Dyslexia in K

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You have a suspicion that your child may have dyslexia. Many signs and symptoms of dyslexia fit your child’s profile. There are many screenings on the Internet for your child to take that would give you a further idea. You can purchase tests and administer them yourself, though if you do not have training, it is not advisable. An important thing to think about is that dyslexia cannot be diagnosed with just one test though it should include a dyslexia screening. Other evaluations should be considered such as educational, behavioral, medical, and possibly psychological testing. To find out for sure whether or not your child has dyslexia, you need to have your child formally tested. One major reason for having your child tested formally is that if in fact your child does have dyslexia or any other learning difference, your child can receive special education services in school.

My friend has a brother, a sister, and a niece that have formally been diagnosed with dyslexia. This friend has a daughter that has always had difficulty with reading and writing. Realizing that dyslexia can run in families, she just assumed her daughter was dyslexic as well. She has her daughter go to a special tutor, which has helped the girl tremendously, but my friend now feels her daughter may need more help in school with accommodations and possible modifications. Unfortunately, without a formal diagnosis, the girl cannot receive support. The school is unwilling to test the girl because she is not struggling enough in their eyes. My friend is now in the process of finding someone to formally assess her daughter. She is actually hoping for a formal dyslexia diagnosis so her daughter can receive services.

The websites I listed are comprised of information on testing, what it should entail, and two different testers. Dyslexia Test provides a free pre-test and you can purchase a comprehensive dyslexia test to be completed at home. The test is then mailed back for a full, detailed assessment report. Web MD discusses more on what to consider when having your child tested. The Slingerland Screening is the most frequently used single assessment for diagnosing dyslexia. This website gives an introduction to the Slingerland screening, the rationale behind it, and detailed test descriptions. The May Clinic offers information on what to do before meeting with any specialist. It reminds you of things to bring and questions to ask. Bright Solutions is an informative website concentrating specifically on dyslexia. The link takes you to information about testing and assessments. It offers a free one-hour web cast on testing and will email you specific questions to ask a tester and a list of certified specialist who test in your area. Holly Fugitt and Lynn Street are 2 of the certified testers recommended by Bright Solutions.