There is currently no medical or genetic test to diagnose dyslexia.  But an accurate, educational diagnosis is possible by testing the many areas that are affected by dyslexia.  

Dyslexia is the most common reason students struggle with reading, writing, and spelling, but it is not the only reason. 

 

An accurate diagnosis of dyslexia will help you find the right tools and secure the proper accomodations your student needs to be successful.

 

Schools do not test for dyslexia.  They test to determine eligibility for Special Education, but most dyslexic students do not qualify for Special Education. 

 

Schools may tell you that dyslexia is a medical issue and refer you to your family physician. 

 

Dyslexia is not considered a medical condition because there is no medical solution.

 

Your physician will refer you back to the school or to an educational psychiatrist.

 

Educational psychiatrists typically test for learning disabilities, but not for dyslexia.  They are not the same.

During the initial consultation, Melissa will ask you many questions to determine if there is enough evidence of dyslexia to justify testing your student. 

 

She will also ask questions to rule out other conditions that might be the cause of your child's difficulties.

 

Melissa will also review copies of past report cards, past test results, and homework samples from your child.

 

If, after reviewing your packet, testing is still deemed appropriate, Melissa will meet with both parents to take a complete genetic, developmental, and educational history of your child.  A date for testing will be scheduled at that meeting.

 

Testing takes between 3 and 4 hours.  It may be scheduled on one or two days and will take place at our Minnesota clinic.

 

She will use eleven tests to investigate different areas of phonological processing. 

 

This process is taught by Susan Barton, an internationally recognized authority on dyslexia.  The process is also described in Sally Shaywitz's book, Overcoming Dyslexia.

You will receive a lengthy, detailed, and actionable report written in parent-friendly language. 

 

It will be a communication tool for you to use with teachers and administrators from kindergarten through high school.

 

The test results will not qualify a student for special education, but they will qualify a student to receive accomodations on a 504 plan.  The test results may also be added to an existing IEP.

 

The report explains the test results, notes specific areas of strength and weakness, offers recommendations for outside tutoring, and identifies appropriate, no-cost classroom accomodations that will help your student be successful while his or her reading, writing, and spelling skills are being brought to grade level.