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Writer's pictureHeidi Lee
Aug 233 min read

Should My Child Be Evaluated for Dyslexia?



The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity defines dyslexia as “an unexpected difficulty in reading for an individual who has the intelligence to be a much better reader.”


Many parents suspect their child might have dyslexia but often delay evaluations. Some schools or teachers may advise parents to wait until their child is older. They may suggest that the issue is developmental and that the child will 'grow out of it.' Unfortunately, research doesn't support this advice.


 The Connecticut Longitudinal Study demonstrated that “at least three out of four children who read poorly in third-grade continue to have reading problems in high school and beyond” (Shaywitz, 2020). 


Extensive evidence shows that early intervention is critical. Since the brain is growing rapidly during the primary years, the gap between typical and dyslexic readers widens every year. These achievement gaps can be seen as early as first grade (Shaywitz, 2020) Therefore, it’s important to identify students who need intervention as early as possible.


What are some signs that a child may have dyslexia?


Sally Shaywitz, M.D. is the co-director of the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity. She wrote a book called Overcoming Dyslexia, which many specialists consider the dyslexia bible. Through her research, she found that studies of dyslexic readers show no link between IQ and reading ability. That is why students with dyslexia may read slowly, but think quickly.


In her book, she outlines numerous signs of dyslexia. She shares that dyslexia is a paradox because the same student with weaknesses in reading and spelling may also have significant strengths like big-picture thinking and reasoning.


You can find an excerpt of these signs here. Dr. Shaywitz also reviews early signs of dyslexia in this video.  If your child exhibits many of these signs, the next step is screening.


How early can a child be screened for dyslexia?


The idea that young children cannot be screened for dyslexia is a myth (Gaab, 2017). The later dyslexia is identified, the longer it takes to remediate. The International Dyslexia Association shared that “it takes four times as long to intervene in fourth grade as it does in late Kindergarten” (IDA, 2019). 


A child can be screened for dyslexia as early as preschool. Screening should include a family history, as dyslexia is strongly heritable. In fact, about 50% of individuals with a first-degree relative who has dyslexia will also have the condition (Gaab, 2017).


The Shaywitz DyslexiaScreen™ is one screening tool that can be used as early as Kindergarten. If the results show a high probability of dyslexia, then the next step is to have a comprehensive evaluation done by a professional.


Who can diagnose dyslexia?


During the preschool years, the focus of the young child’s evaluation is on spoken language, so a speech-language pathologist can carry out this type of assessment.


During school years, when written language becomes a focus of the evaluation, you should turn to an individual with expertise in diagnosing dyslexia. 


Comprehensive testing for dyslexia is most commonly administered by educational psychologists or neuropsychologists. These professionals conduct thorough psychological assessments that extend beyond reading skills, evaluating cognitive processes, learning disabilities, and emotional factors that may impact learning. This type of diagnosis is also valuable for identifying co-occurring issues, such as ADHD or anxiety.


In addition to educational psychologists and neuropsychologists, dyslexia can also be diagnosed by learning disability specialists, reading specialists, or, particularly for children under five, speech and language therapists.


An informed, trustworthy, and helpful examiner should have the following characteristics:

  • Has up-to-date knowledge of twenty-first-century scientific research on dyslexia.

  • Understands how dyslexia manifests at different developmental stages, from preschool through adulthood.

  • Takes an in-depth history to identify relevant signs of dyslexia.

  • Is familiar with school policies and how schools support dyslexic students.

  • Is knowledgeable about federal and state laws related to dyslexia.

  • Has experience diagnosing dyslexia and administering appropriate tests.

  • Holds the necessary qualifications, certifications, and licensures.


In closing


As you can see, early dyslexia screening and intervention is very important and can lead you down the right path of getting the help your child needs. By addressing potential reading difficulties early, you not only prevent frustration but also empower your child to thrive academically and build confidence in their abilities. If you suspect your child may have dyslexia, don’t hesitate to seek an evaluation. With the right support and interventions in place, children with dyslexia can overcome their challenges and unlock their full potential.




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