Many people look for a free dyslexia test. Does such a thing exist? Can you really find a dyslexia test that is actually free? These questions can be answered, but not simply; the answers may surprise you...

On the Internet, whenever anyone has a question they run it through a search engine. You "Google it" as they say. So it is not at all surprising that when people see signs (or show signs) of dyslexia, they go online to look for information. One term typed in frequently is "free dyslexia test".

Is there really such a thing as a "free dyslexia test"?

Well, yes... and no. It all depends on how you define "test". If you define "test" as something quick that will give you some indications, then the answer is yes.

If, on the other hand, you define "test" to mean thoroughly checking to know for sure, the answer is no.

Preliminary testing is for quick indications, to determine if a thorough test is justified or not. You can get that for free. Such a free dyslexia test could include:

** A family history of dyslexia. Dyslexia tends to run in families. If you have a parent or grandparent, brother, sister or first cousin with dyslexia, then a thorough test could be indicated.

** Personal difficulty in dealing with numbers or words precisely as, in transcribing them, for instance. Or difficulty in word exercises such as "recite the months of the year in reverse" or in speaking and understanding "pig latin", where "can" becomes "an-kay" and "those" becomes "ose-thay". Ankay ouyay eakspay igpay atinlay? - Can you speak pig latin?

If you stumble, find it difficult, make frequent errors, that would be an indication of possible dyslexia. However, if you can do these things quickly, precisely and generally without error, that would be an indication that you are not dyslexic.

** Similarly, if you can speed-read at 1,000 words per minute with 95% comprehension on reading tests, you are probably not dyslexic. If reading is difficult for you, if you read word for word, have difficulty to get the words to make sense and have to keep re-reading to get the general meaning of what the text says, you might be dyslexic.

** There are quick tests in the form of questionnaires that you can take. You can find one with 20 questions by visiting the links below. You answer the questions, then use the key to see if your answers follow the same pattern of dyslexics who took the test or the pattern of non-dyslexics.

None of the above is precise, none proves anything, but they may give you useful indications.

If there are indications that bother you, if you are not sure whether or not dyslexia is your problem, the solution is to take a formal, professional test. A formal test will measure your responses and tell you either no, you are not dyslexic, or yes, you are, and if yes, by how much.

That kind of test will take you a half hour, can be taken in the privacy of your own home and will give you reliable results. However, it won't be a free dyslexia test. It will cost you less than an average dinner for two in a reasonably good restaurant.

That is a small price to pay for your peace of mind. Or for the life-changing benefits of identifying and getting on the road to overcoming any problems you might have.

Testing is the key to diagnosis. Diagnosis is the key to identifying any possible problems. Identifying the problems is the key to overcoming them. Overcoming them is to overcome dyslexia. And that would be the key to success, happiness, self esteem and getting the most out of your life.

For more details about dyslexia, how to find a free dyslexia test and how to know for sure if you are dyslexic or not, follow the links below...