The testing

How to look for a dyslexia "testing/assessment program"

  • Make a first diagnose yourself.
  • Learn more about the learning disability.
  • Keep in mind that it’s not uncommon to have more then one learning disability in one person. For example dyslexia and ADD are often found in one person.
  • Once informed about the learning disability, go on the outlook for the testing/assessment programs.
  • By being knowledgeable about the learning disability, you are better equipped to examine the different testing approaches.
  • And to make a choice with confidence.
  • Inform yourself how the test will be conducted, what will happen and why.
  • Inform the child; so, they understand what’s going on. An informed person is more motivated to cooperate and it will take away their fears.
    • What’s the purpose of the test,
    • what will happen,
    • and why.
  • Let’s keep in mind that we’re testing a child:
    • That probably has some unpleasant experiences with school tests.
    • Or has a feeling “is there something wrong with me?”
  • When tests are too complex or one is treated like some kind of a zombie, it will not contribute to their motivation or their self-esteem.
  • Some thoughts about the testing:
    1. If there is no unanimous about the causes of a certain learning disability, then there is no unanimous about the testing.
    2. This is for example the case with dyslexia. I did not find a standard method to diagnose dyslexia. Methods range form very complex to rather simple approaches.
    3. According to R. Davis dyslexia and ADD are caused by disorientation. If one follows this thinking, some test results can different form test to test; because of the state in which the person is, orientate or disorientate.
  • More information on the "how to test a young child".