If your child struggles with reading, spelling, or writing, it's completely understandable to feel concerned. You might be asking yourself, "Who diagnoses dyslexia, and how can I get my child the support they need?" While it's important to identify the signs of dyslexia early, there's one crucial point to keep in mind: a formal diagnosis of dyslexia is not required for your child to receive help at school. Schools can provide support based on their evaluations, whether or not a child is officially diagnosed with dyslexia. In this guide, we'll break down what dyslexia is, who diagnoses it, and how the school’s evaluation process works, so you can better understand how to help your child.
To make it easier for you to navigate through the information, we've organized the content into sections that you can jump to directly. Explore the table of contents below and click on the link to get to the topics that matter most to you:
Table of Contents:
What Is Dyslexia and How Does It Affect Learning?
Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects how the brain processes language, impacting reading, writing, and spelling abilities. Children with dyslexia often have difficulty decoding and comprehending text, which can make reading a challenge. However, dyslexia is not a reflection of intelligence or effort; many children with dyslexia are bright, eager learners who simply need to be taught to read in a different way.
While reading and spelling are common struggles, dyslexia can also affect other aspects of learning and daily life. For example, children with dyslexia may have trouble organizing tasks, managing time, or remembering sequences, like following instructions or the order of days of the week. But it's essential to recognize that children with dyslexia often have strengths, such as creativity, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to see the "big picture."
To dive deeper into the signs of dyslexia at different ages and debunk common myths, read our blog post, "Understanding Dyslexia: Comprehensive Guide Across All Ages, From Childhood to Adulthood."
Who Diagnoses Dyslexia?
A common question from parents is, "Who diagnoses dyslexia?" It’s important to know that the process of diagnosing dyslexia is often collaborative, involving different professionals who assess your child's learning needs. This typically begins when a teacher or parent notices that a child is having more difficulty with reading, spelling, or writing than expected for their age or grade level.
The School's Role in Supporting Your Child
While schools generally do not diagnose dyslexia, they play a key role in identifying children who may be struggling with reading and learning challenges and providing them the specialized instruction and support they need. Schools evaluate to determine if a child qualifies for special education services under categories like "Specific Learning Disability in Reading," which may encompass dyslexia.When a school identifies that your child has a "Specific Learning Disability" (SLD), that’s all that’s needed for them to provide the right supports and services. Your child does not need a formal diagnosis of dyslexia or even be labeled as having dyslexia to get help. The goal is to identify their learning needs so they can receive the proper assistance to make progress in school.
The Evaluation Process: Who's Involved?
When you ask the school district for an evaluation of your child, or the school proposes an evaluation for a learning disability like dyslexia, a team of professionals will work together to thoroughly assess your child's learning related needs. This team approach helps identify all aspects of your child's learning and development to tailor any recommendations to their unique needs.
Here’s a closer look at who might be involved in your child's evaluation:
1. Teachers
Teachers are often the first to notice signs of a learning disability. They observe your child’s progress daily and are likely to pick up on struggles with reading, writing, or spelling. Before recommending a formal evaluation, teachers might implement classroom strategies to support your child and see how they respond. Their insights on your child's strengths, challenges, and progress are crucial in shaping the evaluation.
2. School Psychologists
School psychologists play a critical role in the initial evaluation process for students suspected of having learning disabilities or other challenges that might affect their education. Here is some of what they may do during an initial evaluation:
Review of Records: The school psychologist begins by gathering information from various sources, including academic records, previous assessments, medical history, and input from teachers and parents. This helps them understand the child's background and identify potential areas of concern.
Observations: They may observe the student in the classroom or other settings to see how they interact with peers, handle tasks, and respond to instructions. This real-time observation provides context for how the student functions in the school environment.
Interviews: The school psychologist often conducts interviews with the student, parents, and teachers. These conversations help gather insights into the student's academic performance, behavior, and emotional well-being. Parents are asked about developmental history, any concerns, and strengths they’ve noticed.
Behavioral Assessments: If there are concerns about the student’s behavior, the psychologist may administer behavioral checklists or other tools. Teachers and parents often complete these assessments to identify patterns of behavior at home and in school.
Cognitive Testing: To understand the student's intellectual abilities, the school psychologist will administer standardized cognitive tests. These can assess things like problem-solving skills, memory, attention, and processing speed, helping to determine if the student has any underlying cognitive deficits.
Academic Testing: In addition to cognitive tests, the psychologist may assess the student's academic skills in areas like reading, writing, and math. These tests help identify discrepancies between the student’s cognitive abilities and academic performance, which can indicate a specific learning disability.
Social-Emotional Assessment: If necessary, the psychologist may evaluate the student’s emotional and social well-being. This might involve assessing anxiety, depression, social skills, or emotional regulation to understand if any emotional factors are impacting the student's ability to learn.
Collaboration with Specialists: School psychologists often collaborate with other professionals, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, or special education teachers, to get a complete picture of the child’s needs.
This thorough evaluation process helps ensure that any learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, or emotional issues are identified so the student can receive the appropriate support and accommodations in school.
3. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
When a child suspected of having dyslexia is referred for a speech and language evaluation, a Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP) plays a key role in assessing their language and phonological skills. The process typically begins with gathering background information, including input from parents, teachers, and a review of the child's records to determine the areas that need assessment. The SLP then conducts a thorough evaluation, which may include:
Observations: The SLP watches the child in different settings to see how they communicate with others.
Speech Sound Assessment: This involves evaluating the child's ability to pronounce words clearly and correctly.
Language Assessment: The SLP checks both expressive language (how the child speaks) and receptive language (how well the child understands others).
Fluency and Voice Assessment: If there are concerns about stuttering or voice quality, the SLP evaluates these areas as well.
Oral Motor Skills: The SLP may assess the muscles used for speech to ensure they are working properly.
This summary gives readers a clear and accessible overview of what to expect during a speech and language evaluation.
4. Special Education Teachers
A special education teacher plays an important role in the initial evaluation of a child suspected of having dyslexia. They work as part of a multidisciplinary team to assess the child's academic needs and help determine if they qualify for special education services. Here’s what they typically do during the evaluation process:
Gather Background Information: The special education teacher may review the child's academic records, work samples, and any previous assessments. They look for patterns in the child’s performance, especially in reading, writing, and language skills, to identify signs of dyslexia, such as difficulties with phonemic awareness, decoding, or reading fluency.
Teacher and Parent Interviews: They may conduct interviews with the child’s current classroom teacher(s) to gain a better understanding of the child's strengths, challenges, and reading-related behaviors. Teachers provide insights into how the child performs in comparison to peers and how they respond to classroom interventions, while parents share observations from home.
Classroom Observations: The special education teacher may observe the child in their classroom to see how they approach reading tasks, follow instructions, and engage with literacy activities. Observing the child’s behavior in real time helps identify specific areas of struggle, such as difficulty sounding out words, slow reading speed, or problems understanding written text.
Academic Assessments: The special education teacher may administer academic assessments to evaluate the child’s reading, writing, and language skills.
Response to Intervention (RTI) Data: If the child has been receiving interventions (such as small-group reading instruction or extra help with phonics), the special education teacher reviews the Response to Intervention (RTI) data. This data shows how the child has responded to targeted instruction and whether they are making progress. Lack of progress despite interventions may indicate a specific learning disability in reading.
Collaboration with Specialists: The special education teacher collaborates with other professionals, such as speech and language pathologists, school psychologists, and neuropsychologists, to get a comprehensive picture of the child’s needs. Each professional contributes different insights into the child’s learning profile.
Recommendations for Intervention: Based on the evaluation results, the special education teacher recommends specific interventions and supports. These may include specialized reading programs like Orton-Gillingham or Wilson Reading, which are structured to support students with dyslexia. They may also recommend accommodations, such as extra time for reading assignments, audiobooks, or small-group instruction.
IEP Development (if eligible): If the child qualifies for an Individualized Education Program (IEP), the special education teacher helps develop it. The IEP outlines specific goals, interventions, and accommodations designed to support the child’s reading development and overall academic success.
By conducting these assessments and working closely with other professionals, the special education teacher helps ensure that the child’s reading difficulties are thoroughly evaluated and that appropriate support is provided.
The Role of Parents: Advocating for Your Child
As a parent, you know your child best, and your observations are critical to the evaluation process. If you see signs like reading far below grade level, avoiding reading out loud, or frequent frustration with schoolwork, it’s time to reach out to your child’s school for an evaluation.
If the school’s evaluation does not provide a clear diagnosis or if you’d like an independent perspective, seeking a private evaluation from a specialist may be a helpful next step. A comprehensive evaluation provides detailed insights into your child's learning challenges and creates actionable steps to support them effectively.
Seeking Outside Evaluations: When to Consult a Specialist and How to Find the Right Support
In some cases, you may feel that a more in-depth evaluation is necessary, beyond what the school provides. You might consider reaching out to professionals such as:
Neuropsychologists: Specialize in understanding brain-behavior relationships and provide detailed cognitive and academic assessments, including for dyslexia.
Clinical Psychologists: Specialize in psychological assessments and can diagnose dyslexia as part of a comprehensive evaluation.
Educational Psychologists: Focus on learning processes and may provide psychoeducational evaluations that assess for learning disabilities, including dyslexia.
Developmental Pediatricians: Evaluate developmental issues that may impact learning, including dyslexia, particularly in younger children
Learning Disability Specialists: May provide evaluations and specialized testing for learning disabilities as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs): May assess phonological processing and language skills that are often related to dyslexia, as part of a multidisciplinary team.
These professionals are often available through private practice, hospitals, or specialized evaluation centers. Reaching out to them might be helpful if you believe that your child needs a more in-depth evaluation or if you would like an independent perspective beyond the school-based assessment.
What Tests Are Typically Used to Diagnose Dyslexia?
Diagnosing dyslexia involves a variety of assessments that help form a complete understanding of your child's learning profile:
1. Cognitive Assessments
These tests measure how your child thinks and processes information. They look at skills like memory, reasoning, and processing speed—all important in reading and learning. For example, children with dyslexia may have trouble remembering spoken words or naming familiar objects quickly.
2. Academic Achievement Tests
These tests evaluate skills like reading, writing, spelling, and sometimes math, comparing them to grade-level expectations. If your child struggles to read fluently, spell simple words, or write sentences clearly, these assessments can highlight patterns consistent with dyslexia.
3. Language and Literacy Assessments
These assessments focus directly on reading skills:
Phonological Awareness: Understanding sounds within words (e.g., breaking down “cat” into /k/ /a/ /t/).
Decoding Skills: Your child’s ability to sound out and read new words.
Reading Fluency and Comprehension: How quickly your child reads and how well they understand the text.
4. Behavioral and Social-Emotional Assessments
If dyslexia affects your child's emotional well-being, assessments of behavior and social-emotional skills may be included. If your child is anxious about reading aloud or avoids homework, these tests can provide insights into how learning challenges impact their emotional state.
Why Are These Tests Important?
The results from these assessments give a detailed look at your child's unique learning profile, highlighting not just their challenges but also their strengths. This means understanding where your child excels and what skills they can build upon, as well as pinpointing specific areas where they might be struggling, such as reading comprehension, word recognition, or attention.
With this information, educators and specialists can create a personalized plan tailored specifically to your child's needs. This plan, often called an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan, will outline clear goals and strategies to help your child grow academically. It may include:
Targeted Teaching Strategies: Specialized instruction in reading, writing, or other subjects based on proven methods that match your child’s learning style.
Classroom Accommodations: Changes in the classroom setup or teaching approach, like extra time on tests, quiet spaces for work, or using technology to support reading and writing.
Support Services: Additional help, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or counseling, which can address areas like language development, sensory processing, or social skills.
The goal of this plan is not just to help your child catch up academically but to foster a sense of achievement and confidence. When children receive support that is designed specifically for their needs, they are more likely to feel capable, motivated, and engaged in learning, which can positively affect their overall well-being and love for school.
Common Challenges and Misconceptions in
Diagnosing Dyslexia
Diagnosing dyslexia can be complex because it manifests differently in each child. Some may have primary difficulties with reading, while others struggle more with spelling or writing. Additionally, dyslexia can co-occur with other learning differences, such as ADHD, which can complicate the diagnosis.
A common misconception is that dyslexia is a visual issue, such as seeing letters backwards. In reality, dyslexia is primarily related to how the brain processes sounds in words. Understanding this is key to getting the right kind of support and intervention for your child.
Why Early Intervention Matters
The earlier dyslexia is identified, the better the outcomes. Early intervention can significantly improve reading skills, boost confidence, and prevent emotional challenges like anxiety and low self-esteem. With the right support, your child can develop strong literacy skills and become a confident reader.
Resources and Support for Parents and Children with Dyslexia
You don't have to navigate this journey alone—there are many resources available to support both you and your child:
Your Child's School: IEPs and 504 Plans
Your child's school can be a valuable resource when it comes to getting support. Schools can evaluate your child to determine if they have a disability and provide two key plans to meet your child's unique learning needs if your child has a disability that impacts their learning:
IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) offer personalized learning goals and services, such as one-on-one reading support or extra help during tests.
504 Plans provide classroom accommodations, like extended time on assignments, access to audiobooks, or a quiet space for taking tests.
Both plans are developed in collaboration with you, your child’s teachers, and school specialists to ensure your child has the right support to succeed in the classroom.
Your child's school can be the first place to turn for help, whether you need to request an evaluation or discuss strategies to address your child's reading challenges. Partnering with teachers and school staff can make a big difference in your child's learning experience.
If you are overwhelmed or aren't quite sure how to get this process underway, My Happy Teacher can provide you with personalized support and guidance through their "Roadmap to an Initial Evaluation". This Roadmap will guide you through the steps of requesting an initial evaluation for your child.
Other Resources for Parents
Organizations like The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) and Understood.org are also wonderful resources for parents navigating their child’s dyslexia. They provide a wealth of information to help parents better understand dyslexia, advocate for their child, and find support through community and educational materials.
1. The International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
The IDA offers research-based resources on dyslexia, including best practices for teaching and supporting children with dyslexia at home and in school.
They provide webinars, publications, and events where parents can learn more about dyslexia, interventions, and advocacy.
Understood.org is a parent-focused resource that covers not just dyslexia but a wide range of learning and attention issues.
The website includes personalized articles, videos, and interactive tools that help parents learn more about dyslexia, and how to support their child.
3. Decoding Dyslexia
Decoding Dyslexia is an organization across the United States (with chapters in every state), focusing on raising awareness about dyslexia and promoting educational reform.
They provide advocacy tools, local events, and resources to support parents in their journey, as well as a network to connect with other families who have children with dyslexia.
Many chapters also offer workshops and opportunities to work with state legislators to improve dyslexia policies, making it a great resource for parents looking to both learn and advocate.
4. Learning Ally
Learning Ally is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children with dyslexia and other reading challenges.
They offer an audiobook library specifically designed for struggling readers, allowing children to access books that interest them without the barrier of text-based reading.
Learning Ally also provides parent support services, webinars, and tools for developing reading strategies at home, empowering families to take an active role in their child's reading development.
Together, these resources provide educational materials, community support, advocacy guidance, and practical tools to help parents navigate the challenges of supporting a child with dyslexia and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive.
Dyslexia does not define your child's potential. With the right mix of accommodations, targeted interventions, and support, children with dyslexia can learn, grow, and thrive. Surround yourself with knowledge and a supportive community to help your child achieve their fullest potential. Remember, you're not alone— My Happy Teacher is available to support you and your child every step of the way.💜
Do you think your child might be facing
learning challenges 🤔?
Click here to take our quick quiz 📋 to find out where they might need a little extra help. This simple step is not just a great starting point; it can also help you decide if it's time to talk to your child's school about an evaluation. Let's make sure you have all the information you need to support your child's learning journey.
Are you looking for personalized tutoring to help your child thrive 🤔?
At My Happy Teacher 👩🏼🏫, we offer 1:1 personalized tutoring and a Parent Support Coaching 🤝🏼Program designed to help both you and your child succeed. Our expert tutors use proven methods like the Wilson Reading System 📗and Orton-Gillingham 📘to improve reading skills, build confidence, and foster a love of learning.
Do you need guidance on what steps to take next or assistance with the evaluation process 🤔?
Our Parent Support Coaching Program 🤝🏼equips you with the tools to:
support your child's education 🏫
navigate the special education process
advocate for their needs.
Together 🤝🏼, we create a supportive community where your child can thrive and enjoy learning 💜
Reach out to chat with us today and empower your child to achieve their full potential!
Schedule your FREE call below.
