How to Determine If You Should Be Tested for Dyslexia

Dyslexia is something children and adults suffer from on a daily basis. Discovering the disability in children can help children learn how to cope and deal with the dyslexia. They can find ways to compensate for their symptoms. Dyslexia isn't just a reading or writing problem. It can effect depth perception, hand writing, self esteem, organization, and many more aspects. The only way to get a true diagnosis is to have the proper tests done by a professional. However, you can test online to see if there is sufficient evidence to request these tests.

Go to any search engine and type in the words dyslexia test. You will have many hits returned. www.dyslexia.com and www.dyslexia.org are two popular sites, but there are many more. Make a list of each site. Once you have your list complied, it is time to do back up research. You want to be able to verify that the site has the authority to give this test and the credibility to back that authority. Make sure the site is reliable, and investigate any bad press you might find. First, determine who is hosting the site. Who are they? Where did they get their data? Are they qualified to give this test? If the site is trying to sell you something, chances are good it may not be credible. Use common sense and a little bit of research to verify the validity of the site.

Pick your test or tests. Based off your research, pick the best test or two. If you are testing an adult, make sure it is not a test geared for children. Take the test in a quiet location with minimal distractions. You may want to have the tester take a couple different tests. You can compare the results later to see where the results may or may not agree.

If you end up taking more than one test, compare and contrast your findings. If nothing else, they will give you an idea of where your weaknesses are. You can choose to take that information and start using to help you in your every day life. Many of the sites that host these tests also have tips for dealing with dyslexia. You can also use those results to show a need for additional testing. Additional testing by a professional may lead to an official diagnosis.

Hopefully these tests can help you determine if you need to take further action. If you do, know that it may be an uphill battle. However, if you are properly diagnosed you can start taking measures to accommodate and make up for that disability.