Question 1

What are the signs of dyslexia by age?

Accepted Answer

In kindergarten and 1st grade (ages 5-7), look for difficulty rhyming, learning letter sounds, and remembering sequences. In 2nd-3rd grade (ages 7-9), watch for slow reading, frequent guessing, and avoiding reading aloud. In 4th-6th grade (ages 9-12), signs include difficulty with comprehension, spelling, and written expression. In middle school and beyond, look for slow reading speed, difficulty with foreign languages, and avoidance of reading-heavy tasks.

Question 2

My child was tested by the school and came back fine. Can they still have dyslexia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. School evaluations often use screening tools that measure broad academic skills rather than the specific phonological processing deficits that define dyslexia. Schools may also use a discrepancy model that misses children who compensate well. A private dyslexia-specific evaluation uses targeted assessments like the CTOPP-2 to measure the underlying processing skills.

Question 3

Can dyslexia be cured?

Accepted Answer

Dyslexia is a neurological difference, not a disease, so it cannot be cured. However, with proper intervention using structured literacy approaches like Orton-Gillingham, children can develop strong reading skills and effective strategies. Early intervention produces the best outcomes. The brain builds new neural pathways for reading, but the underlying difference in processing remains.

Question 4

What is the difference between a dyslexia screening and a full evaluation?

Accepted Answer

A screening is a quick check that identifies risk for dyslexia. It takes about 15-30 minutes and tells you whether further testing is recommended. A full evaluation is a comprehensive diagnostic assessment lasting 2-4 hours that measures phonological processing, rapid naming, reading fluency, comprehension, and more. It provides a formal diagnosis and specific recommendations for intervention and school accommodations.

Question 5

What is the difference between dyslexia and ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability affecting reading, spelling, and phonological processing. ADHD is an attention disorder affecting focus, impulse control, and executive function. About 30-40% of children with dyslexia also have ADHD. The key difference: a child with ADHD can decode words but may lose focus while reading, while a child with dyslexia struggles with the actual decoding process regardless of attention.

Question 6

Does my child need an IEP or a 504 plan for dyslexia?

Accepted Answer

An IEP provides specialized instruction and is appropriate when your child needs specially designed teaching methods (like Orton-Gillingham). A 504 plan provides accommodations like extended time and audiobooks but no specialized instruction. If your child needs a different way of being taught to read, push for an IEP. If they can access the curriculum with accommodations alone, a 504 may be sufficient.

Question 7

How do I request a dyslexia evaluation from my school?

Accepted Answer

Submit a written request (email or letter) to your school principal or special education coordinator specifically asking for an evaluation for a suspected specific learning disability in reading. Keep a copy. The school has 60 days to respond. If they refuse, they must provide Prior Written Notice explaining why. You have the right to an Independent Educational Evaluation at the school's expense if you disagree with their findings.

Question 8

How much does dyslexia testing cost?

Accepted Answer

Private dyslexia evaluations typically cost $1,500-$5,000 depending on the provider and scope. At Dyslexia Evaluations, we offer free screenings and comprehensive evaluations for $1,500. School-based evaluations are free but may not specifically test for dyslexia. Some insurance plans cover neuropsychological testing, though coverage varies.