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Tests for dyslexia

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There are many tests for dyslexia that you can take to determine if you have this learning difficulty. Discover the best tests out there, including Speechify's!

Tests for dyslexia

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that prevents around 15% of the global population from proper word reading and decoding. Moreover, it also causes trouble with spelling, rhyming, and writing. People often consider dyslexia among one of many learning disabilities, but dyslexia technically isn’t a learning disability.

People with dyslexia, who can also be referred to as dyslexics, don’t necessarily have a lower IQ or trouble learning new material. Their brains simply struggle to process written language as they read. Therefore, someone with dyslexia may not actually benefit from being placed in special education classes if their intelligence is high and their only learning obstacle is learning by reading due to dyslexia.

While there is no cure for dyslexia, this doesn’t mean it should lower someone’s self-esteem. With early detection, dyslexics can have extremely successful and fulfilling lives.

Do you think you or someone you know might be dyslexic? Allow us to introduce you to some of the best online tests that may indicate you could have dyslexia. Do note, however, that these tests are not official diagnostic assessments—they can simply help point you in the right direction of seeking out a reading specialist for getting an official diagnosis and the proper guidance for overcoming dyslexia.

Is it dyslexia?

The first pick on our list of online dyslexia tests is the Is it dyslexia? test from Davis Dyslexia Association International. What makes this reading comprehension questionnaire great is that you can do it yourself or for someone whom you suspect has dyslexia, such as your child or student.

The comprehensive test of phonological processing has 41 questions laid out on 5 pages, but you don't have to answer all of them. In case any of them don't apply to you, it’s possible to skip them and still get the results.

When it comes to results, they will appear on your screen immediately after you're done. Moreover, you can print them if you want to show them to specialists for further assessment. Of course, the test results are completely anonymous, and the information you give out remains unused by third parties. It's also free, as all you need to do is click on the link above, and you'll find out all about your language skills and reading problems in a matter of minutes.

Dyslexia test: Free screener for adults

It’s not uncommon for people in their adult years to finally understand what’s behind their lifelong struggles with reading and writing. In fact, many parents learn that they’re dyslexic when their child tests positive for this learning difficulty. Therefore, if you suspect that you are yourself dyslexic, you can test for free at Dyslexia test: Free screener for adults right now.

This is a simple test of only 14 questions based on reading fluency, with one of the questions being optional. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean that it’s not efficient. The test can truly reveal fascinating results which you can show to a learning specialist for evaluation. Of course, it’s anonymous, and the information you give out won’t be used without your knowledge.

Dyslexia test — Screening for signs of dyslexia

Learning Ally’s Dyslexia test — Screening for signs of dyslexia questionnaire is yet another fine example of how you can screen for this difficulty. You can also check your child’s ability to read sight words with this test. All they need to do is be by you and help you answer questions. It’s free, like the previous two, and it doesn’t take up much of your precious time.

Additionally, the website has other interesting content that can help you make plans for further individual education plans (IEP) if it turns out that the participant has dyslexia. These include links to audiobooks, literacy tools for children, as well as professional learning tools for adults.

Free dyslexia test for children

The fourth pick on our list of dyslexia tests is Lexercise’s Free dyslexia test for children. What makes it a perfect candidate for this list is that it’s free, simple to complete, and has additional content. The assessment takes up to 10 minutes of sitting with your child in front of the screen, after which it will present you with useful information on treatment.

The useful information we are referring to is a series of facts about what it’s like having a reading disability and how important it is to treat it on time. Once you’re done with that, Lexercise will offer ideas to plan out further assessment of your child’s difficulty. All in all, it’s a simple yet effective way to understand dyslexia and screen for it early.

Get a dyslexia assessment

Lastly, we need to mention Speechify’s very own dyslexia screening. Unlike others on this list, Speechify doesn’t give you a questionnaire to fill out. Instead, it connects you with the nearest trained professional in your area for a series of subtests.

Although it might sound easier to fill out a form and get electronic results, the diagnosis of dyslexia is a bit more complicated than that. No online test can give the same results as seeing a professional in person.

On the other hand, the reason to choose Speechify instead of others is the text to speech app itself. Speechify has been developed specifically for dyslexics and other people with learning difficulties like ADHD or vision impairment.

Based on the latest technology, Speechify allows for word recognition and transcription into fully audible and natural-sounding speech. It has more than 30 reading voices, offers 15+ languages, and is available across all platforms. This includes iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.

FAQs

What are the 4 types of dyslexia?

Yes, there are different types of dyslexia! These include:

  • Phonological dyslexia
  • Surface dyslexia
  • Rapid naming deficit
  • Double deficit dyslexia.

Is there a simple test for dyslexia?

It’s impossible to diagnose dyslexia with a single test. Instead, it's necessary to go through a series of comprehensive tests of phonological processing. You will also need to see reading and learning specialists who can properly diagnose for dyslexia.

What is the best age to test for dyslexia?

The best time to screen for dyslexia is at the age of 5 or 6 during first-grade level reading. However, people of any age can be tested for dyslexia.

At what age can you test for dyslexia?

You can screen your child for dyslexia during the pre-kindergarten period before they start to learn how to read. You can also be an adult and test for dyslexia if you suspect you might have it but never got tested as a child.

How do I test my 7-year-old for dyslexia?

You can visit a learning professional (e.g., an oral language pathologist) with your child to test their reading skills if they’re showing signs of dyslexia symptoms. They will also screen for other confounding factors, including ADHD and anxiety.

Can you be slightly dyslexic?

Yes, you can experience mild and more severe forms of dyslexia.

What is the difference between dyslexia and dyscalculia?

While dyslexia affects word processing skills, dyscalculia refers to a difficulty with numbers (basic math).

What does dyslexia have to do with reading?

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that prevents people from reading, rhyming, spelling, writing, and comprehending phonics.

What is the cure for dyslexia?

There is no cure for dyslexia. Nevertheless, spotting it early can provide people with the assistance to overcome reading difficulties. Many people live very successful and happy lives even with dyslexia.

Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman is a dyslexia advocate and the CEO and founder of Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews and ranking first place in the App Store for the News & Magazines category. In 2017, Weitzman was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work making the internet more accessible to people with learning disabilities. Cliff Weitzman has been featured in EdSurge, Inc., PC Mag, Entrepreneur, Mashable, among other leading outlets.