Assessing Dyslexia
Auditory Working Memory
Why do we test for this?
Auditory Working Memory deficits can affect one's ability to accurately store or act on information that is heard. For example, these deficits can make it difficult to follow verbal directions accurately, to hold sounds or syllables in mind when sounding out words, and to recall what has been read.
Modality Processing
Why do we test for this?
Identifying specific difficulties and/or strengths in one or more of the following areas is critical to understand how a person can learn best:
Say What is Said |
Say What is Seen |
Write What is Heard |
Write What is Seen
Visual Working Memory
Why do we test for this?
Working Memory deficits can affect one's ability to accurately store or act on information that is seen. For example, deficits in this area can make it very difficult to learn words using flash cards, to copy from the board, and to efficiently recall or spell "sight words."
Visual-Motor Integration
Why do we test for this?
Deficits in VMI (eye-hand coordination) can affect one’s ability to write detailed information accurately and efficiently. For example, copying from the board, lining up math problems, and handwriting may be challenging. Difficulty with VMI often affects spelling.
Visual Perception
Why do we test for this?
Visual Perception deficits can affect an individual's ability to process fine details of print, including directionality and orientation (b/d, p/q/g, etc.), even if eyes are healthy and acuity is 20/20. For example, deficits in this area can make it difficult quickly identify letters that look similar or to interpret equations or geometry problems.
Phonological Awareness
Why do we test for this?
Phonological awareness deficits can make it hard to work with and discriminate among the sounds that make up words (phonemes and syllables). If such deficits are not directly addressed, the ability to read and spell phonetically will be adversely affected.
Sight Word Retention
Why do we test for this?
Deficits in this area can make reading and spelling from memory difficult.
Word Reading & Spelling
Why do we test for this?
An accurate analysis of reading and spelling of individual words in isolation is necessary, not only to diagnosis the type and severity of dyslexia that may be present, but also to identify where to begin in the DCP's Orton-Gillingham-based Phonics & Fluency curriculum.
Reading Fluency & Comprehension
Why do we test for this?
An accurate analysis of high-level reading skills also compose dyslexia diagnosis, and are necessary to identify where to start in the DCP's Orton-Gilingham-based curriculum.