and desk
- dreads going to school, complains of stomach aches or headaches, may have nightmares about school
In High School
All of the above symptoms plus:
- limited vocabulary
- extremely poor written expression
- large discrepancy between verbal skills and written compositions
- unable to master a foreign language
- difficulty reading printed music
- poor grades in many classes
- may drop out of high school
In Adults
Education history similar to above, plus:
- slow reader
- may have to read a page 2 or 3 times to understand it
- terrible speller
- difficulty putting thoughts onto paper
- dreads writing memos or letters
- still has difficulty with right versus left
- often gets lost, even in a familiar city
- sometimes confuses b and d, especially when tired or sick
I hope this gives you an insight into dyslexia and the sorts of test to help you decide on whether you have it or not. The good news is that once you know for sure there are many courses and specialized help out there for you.
The earlier dyslexia is picked up in a persons life the more opportunity they will have to deal with it. This can be a life changing event for many people who have endured the frustration of dyslexia.
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