What Is a Dyslexia Evaluation_

1. What Is a Dyslexia Evaluation? If your child struggles with reading, recognizing words, or understanding written text, you might consider getting your child professionally evaluated for dyslexia. But what does this process involve, and how can it help? A dyslexia evaluation is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a certified speech-language pathologist (SLP) to identify reading and language-related challenges. For children facing difficulties, this evaluation is the first step in understanding their needs and providing effective support. When Should You Consider a Dyslexia Evaluation? It is not uncommon for children to face occasional difficulties with reading, especially when they are first learning these skills. However, when these struggles persist beyond what is typical for their age, a professional evaluation may be necessary. Consider an evaluation if your child: Struggles with decoding words. Difficulty sounding out words, recognizing common sight words, or blending letter sounds may indicate a reading disorder like dyslexia. Reads below grade level. If your child consistently falls behind their peers in reading fluency and comprehension, an evaluation can help pinpoint why. Has difficulty with spelling and writing. Frequent misspellings, letter reversals, or trouble organizing thoughts in writing are common signs of dyslexia. Finds it hard to understand written text. Some children can read words correctly but struggle with comprehension, making it difficult to grasp the meaning of what they read. Shows signs of frustration or avoidance. If your child becomes upset while reading, avoids reading tasks, or lacks confidence in their abilities, it may be due to an undiagnosed reading disorder. ● ● ● ● ● Early identification through a professional evaluation can help pinpoint the root causes of these difficulties and provide a clear path forward for your child. What Happens During an Evaluation? The exact steps of the evaluation can vary depending on the SLP conducting it. Each professional has their own methods, tools, and approaches to gathering information and assessing your child’s needs. However, most evaluations follow a general structure that includes:

2. Initial Consultation The SLP may start with a discussion about your child’s developmental, academic, and social history. This consultation helps identify specific areas of concern and shapes the evaluation process. Standardized Assessments These may be used to measure skills such as phonological awareness, decoding, or reading fluency. Some SLPs rely heavily on formal testing, while others may use it as part of a broader assessment. Observations and Informal Measures In addition to standardized testing, evaluators may observe how your child interacts with written language in real-world contexts, such as reading aloud, spelling, or responding to written prompts. Focus Areas The evaluation will likely target the concerns identified during the initial consultation, such as reading fluency, word recognition, or language comprehension. Ultimately, the specifics of the evaluation depend on the SLP’s expertise, the tools they use, and the unique needs of your child. The goal is to provide a clear understanding of your child’s strengths and areas for growth, leading to a clear diagnosis and next steps. What Does an Evaluation Tell You? The purpose of a dyslexia evaluation is to uncover the reasons behind your child’s challenges and guide the next steps for intervention. After the evaluation, the SLP will provide details about: Strengths and Challenges. A breakdown of their reading and literacy skills. ● Diagnosis. If applicable, the SLP may diagnose a language or reading disorder, such as dyslexia. ● Recommendations. This may include therapy goals, classroom accommodations, or referrals to other professionals for additional support. ● Insightful Evaluations for Reading and

3. Language Disorders At Educational Inspiration, we specialize in conducting thorough evaluations to identify and diagnose reading or language disorders and difficulties. Led by Nicole Power, a certified speech-language pathologist and reading specialist, we combine standardized testing, family input, and clinical expertise to provide a complete picture of your child’s needs. Our process is designed to be supportive, thoughtful, and comprehensive, offering detailed insights and informed recommendations for your child. 1. 2. Share Your Concerns. We will discuss your child’s challenges during the consultation and explain our evaluation process. 3. Prepare for the Evaluation. Our pre-appointment checklist can help you prepare for your child’s evaluation. 4. The Evaluation. Our evaluations consist of two sessions, each roughly 2.5 hours long. 5. Discuss Our Findings. After we have evaluated your child’s results, we will sit down with your family to discuss our findings. Reach Out to Us. Contact us to request an initial consultation. Contact us today to learn more about our evaluations!