Dyslexia & Learning Disorder
Testing Assessment Diagnosis

Dyslexia and Learning Disorder Testing

Testing for dyslexia and learning disorders is required to precisely quantify reading, spelling, and mathematics abilities in school children. Dyslexia and learning disorders affects one or more of these abilities. Intellectual functioning as measured by IQ remains normal. The poor school performance and academic impairments are not explainable by the presence of any other factors. Tests specifically designed to accurately quantify the specific impairments in reading, spelling and mathematics and compare these abilities with those of other students are standard requirements for testing dyslexia and learning disorders.

Assessment

Dyslexia and Learning Disorder assessment requires screening for other conditions that can cause academic underachievement in students with normal intelligence. The earliest signs of dyslexia are conditions like ADHD and speech disorders. Exclusion of other behavioural and emotional problems that can lead to difficulty with learning, attention and concentration is necessary.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Dyslexia and Learning Disability entitles the student to waivers in Board Exams. These waivers and concessions are specified on the respective board websites. These include extra time, and provision of an amanuensis (writer), and exemption from a third language. For this it is essential to have documented assessment of the disability. It is important to identify dyslexia by 5-7 years of age as treatment is low cost and effective at this stage. Early diagnosis enables provision of remedial teaching which helps the child learn despite the disability.

How we Help

Pathfinder Clinic has the expertise and the tools to test for dyslexia and learning disorders. We will provide you with a precise assessment of your child's level of academic functioning in relation to international standards. Our clinical psychologists specialised in child academic problems will give clear, usable guidance to questions regarding your childs learning difficulties.

Difficulty with Reading and Maths in Indian Students

Indian students ranked 72nd of 73 countries in a comparative international survey (PISA) of 15-year-olds. All students were assessed on the same test for knowledge and skills in reading, mathematical and scientific literacy. A sample of more than 5000 students from 200 Indian schools were assessed in this program. In none of these categories did more than 17% of Indian students scored above baseline levels as compared to 81% of students from OECD countries (US, UK, Australia etc).

15-year-old students scoring above baseline level

Source: Maurice Walker. PISA 2009 Plus Results: Performance of 15-year-olds in reading, mathematics and science for 10 additional participants. ACER Press. Victoria. 2011. ISBN: 978-1-74286-067-1

This may be a scathing indictment of our education system, but it also reflects the presence of unrecognised Dyslexia and Learning Disorder in our students. Learning Disorder affects 5-10% of students worldwide. Learning Disorder manifests in varying combinations and severity of difficulty with reading, spelling and arithmetic.