What to Look For in Neuropsychological Testing for Dyslexia

What to Look for in Neuropsychological Testing for Dyslexia

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a type of language-related impairment that affects reading and writing. The formal diagnostic term used by most clinical psychologists and neuropsychologists is specific learning disorder with impairment in reading, and dyslexia is considered “an alternative term used to refer to a pattern of learning difficulties characterized by problems with accurate or fluent word recognition, poor decoding, and poor spelling (APA DSM-5, 2013, p.67).” There are a variety of reasons why someone may have difficulty learning to read and not all reading-related difficulties are considered to be dyslexia. A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation that includes neuropsychological testing can often help identify the underlying factors contributing to reading difficulties for children and adults.

Neuropsychological Testing for Dyslexia: What to Look For

First, it is important to note that a clinical diagnosis of dyslexia, or neuropsychological testing, is not required to receive reading intervention or special education services in public schools. If you suspect that your child has a learning disability, you can request a free evaluation through your local public school system. A school-based evaluation is meant to determine whether a student meets eligibility criteria for special education but does not typically provide a medical or clinical diagnosis. Some families may seek neuropsychological testing to get more information about their child’s needs, such as whether their child’s reading difficulties reflect a dyslexia profile or are due to other factors.