Could My Child Have Dyslexia?
You may be considering a dyslexia test due to concerns about your child’s ability to remember words learnt, read and spell fluently. Some parents have noticed the tendency to reverse letters when writing, though this is pretty common in kindergarten and considered a normal developmental sequence. If your child is still in preschool, you may wish to first ensure access to phonics-based literacy teaching before considering a dyslexia test. Good quality early intervention goes a long way to reduce the impact of dyslexia, which is the most common learning disorder affecting between 10 to 20% of the population. Some early red flags/risk factors of possible dyslexia include:
- Slow language development (e.g. late/unclear speech)
- Difficulties remembering letters and sounds after being taught
- Often confusing similar-looking letters or words
- Poor sound awareness (e.g. trouble rhyming)
- Seems to have memorized the story when reading
- Poor spelling
- Having a parent / sibling who has literacy difficulties
A closely-related condition is dysgraphia or ‘specific learning disorder in written expression’, which affects mainly the writing process. Kids with dysgraphia may be able to read fairly well, but find it hard to organize and express their ideas in writing. This lack of efficiency of writing can hamper their academic progress as most school tasks and assessments require written output. Some signs of dysgraphia include:
- Untidy/illegible handwriting, e.g. poor letter formation or sizing
- Inconsistent writing, e.g. mixing upper/lower case
- Poor spacing of words and letters
- Slow and laborious writing
- Inappropriate pencil/pen pressure
- Unusual pencil grip
- Poor spelling and punctuation
- Writing is disorganized
As many learning and developmental conditions tend to co-occur, we often screen for other related difficulties. Some kids with dysgraphia may also be affected by broader motor difficulties. They may have poor motor coordination, appear clumsy, have awkward gait or postural control. These children tend to be poor at sports, ball games, drawing, and have trouble managing daily tasks that require motor control such as cutting, tying shoelaces or using cutlery. These are symptoms of dyspraxia or developmental coordination disorder (DCD), which requires assessment and support by occupational therapists. As DCD frequently co-occurs with other conditions, especially autism, dyslexia and dysgraphia, assessment of co-morbidities should be explored.
Check out these websites for more information about dyslexia test and specific learning disorders:
Dyslexia Testing & Diagnosis
Most of the children we see for dyslexia tests have undergone some phonics or reading classes but continue to face literacy challenges. Some have started to dislike or avoid reading and writing tasks, resulting in behavioural problems. Often, parents and teachers see a considerable gap between the child’s ability to speak, compared to their reading or writing. There are naturally concerns about the negative impact on not only their academics, as well as their self-esteem and interest in learning.
Dyslexia testing is not about “labelling” the child, but understanding why the challenges are occurring and what can be done about it. Many students who have started to think that they are just “not smart enough” are relieved to learn that there is a name for what they are experiencing, and most importantly, strategies that can help them succeed. A formal diagnosis also allows the child to gain access to services such as interventions, school-based support and exam accommodations (e.g. extra time).
At our intake consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your questions, concerns and observations with the psychologist to determine if dyslexia testing is indeed necessary. Dyslexia testing at Bloom usually involves the following completed over 2 sessions with the child and 1 session with parents:
- Qualitative feedback from teachers
- Analysis of work samples and school records
- Cognitive assessment
- Academic assessment
- Phonological assessment
- Testing/screening for co-morbid conditions (e.g. anxiety)
- Child interview
- Parent feedback
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We value your feedback and inquiries. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to us. Our dedicated team is here to assist you and provide the information you need.
Conatct Us
Book Your First Session
We value your feedback and inquiries. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to us. Our dedicated team is here to assist you and provide the information you need.
