Symptom Tests for Children

Dyslexia Symptom Test for Children

Does your child have difficulties reading or spelling? Could she be dyslexic? Take this free self-test for symptoms of dyslexia and bring the results to an educational psychologist or professional for further evaluation.

By ADDitude Editors Verified Medically reviewed by ADDitude’s ADHD Medical Review Panel Reviewed on October 1, 2019
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Dyslexia Symptom Test for Children

Dyslexia is a learning disability that makes it hard for children to read, spell, and plan effectively. Dyslexia occurs in the brain, and it's highly genetic; if you have dyslexia, chances are much greater that your child will have dyslexia, too.

If dyslexia goes undiagnosed, a child can not only fall behind in reading but also in development of advanced language and vocabulary skills. That, in turn, can cause her to think of herself as "stupid" or "slow" — which means it's important to pursue a diagnosis as soon as you see warning signs.

A person can be evaluated for dyslexia by a knowledgeable psychologist, diagnostic specialist or learning disability specialist. These specialists use a variety of test instruments including the Lindamood Test (for sound and phonetics), the Woodcock Johnson Achievement Battery, and the Grey Oral Reading Test, among others.

Once the condition is properly diagnosed, you can set up helpful school accommodations such as phonics training that put language skills back on track and thus rebuild self-esteem.

This free dyslexia self-test is designed to determine whether your child shows symptoms similar to those of dyslexia. If the results give you further concern about the possibility of dyslexia, see an educational professional. An accurate diagnosis can only be made through clinical evaluation. This self-test is for personal use only.

This free dyslexia symptom test was created from criteria developed by the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities. 

Does your child struggle to sound out unknown words?

Does your child complain of headaches, stomachaches, or dizziness when reading?

Does your child have difficulty budgeting her time or following a schedule?

Is your child of average or above-average intelligence, but seems unable to read at her grade level?

When reading out loud, does your child repeat words, mix up letters, or change word order without noticing?

Does your child struggle to copy letters, numbers, or symbols?

Does your child have difficulty sustaining attention? Does she space out or get labeled a “daydreamer?”

After reading a passage, is your child unable to give a summary or discuss key points with you?

Does your child spell inconsistently, misspelling words she already knows?

Does your child struggle with word problems — even though he’s otherwise good at math?

Is your child’s handwriting inconsistent? Is it less legible some days than others?

Does it seem like your child is better at expressing himself verbally than he is at writing?

Does your child confuse his left from his right?

Does your child ever say that words “wiggle” or “shimmer” on the page while he’s reading?

Does your child spell inconsistently, misspelling words she already knows?

Does your child avoid reading altogether, or does she get easily frustrated when completing reading-related assignments?