Direct Learning provides dyslexia testing, professional assessment and independent advice for both children and adults. We advise parents with concerns about their children's problems with spelling, reading and learning at school, and adults with difficulties at work or college.

How much does the test cost?
The cost of the Dyslexia Test for Adults is listed on our fees page.

Will the test be too complicated for me to do?
The test has been specially designed to be as user-friendly as possible, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. The test has been specially written for people who are not trained in psychology or education. It has been successfully carried out by hundreds of adults, many of whom have commented on how clear and straightforward they found it (see the comments from people who have taken the test on our page 'about us').
Some of the tests involve pictures and puzzles and are quite enjoyable. Each section has an introduction explaining exactly what to do. If you should be confused about any section, then you can e-mail us and we'll do our best to clarify matters. We are always trying to make the wording of the test more clear and easier to understand, so we appreciate your comments.

How long will the test take to do?
It is important not to do the test when you are tired, or at the end of a working day. In general, you should easily be able to complete the different sections over a weekend.

Can I complete the test on my own?
The Dyslexia Test for Adults has been designed to be completed on your own, and you do not need the help of anyone else to do the tests. All you need is a standard audio tape player and recorder and a timer (with minutes and seconds) of some kind. If you wish, you may make your recording on a small micro-cassette, but you will still need a standard audio player to listen to the tape.

Is your Report simply a statement of whether I am dyslexic or not?
Our Report will summarize all the results of the different tests and the questionnaire. It will state clearly whether you are dyslexic or not, which kind if dyslexia you are suffering from, and to what degree. It will also make recommendations about how you can better manage your difficulty, and will provide a range of techniques which are matched to your particular need.

I am concerned about confidentiality. Will the test arrive in an envelope with 'dyslexia' written on it.
No mention is made of dyslexia on the envelope in which your test booklet is sent to you. There is just our company name - Direct Learning - and our address.

Which test for a 17- or 18-year old?
For a 17-year old, the Dyslexia Test 7-16 will produce the sort of results that you are familiar with from school reports, and is recommended for this age. The Dyslexia Test for Adults is recommended for an 18-year old, but it is usually best to approach the school/college, as some colleges and universities have their own requirements for assessment, and may, for example, require an assessment by a local psychologist.

How do you keep the price so low?
Our prices are kept at an affordable level as we are able to base our assessment on the information you provide for us in the booklet. This saves us all the time it would take us to carry out the different tests with you.

What if I am assessed as not being dyslexic, but I still feel that I have a problem?
We specialize in the assessment of dyslexia through its sixty-six indicators, and we have built up a substantial body of expertise in this area. If it turns out that you are not dyslexic, but we suspect another condition, then we will advise you in your assessment report. You would then be able to arrange for further investigation locally.

Could you tell me if your Assessment Report will be acceptable at my college/university for me to obtain extra consideration for being dyslexic, e.g. extra time in examinations?
You would have to check with the college/university first. Our Reports are accepted by many universities, but some have their own requirements. For GRE accommodations at graduate school, a 'comprehensive diagnostic interview' is required under the regulations, and our test is not suitable. You can find a psychologist locally through the Yellow Pages if you put in 'psychologist' and your state.

What research into dyslexia does Direct Learning sponsor?
Direct Learning sponsors five other websites, aimed at providing, gathering and sharing information among different interest groups in the field of dyslexia:

www.dyslexia-teacher.com
www.dyslexia-parent.com
www.dyslexia-adults.com
www.dyslexia-magazine.com

These web-sites are used by hundreds of thousands of people each year.
We also carry out our own research program into dyslexia in adults and children, and everyone taking our test is asked whether they would agree to the information they have supplied being used - anonymously - in our research (but you do not have to agree to this).

How is it possible to assess an adult for dyslexia at a distance?
When we assess an adult face to face, we go through exactly the same tests, and ask exactly the same questions as are in the booklet. The only difference when we assess at a distance is that you answer the questions and supply us with the test results on which we base our diagnosis. The information you provide leads to an objective assessment since there is no risk of us affecting the outcome of any of the different tests (which is the biggest problem in all assessments).

Can I claim the cost of the test on my medical insurance?
It may be worth enquiring, but, unfortunately, people have often found that the cost cannot be claimed, as the assessment is considered to be 'educational' rather than medical.

You will find more questions answered on our web-pages:

Dyslexia: Your Questions Answered
Dyslexia: More of Your Questions Answered