A first thing that is done is a look into the patients family�s history, it is common that dyslexia runs in a family as well as other learning disorders. The patient than goes through a series of test of their oral, written, and reading capabilities. (IDA)
The oral test is used to see how the patient uses language to express themselves and the complexity in syntax and language that is used. This test is also can be used with people with a language deficit.
A written test is used to see how the child displays their thoughts on paper as well as the order in which they put the letters. When I took the written test, I was told to write a couple of sentences of what ever I wanted. The sentences I wrote were of a first grade level but my letters were out of order or formed backwards. (IDA)
A third language test is reading. Reading is used to see how a child comprehends what they are reading. First they patient is asked to read aloud and then tell the tester what they have read as well as answer questions about they read. The same questions are then asked again once the patient has read a different item silently. On younger children who cannot read, they are told a story which then the same questions are asked. As I was barely taught how to read when I had taken the test, I both read a very short story as well as was told a much longer story to understand my comprehension. (IDA)
A final test that is used to see if the patient really has dyslexia rather than just a reading and language deficit, is an in class observation. The in class observation is key as it can tell if a child is really having difficulty in many in these areas or if they may just have attention deficit disorder. What is seen in this observation is if the child puts their energy in doing so and truly has difficulty. They also are seen in a general setting, such as on the playground, to tell if they also have difficulty talking to peers and if they have difficulty in directions, including a sequence of events and knowing right and left. (IDA
)
All these test combined determine if or not a child has dyslexia or if they are diagnosed with other learning disorders. This is one of many different types of diagnosis, but this is one kind according to the International Dyslexia Association as well as the testing I went through. (IDA)
http://www.interdys.org/, � 2001 - The International Dyslexia Association, Chester Bldg. #382, 8600 LaSalle Road, Baltimore, MD, USA 21286-2044. All rights reserved
http://www.digital-madman.com, Copyright 2005, Adam J. Bailey www.digital-madman.com All Rights Reserved