Key Takeaways

• Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability affecting approximately 20% of people.
• An assessment for dyslexia can identify whether someone has dyslexia and the underlying reasons for their difficulty learning to read.
• By identifying whether someone has dyslexia, as well as the underlying cause, an assessment can help guide treatment.

If you’d like to explore more about this topic, tune into our podcast episode, What Parents Need to Know About Dyslexia.

What is Dyslexia? Dyslexia Assessment Near Me

Dyslexia affects approximately 20% of people. In other words, it is fairly common.  So what is it?  Dyslexia is an unexpected underachievement in word reading, reading fluency, and spelling.  The individual’s reading ability is unexpectedly low given their age, intellectual ability, and educational history. 

As an individual with dyslexia, I find it remarkable that anyone can visually scan a page, converting sequences of abstract symbols into language, and do so while instantaneously processing the meaning of 4 (or maybe more) words at a time.  As someone who still reads one word at a time, it was not until I was in my mid-twenties that I realized anyone on the planet could do that. Discovering that a dyslexia assessment near me could pinpoint my challenges was a turning point. It is amazing!  Frankly, it is far more remarkable that some people can than others of us can not. 

There is a commonly held belief that those with dyslexia see letters backward or that the letters jump across the page when they read.  While some may experience this, it is not the case for the majority of those with dyslexia.  Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability as it affects the way those with the disorder process language.  For most, it is related to their ability to process sounds in words, and for others, it is related to their ability to remember the way “words” look (also language) and/or their ability to quickly process the associations between the abstract symbols and what they represent (i.e., language). Seeking a dyslexia assessment near me in Walnut Creek, CA can provide clarity on these challenges and guide appropriate interventions.

Diagnostic Psychological Assessment For Dyslexia

There are three important things a dyslexia assessment should include.  One, the assessment will show whether or not someone has dyslexia.  In other words, the assessment will show whether their reading development is unexpectedly low given their age, intellectual ability, and educational history. To determine this, the psychologist will review the client’s developmental and educational histories, measure their intellectual ability, and assess their reading skills. 

If you have ever wondered, “Is my child dyslexic?” This assessment is crucial. It not only determines if your child has dyslexia but also identifies the underlying neurocognitive deficits contributing to their learning difficulties.  This includes measures of phonological processing (i.e., processing the sounds in words – rhyming, sound discrimination, blending sounds, segmenting sounds), orthographic processing (i.e., remembering and recalling “visual word forms” or the way words look), and rapid naming (i.e., making rapid-fire associations between text symbols and what they represent). 

And finally, for those with dyslexia, this assessment information should guide treatment recommendations. Just because two people have dyslexia does not mean they struggle with reading for the same reasons or that their treatment should be the same. This will depend in part on the severity of the reading disorder, the underlying neurocognitive weaknesses, the individual’s age, their goals and interests, and multiple other factors. A diagnostic psychological assessment for dyslexia should take all of this into consideration in making recommendations that are tailored to the individual needs of their client.

Importance of a Dyslexia Assessment Near Me: Is My Child Dyslexic?

There are several benefits to getting a good dyslexia assessment near me. One, an assessment and diagnosis are sometimes needed to access necessary services. However, it provides more than that. Because an estimated 80% of what happens in school is language-based, those with language-based learning disabilities may inaccurately assume that they are “stupid” and that school is not for them. This could not be further from the truth. Helping a young person to understand their brain just learn differently, and that they possess wonderful gifts because they have dyslexia, will help them to be wonderfully successful in life, is very important.

Whether or not a young person perceives themselves as a capable learner may be the secret sauce for success. I know, in my years of experience, this mindset has made all the difference in the world between those who overcome their learning disability and those who do not. Further, a good dyslexia assessment that uncovers the nature of an individual’s learning difference will provide a road map for what a young person needs (i.e., treatment recommendations) to reach their full potential. If you are located in Walnut Creek, CA, finding a reliable provider for a diagnostic psychological assessment for dyslexia can make a significant difference in your child’s educational journey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an assessment for dyslexia is essential not only for obtaining a diagnosis but also for understanding and addressing the unique learning needs of each individual. Whether you are wondering “Is my child dyslexic?” or seeking a diagnostic psychological assessment for dyslexia, the insights gained from a thorough evaluation can lead to tailored treatment recommendations and ultimately, a brighter future for your child.

Of course, if you believe your child may benefit from a thorough dyslexia evaluation, please reach out and schedule a consultation with me. Our services, including Neuropsychological Assessments and Education Therapy services, are designed to support your child’s unique needs and help them achieve their full potential.