Dyslexia screening can be done in a school setting, a clinical setting or a community setting. Schools are generally hesitant to diagnose individuals with adult learning disabilities because they fear the stigmas associated with disabled adults. After all, they want to appear as though “all the students are achieving.” Most people seek out psychologists or psychologists, as expensive as they may be, since these people greatly understand the plight of the learning disabled. Often one can find a free dyslexia test online, but they are then prompted to pay for the results of that test. Hopefully, in the near future, there will be one standard test for students to take, so a diagnosis can be made and treatment can be pursued.
In “Advances in early years screening for dyslexia in the United Kingdom” (2007), researchers discuss the dyslexia early screening test (DEST) and the cognitive profiling system (CoPS 1), which are both approved for use in the United States as well. By administering these dyslexia screening tests early, it’s believed that at-risk students can be identified before they even fail, thereby decreasing the possibility that these kids will develop emotional, behavioral and motivational issues. A number of educators who teach adults and children with learning disabilities say these two tests are the best options we have today, as long as they’re administered.
In 2009, scientist Jeffrey R. Gruen, M.D. received a $5.2 million grant to further his research on the genetic roots of the dyslexia adult learning disability. In his studies, Gruen is busy comparing the complete genomes of 1,000 fluent readers and 1,000 dyslexic children to see exactly which genes play a hand in reading difficulties. Over the past decade, scientists have found that gene mutations, particularly on the DCDC2 gene, are closely linked with dyslexia. Dr. Gruen adds that the ultimate goal is “the creation of a simple, inexpensive dyslexia screening test that would apply to the general American population.”
Critics argue that dyslexia screening is largely subjective and that it’s futile to distinguish “adults with dyslexia” from “adults who have difficulty reading.” They add that saddling someone with “an adult learning disability” can actually further hinder their development or expose them to discrimination. However, researchers have also found that a number of individuals flourish once they learn about other adult learning styles that they may benefit from. Perhaps some of the biological arguments for dyslexia will settle the score once and for all.
Beth Kaminski is the co-author of Curing Your Anxiety And Panic Attacks which detailed treat anxiety attacks as well as tips on the various anxiety disorder medications available at anxietydisordercure.com.