Testing for dyslexia is a good idea if your child is having problems with schoolwork or reading and writing comprehension. You may want to test your child for dyslexia if the child’s teacher recommends it as well. There are many signs and symptoms of dyslexia, and your child may show a few or many of them. Testing for dyslexia early can prevent several problems later in education and behavioral issues. The tests administrated to diagnose dyslexia are based off of a child’s age; therefore, your child can be tested at any age.
There is not a set test that is used when testing for dyslexia. Instead, a battery of tests are given to the child. These tests are not all written tests, though. Since your child may have already proven that he is not a good test-taker, there is no need to worry that these evaluations will be stressful. Instead, the test administrators assess oral expression, memory, handwriting, written expression, and comprehension, among other things. Medical history and family medical history may also be looked into as well.
A full evaluation can take up to three hours and may even include a classroom visit. The professionals who administer the test want to be sure to get a thorough overview of your child’s educational struggles. There are times when children have reading comprehension problems that are not related to dyslexia; ADD or affective disorders, among other learning and processing disorders, can be the cause of reading problems. A professional will be able to tell the difference and realize how the situation can be helped.
While testing for dyslexia can be long and boring for your child, it is an essential step that needs to be taken. This test can be found for free through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act if your child is enrolled in public school. If your child is diagnosed with dyslexia, the evaluation will also be able to measure the severity of your child’s dyslexia and whether they are eligible for special educational programs and resources.
Testing for dyslexia is essential if you know your child is having difficulties in school, especially in reading and writing comprehension. A professional can evaluate your child’s case and make helpful suggestions if they end up not having dyslexia. If your child is diagnosed with dyslexia, this can open up doors of help and resources for you and your child.
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