I am writing to inquire about assessment and support services related to dyslexia, as my husband and I suspect that our daughter, who recently turned 13, may have a mild form of dyslexia, and we are seeking guidance on how to have her more comprehensively evaluated. 

Our daughter does well overall in school, but English and reading have consistently been her most challenging areas. She strongly dislikes reading and appears to have to work harder than her peers, particularly in language-based tasks. 

Through my own research, I have learned more about the genetic component of dyslexia. My husband has also shared that he has always disliked reading and continues to find it difficult to keep up with text, such as reading along with overhead screens at presentations. While he does not experience letter inversion, he describes difficulty processing at times, which aligns with what we understand dyslexia can look like, especially in milder forms.

We previously had our daughter evaluated through the public school system, and the assessment concluded that she does not have dyslexia. However, we understand that school-based evaluations may focus on more severe cases and may not capture milder or more nuanced learning differences.

We are hoping to learn how to pursue a more appropriate evaluation, better understand our daughter’s strengths and challenges, explore possible supports, and find ways to help motivate her to read and enjoy reading more.

Dr. Pierson’s Response:

I am sorry that you are finding it challenging to find services for your daughter. You are correct that there can be a genetic component to dyslexia. The odds of having dyslexia are increased for an individual if they have a family member who has struggled with reading or has dyslexia. So, that does get our attention. And, on another related note, dyslexia is not reversing/flipping letters; it is a language-based learning disorder. Letter reversals are also considered to be a red flag and are concerning if they persist after 2nd grade. I have the current definition of dyslexia here – 

https://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/parents/learn-about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia/.

Regarding assessment, it can be more challenging to identify dyslexia in milder cases. You will want someone who is savvy and experienced in evaluating the older student now that your daughter is in middle school. It is different from evaluating a child who has never learned to read or is in the early stages/grades. You will want someone who can get at the nuances of your daughter’s challenges since she has been reading (albeit not without struggles). Here is a piece that I wrote on a similar topic — https://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/ask-dr-pierson/parents-trying-help-their-14-year-old-son-dyslexia-dysgraphia-and-dyscalculia/.

Your daughter may indeed have dyslexia but not meet the criteria to services under an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) through the public schools. Here is more information about that issue – https://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/ask-dr-pierson/why-doesnt-my-child-qualify-help-schools/.

Here is what a comprehensive assessment entails: https://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/parents/learn-about-dyslexia/evaluation/comprehensive-dyslexia-evaluation/.

I am hopeful that you can find someone in your area who can assess her. She is lucky to have you advocating for her.