To have your child tested for dyslexia, you have two main options: a free evaluation through your public school, or a private evaluation through a specialist. A school assessment starts with a written request from you and can lead to an IEP or 504 plan; a private assessment, done by a licensed psychologist or neuropsychologist, costs more but offers a deeper, more detailed analysis. Which is right depends on your timeline, budget, and how complex your child's needs are.
I write this both as a teacher who specializes in dyslexia intervention and as a parent who has walked this path with my own children. Here's how each option works, how to choose, and what supports to ask for once you have answers.
If you're not yet sure whether dyslexia is what you're seeing, start with our guide to the signs of dyslexia in children ages 5–10 — then come back here for the testing options.
How do you get your child tested for dyslexia?
When you first realize your child is struggling to read, it stirs up a lot of emotion. The good news is that getting answers is a concrete, do-able process. There are two paths, and they aren't mutually exclusive:
- School-based evaluation — requested in writing, conducted by the school's multidisciplinary team, and tied directly to educational support.
- Private evaluation — arranged by you with an outside specialist, offering a more comprehensive cognitive profile.
School testing: the pros and cons
School testing for dyslexia usually involves a multidisciplinary team, and the process begins with a formal written request from you, the parent (always put it in writing and keep a copy). The big advantage is cost — school evaluations are often free.
The trade-offs: approval isn't guaranteed, and the depth of testing can be limited by the school's resources. School evaluations are designed to determine how your child's learning challenges affect their school performance, and what supports — like an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or a 504 plan — would help. That educational focus is a strength when it comes to getting classroom support, but it may not give you a complete diagnostic picture.
Private testing: comprehensive but costly
A private evaluation means working with a licensed psychologist or neuropsychologist who specializes in learning disabilities. These assessments are thorough, offering a detailed analysis of your child's cognitive strengths and weaknesses. The downside is the price tag — private testing can be expensive and isn't always covered by insurance.
What you get for it is depth: a private evaluation can pinpoint exactly where the breakdown is happening and surface co-occurring challenges (like ADHD) that a school screening might miss. That detail is invaluable for building interventions that truly fit your child.
School vs. private: which should you choose?
Weigh a few factors:
- Cost & access: School evaluations are more affordable and built into your child's education plan, paving the way for formal support.
- Depth: Private testing digs deeper and can uncover overlapping conditions.
- Speed: Private testing can sometimes happen faster than a school's timeline.
For many families the best move is to request the free school evaluation first, and add a private evaluation if you need a fuller picture or the school declines. Whatever route you choose, you're entitled to advocate for your child — see your rights as a parent of a dyslexic child.
What accommodations can a dyslexic learner get?
Once your child is identified, an IEP or 504 plan can put accommodations in place. Every learner is different and won't need all of these — but this is a useful menu to bring to a meeting:
Assistive tools
- Text-to-speech and speech-to-text software
- Access to audiobooks
- Spell-check tools available for written work
Classroom resources
- Copies of class notes and outlines provided by the teacher
- Assignments written on a calendar or planner for the student
- Copying from the board kept to a minimum
- A daily checklist for the student
Writing assignments
- Alternatives to written assignments where possible
- Verbal answers accepted in place of written ones
- Spelling not counted against grades (grade creative and content writing on content, not spelling)
Homework & grading
- Only rewrite work that will be displayed
- Condensed homework or a time limit on it
- Extra time on assignments and tests
Heading into that meeting? Our guide to prepping for your IEP meeting walks you through it step by step.
What to do after testing
Testing is the beginning, not the end. Whatever the results, the next step is the right kind of instruction: structured, explicit, multisensory reading practice. Our dyslexia intervention curriculum is designed for parents to use at home (the workbook is on Amazon), and we're happy to help you figure out next steps — just get in touch. Facing the possibility of dyslexia can be daunting, but you are not alone, and requesting testing is one of the most powerful things you can do for your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my child tested for dyslexia?
Submit a written request to your child's public school for an evaluation, or arrange a private evaluation with a licensed psychologist or neuropsychologist who specializes in learning disabilities. Many families start with the free school route and add private testing if they need more depth.
Is dyslexia testing free?
School-based evaluations are often free, since public schools are required to evaluate students suspected of having a disability that affects learning. Private evaluations are more thorough but come at a cost that isn't always covered by insurance.
At what age can a child be tested for dyslexia?
Signs can appear as early as preschool, and formal testing is typically reliable by kindergarten or first grade. Earlier identification leads to better outcomes, so it's worth acting on your concerns rather than waiting.
What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP (Individualized Education Program) provides specialized instruction and measurable goals under IDEA. A 504 plan provides accommodations — like extra time or audiobooks — to remove barriers in the regular classroom. Which one fits depends on your child's needs.
Can a school refuse to test my child for dyslexia?
A school can decline a request, but it must respond and explain why, and you have the right to appeal or pursue a private evaluation. Always make your request in writing and keep records of every response.