Is There a Free Dyslexia Test?

Many people search for a free dyslexia test. Is there such a thing? Can you really find a free dyslexia test? There are answers but they are not simple...

On the Internet, when you have a question you run it through a search engine.  You "Google it" as they say. So it is not surprising that many people, when they, or someone close to them, show signs of dyslexia, go online to look for information. One term typed in frequently is "free dyslexia test".

Is there a free dyslexia test?

Well, yes and no. It depends on how you define "test".  If you define test as something quick that will give you some indications, then the answer is yes. 

If, on the other hand, you define test as thoroughly checking to know for sure, the answer is no.

Preliminary testing is for quick indications, to determine if a thorough test is a good idea or not. You can get that for free. Such a free dyslexia test could include:

** A family history of dyslexia. Dyslexia tends to run in families. If you have a parent or grandparent, sibling or first cousin with dyslexia, then a thorough test could be indicated.

** Personal difficulty with transcribing numbers or words exactly, or manipulating them mentally.  Such as "recite the months of the year in reverse" (without practice, of course).

If you stumble, find it difficult, make frequent errors, that would be an indication of possible dyslexia.  However, if you can do these things quickly, precisely and without error, that would be an indication that you are not dyslexic.

** Similarly, if you can speed-read at 1,000 words per minute with 95% comprehension on reading tests, you are probably not dyslexic. If reading is difficult for you, if you read word for word and have to keep re-reading to get the gist of what the text says, you might be dyslexic (or a poorly trained reader).

** There are questionnaires available that you can take. You can find one with 20 questions by visiting the links below. You answer the questions, then use the key to see if you answered like dyslexics who took the test or like non-dyslexics.

If there are indications that bother you, if you are not sure whether or not dyslexia is your problem, the answer is to take a formal professional test.  A test will measure your responses and tell you either no, you are not dyslexic, or yes you are and if yes, by how much.

That won't be a free dyslexia test.  But it won't cost you more than an average dinner for two in a reasonably nice restaurant.  That is a small price to pay for peace of mind. Or for identifying and getting on the road to overcoming any problems you might have. 

Testing is the key to diagnosis. Diagnosis is the key to identifying any possible problems.  Identifying the problems is the key to overcoming them.  Overcoming them is the key to success, happiness, self esteem and getting the most out of your life.

Jorge Chavez