Questions to Ask a Tester

This resource is provided by Susan Barton at Bright Solutions for Dyslexia.

Before you hire someone to test your child for dyslexia, learn more about the testing process. 

If you talk to someone about testing your child for dyslexia and that person is NOT a Certified Dyslexia Testing Specialist, you should ask the following questions BEFORE hiring someone to test your child for dyslexia:

Inspired by the excellent book: Parenting A Struggling Reader
by Susan L. Hall & Louisa C. Moats

When you call a tester, ask:

1. How long have you been testing children for dyslexia?
2. Where did you get trained to do this?
3. What does the term Dyslexia mean to you?
4. Will you use the term Dyslexia in your report? Why or why not?
5. What are some of the tests you will use?
6. What do you charge for testing a child?
7. What is the process like? How long will it take?
8. Will you meet with us when the testing is done and explain the results?
9. Will you be able to refer us to an appropriate and qualified tutor? How do you know the tutor is qualified?
10. Will you provide a written report as part of your fee? What will be in that report?
11. If my child has dyslexia, will your recommendations section be written with legal terminology that will make it easy to get a 504 Plan?
12. Will you meet with my child's teacher(s) and explain the results?
13. Is that included in your fee?
14. If not, what would you charge?
15. Can you provide me with a list of references -- parents who have hired you to test their child?

If the answers you receive are confusing to you, feel free to contact Susan Barton at Bright Solutions for Dyslexia for clarification or advice.