When Can I Get a Reading Disorder Diagnosis for My Child

1. When Can I Get a Reading Disorder Diagnosis for My Child? If your child is struggling to read or keep up with schoolwork, you might wonder if these challenges go beyond typical learning difficulties. For some children, consistent problems with reading can signal a reading disorder. Identifying these challenges through a professional evaluation can significantly affect how they learn and thrive. Understanding when to seek areading disorder diagnosis and who to turn to for help is an important step in supporting your child’s success. Is There an Ideal Time to Seek a Reading Disorder Diagnosis? There is no distinct timeline to follow when it comes to seeking a diagnosis for a reading disorder. However, the earlier you take steps to get your child evaluated, the better. Getting a reading disorder diagnosis early can prevent your child from falling behind and help them regain confidence in their reading abilities. Regardless of age, identifying a reading disorder gives families and educators the next steps needed to help children thrive academically. While a diagnosis does not automatically mean school support will be put in place, it may begin the conversation about additional academic support. What Are the Signs Your Child Might Have a Reading Disorder? Parents often wonder when the right time is to seek an evaluation. The answer depends on your child’s age and the persistence of their challenges. Ages 4-7. If your child consistently struggles to learn letters or blend sounds, an evaluation may help rule out early literacy challenges or confirm a disorder like dyslexia. Ages 8-10. By this stage, children are expected to transition from learning to read to reading to learn. If your child continues to struggle with fluency or comprehension, it may be time to consider an assessment. Ages 11 and Up. Even if reading challenges are identified later, it is never too late for an evaluation. Older children and teens benefit from understanding their learning differences and receiving targeted support. ● ● ●

2. Trust your instincts as a parent! If you feel your child’s struggles are beyond what is typical for their age, seeking a professional evaluation is always a good idea. Can My Child Get Diagnosed at School? Public schools may offer evaluations or screenings to determine if a child qualifies for special education services, such as an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan. However, these evaluations may focus more on determining eligibility for accommodations rather than providing a formal diagnosis. For instance, while a school-based evaluation or screening may highlight reading struggles, it may not pinpoint the underlying causes, such as dyslexia or Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). For a formal diagnosis, families should seek the expertise of a licensed professional, such as a speech-language pathologist. Why Choose Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)? An SLP is often the most effective professional for evaluating and diagnosing reading disorders. SLPs specialize in understanding how language development impacts reading, writing, and comprehension skills. They focus on the underlying causes of reading struggles, such as decoding, fluency, and language comprehension. SLPs go beyond identifying whether a problem exists—they determine why the problem occurs and provide actionable recommendations to address it. This level of insight is particularly valuable when identifying conditions like dyslexia or co-occurring language difficulties. Choosing an SLP for a private evaluation often provides more clarity than school-based or general evaluations. Working with a professional one-on-one allows families to understand their child’s challenges in-depth and create a personalized intervention plan tailored to their needs. Discover In-Depth Expertise With Our Speech-Language Pathologist At Educational Inspiration, we specialize in comprehensive evaluations for children struggling with reading, language comprehension, or spelling. Our certified SLP and reading specialist, Nicole Power, uses her expertise to give families the tools they need for their children to thrive. Our evaluations use a combination of standardized tests, family input, and thoughtful analysis to provide a full picture of your child’s reading abilities. If you are ready to take the first step, please contact us today to request a consultation. We are here to support your child every step of the way.