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 costs of the Dyslexia Test 7-16 and the Dyslexia Test for Adults are 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. It may be helpful to study the different sections of the test before doing it with your child. 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 parents, many of whom have commented on how clear and straightforward they found it (see the comments from parents and adults on our page About Us).
Some of the tests involve pictures and puzzles, or threading beads, and are enjoyed by the children (and adults!). 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 clearer and easier to understand, so we appreciate your comments.

I think I may have problems getting my son to do the test. He tells me I'm his dad, not his teacher. What can I do?
You'll probably find that you already know a lot of the answers on the Questionnaire section, and can fill them in without your child being involved at all. When it comes to the short tests, explain to your son that doing the test could make a big difference to his future learning progress, and that he will probably receive a special certificate for his drawing. Alternatively, he may feel more comfortable doing the test (puzzles!) with a friend of the family or a relative. Sometimes grandparents can be great at this kind of thing!
We often find that a small inducement can work wonders - the promise of a small, but specific reward at the end!

Can you test children under 7?
We regret that the Dyslexia Test for children under seven is no longer available.

Can you test children aged 7?
Our Dyslexia Test 7-16 is a reliable and valid test for 7-year olds, and we have used it successfully with hundreds of 7-year olds over the years. The tests in the booklet have been written and trialled at three major universities with thousands of children in this age-group, and they have produced valid statistical data against which we compare your son's results.

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 7-16 Assessment Report contains the sorts of standardized scores that schools like to see, such as reading and spelling levels. 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.

My son's reading seems to be alright, but he has real trouble with spelling and writing. Can he be dyslexic if he can read?
Dyslexia affects children in different ways, and many dyslexic children have problems learning to read. However, it is quite common for a dyslexic child to have learned to read, but still be having great trouble with spelling and writing.

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, whether it is the Dyslexia Test 7-16 or the Dyslexia Test for Adults. There is just our company name - Direct Learning - and our address.

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 your child, or with an adult being tested.

Is the test a general educational assessment?
We specialize purely in the assessment of dyslexia through its sixty-six indicators, and we have built up a substantial body of expertise in this area. Part of the child's test provides a standardized test of reading and spelling, which will show your child's exact level compared to his or her grade or age-group. However, if we suspect any other psychological condition, such as ADD, dysgraphia or Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, which might need further investigation locally, then we will advise you in your assessment report.

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:

Dyslexia Parents Resource
Dyslexia Teacher
Dyslexia Adults Link
Dyslexia Online Magazine
Dyslexia Online Journal
Dyslexia College and University
Classroom Assistant

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 a child for dyslexia at a distance?
When we assess a child face to face, we go through exactly the same tests, and ask exactly the same questions as are on the test pages of the booklet. The only difference when we assess at a distance is that you ask the questions and supply us with the answers, drawings, etc. on which we base our diagnosis.

Can the test be used by schools?
Yes. Our tests are used by schools around the world. The procedure is the same as for a parent ordering a test booklet, and a 10% discount is available. Some schools find that the cost of a local assessment is beyond their budget, but they are happy to assist with completing our test booklet when the parent is able to pay for it.

You will find more questions answered on our letters pages:

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

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