How Do I Get My Child Tested for Dyslexia?

If your child is struggling with reading or spelling, you may wonder if it is the normal learning curve children face when they learn to read and write or if there is something more going on. Persistent difficulties, or if you notice they are struggling to keep up in class or with classmates, could be a sign of dyslexia. Dyslexia is a common brain-based learning difference that affects how the brain processes written language. The earlier it is identified, the sooner your child can get the support and resources they need to help build their confidence. If you have noticed signs in your child and are wondering, “How do I get my child tested for dyslexia?”, we’re here to help. At Geo Psychological Testing, we offer dyslexia testing for children in The Woodlands and the Greater Houston Area.

What is Dyslexia? 

Dyslexia is not a reflection of intelligence, and children with dyslexia often have average or above-average intelligence. It is a lifelong learning difference, but with the right support, children can have significantly improved reading outcomes and confidence. Dyslexia affects about 5% to 15% of people, making it one of the most common learning disabilities. It affects how children process language. This can make it difficult for individuals with dyslexia to read and spell because it is linked to phonological processing and how their brains recognize sounds. 

Signs Your Child May Need Testing

Children can and are diagnosed with dyslexia at every age. It’s never too late to get the support your child needs. Here are some of the signs you may notice by age group. 

Preschool & Kindergarten (3 to 6 years old)

• Delayed speech and language development
• Trouble with rhyming words
• Difficulty learning letters or letter sounds 
• Trouble recognizing their own name in print 
• Trouble learning the alphabet in order 
• Mispronouncing common words 
• Difficulty clapping out syllables 

Elementary School (6 to 10 years old) 

• Difficulty learning to read 
• Mixing up letters or reversing letters 
• Avoid reading aloud and/or slow, effortful reading 
• Trouble spelling common words 
• Guessing words instead of sounding them out 
• Skipping small words like “the” “and” “of” when reading 
• Reading the same word differently each time it appears 
• Poor reading comprehension due to slow decoding 
• Trouble remembering sight words 
• Difficulty copying from the board

Older Children (10+ years old) 

• Avoiding reading 
• Difficulty summarizing reading material 
• Struggles with writing and organizing thoughts 
• Slow reading speed
• Strong verbal skills, but weaker reading and writing skills 
• Trouble taking notes 
• Difficulty with foreign languages 
• Poor spelling, even with common or familiar words
• Trouble recalling sequences – days of the week, months, steps in a process
• Low confidence, frustration, and anxiety related to school and schoolwork

Dyslexia Testing Process

Consultation 

In the initial consultation, we will review your child’s academic history and any concerns, medical and family history, and talk about their reading and language development. This will help us determine which tools and assessments to use and how to tailor the evaluation to the child. We will schedule the testing and evaluation with you. We will also give you instructions to prepare for the testing. If you or your child’s teacher(s) haven’t filled out questionnaires or if more information is required, we may send you additional paperwork to be completed. 

Dyslexia Testing 

Testing for dyslexia is non-invasive and involves reading and spelling assessments, phonological processing tests, and comprehension tasks that will just feel like puzzles or reading assignments to the child. The testing process can take several hours or be done over multiple sessions.

Reporting & Next Steps 

After testing, we look at the results from the evaluation, plus the answers from the questionnaires and the child’s medical and academic history, to create a comprehensive report. This report will tell you the child’s diagnosis (if applicable), test results with explanations, and the child’s strengths and areas where they may need more support. We will also give recommendations for school and classroom accommodations if needed, at-home strategies, and other resources for your child. We will meet with you to explain the findings, and so you can ask any questions about the results. 

Learning “How do I get my child tested for dyslexia?” is the first step to finding resources and programs that work for your child.

At Geo Psychological Testing, we’re here to help with dyslexia testing for children in The Woodlands and the Houston area. To schedule, give us a call or contact us through our website here.