Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, and Dyslexia Testing

If you’re an adult living in Ontario experiencing difficulties with numbers, writing, or reading, you may be wondering if you have dyscalculia, dysgraphia, or dyslexia. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to get clarity and support. Here’s a breakdown of the testing process for each of these conditions conducted by psychologists at our practice:

1. Dyscalculia Testing for Adults:

Dyscalculia is a learning disorder that affects mathematical abilities. If you suspect you may have dyscalculia, the testing process typically involves:

– Initial Consultation: The process often begins with an initial consultation with a qualified psychologist specializing in learning disabilities. During this consultation, you can discuss your concerns and experiences with math difficulties.

– Assessment Tools: The psychologist may use a variety of assessment tools, such as the Test of Mathematical Abilities or the Dyscalculia Screener, to evaluate your mathematical skills.

– Cognitive Assessment: In addition to mathematical skills, cognitive abilities related to math, such as working memory and spatial reasoning, may also be assessed.

– Observation and Interviews: Observations of your mathematical behaviours and interviews about your experiences with math difficulties may also be part of the assessment process.

2. Dysgraphia Testing for Adults:

Dysgraphia is a learning disorder that affects writing abilities. Here’s what you can expect during the testing process for dysgraphia:

– Writing Samples: You may be asked to provide samples of your handwriting, including both free writing and copying tasks. These samples will be analyzed for legibility, spelling errors, and overall quality.

– Fine Motor Skills Assessment: Since dysgraphia can be related to fine motor difficulties, an assessment of your fine motor skills, such as finger dexterity and hand-eye coordination, may be conducted.

– Language Processing Evaluation: Dysgraphia can also be linked to difficulties in language processing. Therefore, assessments of language skills, including spelling and grammar, may be included in the testing process.

– Behavioral Observations: Observations of your writing behaviours, such as grip, posture, and writing speed, may provide additional insights into your difficulties.

3. Dyslexia Testing for Adults:

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects reading and language skills. Here’s what you can expect during the testing process for dyslexia:

– Reading Assessments: You will likely undergo assessments to evaluate your reading skills, including word recognition, decoding, fluency, and reading comprehension.

– Phonological Awareness Testing: Since dyslexia often involves difficulties with phonological processing, assessments of phonological awareness, such as rhyming and sound blending tasks, may be administered.

– Cognitive Assessment: Cognitive abilities related to reading, such as verbal reasoning and processing speed, may also be assessed.

– History and Interviews: Information about your reading history, educational experiences, and family history of reading difficulties may be gathered through interviews and questionnaires.

Accommodations and Support:

If a diagnosis of dyscalculia, dysgraphia, or dyslexia is made, our team can provide letters for accommodations to support you in various settings, such as education or employment. These accommodations may include extra time on exams, the use of assistive technology, or modifications to tasks to suit your needs better.

Testing for dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and dyslexia in adults involves a comprehensive evaluation of mathematical, writing, and reading skills, as well as related cognitive and motor abilities. Conducted by psychologists at our practice, adults can gain a better understanding of their learning challenges and access appropriate support and accommodations to help them succeed academically, professionally, and personally. If you suspect you may have any of these conditions, don’t hesitate to reach out to qualified professionals who can guide you through the testing process and provide valuable insights and recommendations.

Learn more about our dysgraphia, dyslexia, and dyscalculia assessment services or book today by contacting us at office@citcassociates.com, 416-570-5050, or by filling out this assessment request form.