Free Online Dyslexia Test: Screening for Children and Adults
Do you suspect dyslexia in yourself or your child? Our free screening test evaluates key reading abilities in 10 minutes. Find out if a thorough assessment by a speech therapist might be necessary.
Dyslexia affects 5 to 10% of the population. It is a specific reading disorder that has nothing to do with intelligence. The earlier it is detected, the better it can be supported. This guide will help you understand dyslexia, recognize its signs, and take our free screening test.
📖 Take the Free Screening Test
6 exercises assessing reading and written language processing abilities. 100% free, 10 minutes, detailed results.
🚀 Start the Test →📚 What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder related to reading. It is characterized by difficulties in identifying written words fluently and accurately, unrelated to intelligence or educational level.
This disorder has a neurological origin: the brains of dyslexic individuals process written information differently. It is neither a lack of effort nor a motivational defect.
💡 Good to Know
Dyslexia is not an illness and cannot be "cured." But with appropriate support, dyslexic individuals can develop effective strategies and succeed brilliantly. Many famous entrepreneurs, artists, and scientists are dyslexic!
🎯 What Does Our Test Measure?
Our screening test evaluates 6 essential reading-related abilities that are typically affected in dyslexia:
Letter Recognition
Differentiating similar letters like b/d, p/q, m/n
Word Reading
Correct spelling and word identification
Phonology
Manipulating sounds and syllables
Sequential Memory
Remembering order of letters
Reading Speed
Fluency and decoding speed
Visual Tracking
Following a line of text
Each exercise is designed to identify specific difficulties that may indicate dyslexia. The test takes approximately 10 minutes and provides detailed results with personalized recommendations.
🔍 Signs of Dyslexia
In Children (6-12 years)
Slow and hesitant reading, laborious decoding of words
Confusion of visually similar letters (b/d, p/q, m/w)
Very difficult spelling, unusual or phonetic errors
Avoidance of reading, school discouragement
Difficulties in rhyming or manipulating sounds
Difficulty copying from the board, skipping lines
In Adults
- Slow reading: Quick fatigue with long texts, needing to reread multiple times
- Persistent spelling difficulties: Even with common words
- Avoidance behaviors: Avoiding written professional tasks when possible
- Foreign languages: Significant difficulties learning new languages
- Number confusion: Problems with phone numbers, codes, sequences
- Note-taking: Difficulty taking notes while listening
⚠️ Important: This Test is Not a Diagnosis
Only a qualified professional (speech therapist, neuropsychologist) can diagnose dyslexia after a complete assessment. This screening test helps you identify if a consultation might be relevant and worth pursuing.
✨ Why Get Screened?
Early screening for dyslexia offers many significant benefits for both children and adults:
- Understanding difficulties: Putting words to what was perceived as a "failure" or personal shortcoming
- Adapting methods: Implementing effective teaching strategies and compensatory tools
- Obtaining accommodations: Extra time on exams, access to digital tools, specialized support
- Preserving self-esteem: Understanding that dyslexia is not a lack of intelligence
- Unlocking potential: Many dyslexics excel in creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship
"Dyslexia is not a disability, it's a different way of thinking. Once you understand it, you can turn it into a superpower."
— Richard Branson, Entrepreneur
📋 What to Do After the Test?
If the Test Suggests Difficulties
- Consult a speech therapist for a complete professional assessment (with a doctor's prescription in some countries)
- Talk to the school if it's for a child — reach out to teachers, school psychologist, or special education coordinator
- Do not wait: The earlier the support begins, the more effective the intervention will be
If the Test Shows No Difficulty
Reading difficulties may have other causes that are worth investigating:
- Visual disorders: Uncorrected vision problems can mimic dyslexia symptoms
- Attention deficit: ADHD can affect reading concentration and comprehension
- Oral language disorders: Problems with spoken language can impact reading development
- Lack of practice: Insufficient reading exposure in early years
- Emotional factors: Anxiety or stress can affect reading performance
In case of persistent doubt, consult a professional anyway for a thorough evaluation.
💡 Professional Resources
To find a speech therapist specializing in dyslexia, you can contact your local speech-language pathology association, ask your pediatrician for a referral, or search online directories of certified professionals in your area.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can this test replace a speech therapy assessment?
No, this test is a screening tool that indicates if a consultation might be useful. Only a complete speech therapy assessment can provide an official diagnosis and propose appropriate, personalized support strategies.
At what age can dyslexia be screened?
Dyslexia can be suspected as early as first grade (6-7 years), but the formal diagnosis is usually made after 18 months of reading instruction, around 7-8 years old. Early signs can be detected even earlier, such as difficulties with rhymes, delayed language development, or trouble learning the alphabet.
Can dyslexia develop in adulthood?
No, dyslexia is present from childhood as it relates to brain development. However, it can go unnoticed for years, especially in individuals who have developed compensatory strategies. Many adults discover their dyslexia late in life, sometimes only when their own children are diagnosed.
Is my child lazy or dyslexic?
Dyslexia has nothing to do with laziness. A dyslexic child often exerts considerably more effort than their peers for less visible results, which can be discouraging and exhausting. If your child seems to avoid reading despite your encouragement, a screening may help clarify the situation and provide appropriate support.
Can dyslexia be cured?
Dyslexia cannot be "cured" because it's not a disease — it's a different way the brain processes written language. However, with proper support, strategies, and accommodations, dyslexic individuals can become successful readers and achieve their full potential in academic and professional settings.
📖 Ready to Assess Your Abilities?
Free 10-minute test with detailed results and personalized recommendations.
Start the Test →🎯 Conclusion: Early Detection Matters
Dyslexia is a common reading disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It has nothing to do with intelligence — many brilliant minds throughout history have been dyslexic.
The key to success with dyslexia is early identification and appropriate support. Our free screening test is a first step to understanding your or your child's reading abilities and determining if professional evaluation would be beneficial.
Remember: dyslexia is not a barrier to success. With the right tools and support, dyslexic individuals can thrive in school, work, and life.
Don't wait to understand.
Take the first step today.
