Reading is a skill that we all have acquired at an early age to be successful at school. However, people with Dyslexia face trouble in successfully matching letters to sounds, then sounds to words, and finally words to meaning. When this happens, they are unable read fluently and retain the meaning of what they have read. If left untreated, it may plague them all through school and into their adult life. We get asked how to diagnose Dyslexia successfully? Although there isn’t a single test for the diagnosis of Dyslexia, there is a series of assesments that will help determine Dyslexia. And, there are symptoms of dyslexia that you would surprise you.
How to Diagnose Dyslexia
In this generation, a lot or reliance is put on the school and teacher to make sure a child succeeds in school. This is important, but as a parent, you should take the initiative to assess the child’s struggles in school and at home. Speak with teaches and find out what they are specifically struggling in. Make notes of it.
Furthermore, notice any physical constraints, such as constant tightness down the back of their legs or a strange gait when walking, sitting with their legs wrapped around their desk legs or sitting with legs in a ‘W’ shape. These quirky behaviors will help indicate if they have any Retained Primitive Reflexes with dyslexia that contribute to learning Disabilities. To learn more about dyslexia check out Dyslexic Strategies’ free dyslexia video training.
Dyslexia Test
While a small percentage of parents take their child for an official Dyslexia Test, it is a good idea to have your child assessed so you know the severity of their disability. A psychologist that specializes in early childhood development should be able to conduct a Dyslexia Test. Often times, a local Learning Center can refer you to one nearby. They will have the ability to properly do the Dyslexia Test.
Vision
Additionally, the psycologist may refer you to a Vision Therapist to check for issues with their visual processing. There are more specific vision assessments that will need to be done if your child is experiencing learning disabilities. An eye chart from 20 feet away does not give a good enough assessment of their visual processing abilities. However, only some eye doctors are trained in this higher level of testing. To find a professional in your area that is trained in visual processing and learning disabilities, visit the College of Optometrists in Vision Development and put in your zip code. Be sure to check the box ‘Board Certified in Vision Therapy’.
Audiologist
Furthermore, your psycologist may refer you to an Audiologist. Most children have a hearing screening shortly after birth. They may have even had additional hearing screenings at school. These screenings may sometimes find other disabilities that are connected with reading disabilities, such as an Auditory Processing Deficit. Therefore, the Psychologist may recommend the additional hearing screenings to rule out an Auditory issue.
