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How is dyslexia diagnosed?

Dyslexia checklists

A checklist cannot tell you if someone is dyslexic. It is a tool used to help understand whether there is a likelihood of dyslexia, and whether further investigation should take place.

Dyslexia can only be diagnosed through a formal Diagnostic Assessment. Find out more on the BDA Assessment webpage.

Adult checklist

The Adult Dyslexia Checklist contains questions that help predict dyslexia. The scores for each answer show the relative importance of that question.

Alongside each line you can keep a tally of your score and at the end find your total.

Checklists for learners

Checklists can't tell you whether a learner is dyslexic. They are useful because they outline your learner's strengths and weaknesses, and can help to inform a supportive teaching strategy.

Understanding Neurodiversity: A Guide to SpLD (2nd edition)

Appropriate support should be put in place as soon as a need is identified. A formal diagnosis is not required for support in the classroom. However, a formal diagnosis would help to give a clearer picture of your learner's areas of strength and weakness.