Dyslexia and The Tests For Diagnosing

There are a number of ways to diagnose dyslexia.  If the symptoms of dyslexia are present the first test is one of common symptoms.  If the results deem it necessary, further testing can be conducted to measure the effect and severity of the symptoms. While there is no cure for dyslexia, there are ways to deal with it.

Once primary symptoms are observed, it is best to go ahead and have your child tested.  It is better to catch dyslexia earlier rather than later. Identifying a learning challenge at an early age can prevent much of the low self esteem that accompanies learning disabilities later in life. Dyslexia tests are given by trained educational psychologist.

One step that you should take before consulting an educational psychologist is to have your child evaluated by your physician to rule out any medical illness causing dyslexia symptoms. 

The two types of tests for diagnosing dyslexia are screening tests and comprehensive tests.  A screening test, like it sounds, is used on a group of student to find potentially dyslexics.  From that point, a comprehensive test measures the extent of the symptoms and possible causes.

Advanced statistical formulas are used to measure symptoms of dyslexia.  Having a standard of measure allows psychologists to determine the extent of the problem in any one child.  Comprehensive tests cover visual acuity, reversal tests, sequencing, reading, spelling and general intelligence.

Comprehensive dyslexic testing can be done long distance or in person.  There is some benefit to personal testing, as the psychologist is able to meet the student which helps the educational psychologists more accurately evaluate the student.  The problem is this can be very expensive.  Long distance testing can be effective. 

Long distance tests usually contain objective and situational questions to which the student responds.  The test is returned, the answers evaluated, the dyslexia symptoms measured, and a detailed report is sent back. 

Federal law requires testing for dyslexia in United States public school systems.