Take the self-check
Not a diagnosis — an educational self-screen. You can skip any question.
0 / 20 answered · 0 matches so far
Check items that consistently match your experience. This is a self-check, not a diagnosis — many matches suggest formal assessment is worth pursuing.
- 1.
Reading has always been slower for you than peers
- 2.
You frequently re-read passages because you missed something
- 3.
You avoid reading aloud whenever possible
- 4.
Spelling has stayed unreliable into adulthood despite effort
- 5.
You confuse similar-looking words (form/from, was/saw)
- 6.
Reading long blocks of text fatigues you quickly
- 7.
You’d rather listen to information than read it
- 8.
Note-taking from lectures or meetings is harder than for others
- 9.
You frequently lose your place when reading
- 10.
Following written instructions step by step is difficult
- 11.
You misread or skip words even when reading carefully
- 12.
Writing fatigue arrives quickly even on familiar topics
- 13.
Word-finding in conversation is harder than expected for your vocabulary
- 14.
You were called lazy or careless about school work despite trying
- 15.
Phonological awareness (rhymes, sound patterns) felt harder than for peers
- 16.
You compensate by using audiobooks, dictation, or text-to-speech regularly
- 17.
A family member has dyslexia or significant reading difficulty
- 18.
You can hold complex spoken ideas but written versions feel harder
- 19.
Sequencing tasks (dates, lists, alphabetical) is harder than expected
- 20.
Reading screens with serif fonts or small text is particularly difficult
20 items remaining. You can submit anytime once you’ve answered at least 5.
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About the result bands
- 0-3 matches: Dyslexia unlikely.
- 4-8 matches: Possible — assessment reasonable.
- 9-14 matches: Probable — formal assessment recommended.
- 15+ matches: Strong indication — formal assessment recommended.
What dyslexia actually is
A specific learning difference affecting how the brain processes written language. It involves difficulty with reading, spelling, phonological awareness, and often related aspects of language processing. Dyslexia is neurological, lifelong, and affects approximately 10-15% of adults. It’s not about intelligence — many dyslexic adults have above-average intelligence in non-reading domains.
How adult dyslexia is diagnosed
By educational psychologist or specialist dyslexia assessor. Assessment typically includes:
- Reading and writing skill testing
- Cognitive assessment
- Phonological awareness testing
- Screening for related conditions (ADHD, dyspraxia, autism)
- Family history
- Educational history
What helps if you’re dyslexic
- Touch-typing fluency (transformative)
- Speech-to-text for drafting
- Text-to-speech for reading
- Dyslexia-friendly fonts (OpenDyslexic, Comic Sans, Verdana)
- Reading apps with adjustable spacing
- Recorded notes and audiobooks
- AI-assisted writing tools
- Workplace accommodations
The ADHD overlap
Dyslexia and ADHD co-occur in 30-50% of cases. Many adults discover dyslexia after ADHD diagnosis prompts looking at broader pattern. The combination requires accommodation for both: reading speed plus attention difficulty compounds in specific ways.
Accommodations and rights
UK Equality Act 2010 and US ADA both recognise dyslexia for reasonable adjustments:
- Extra time on tests and written work
- Dyslexia-friendly software
- Written instructions alongside verbal
- Recorded meetings (with consent)
- Font and spacing adjustments
- Reduced reading load
Undoing the school shame
Many dyslexic adults carry substantial shame from school experiences. Adult identification often substantially reframes the narrative — from “I’m lazy/stupid” to “I have a treatable, specific neurological difference.”
FAQ
What is dyslexia?
A specific learning difference affecting reading, spelling, and language processing. Neurological, lifelong, present from childhood. Affects approximately 10-15% of adults. Distinct from intelligence — many dyslexic adults have above-average intelligence in non-reading domains. The DSM-5 recognises dyslexia under 'Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in reading.'
Is this self-check a diagnosis?
No. It’s a starting point. Many matches suggest formal assessment is worth pursuing. Few matches doesn’t rule it out, especially if you’ve developed strong compensation. Formal diagnosis is by educational psychologist or specialist assessor.
How is adult dyslexia formally diagnosed?
Educational psychologist assessment including: reading and writing testing, cognitive testing, phonological assessment, screening for related conditions. UK private assessment £400-1000. Adult dyslexia assessments increasingly available.
What helps if I have dyslexia?
Touch-typing, speech-to-text, text-to-speech software, dyslexia-friendly fonts, reading apps with adjustable spacing, recorded notes, AI-assisted writing tools, workplace accommodations (extra time, written instructions). Adult identification often unlocks substantial relief from years of unexplained struggle.
Can adults develop dyslexia?
No, dyslexia is developmental — present from childhood. Adult reading difficulty that wasn’t there before is more likely from acquired conditions (brain injury, stroke), neurological conditions, vision changes, or cognitive decline. If your reading has changed recently in adulthood, see your doctor.
Does dyslexia co-occur with other conditions?
Frequently. Dyslexia overlaps with ADHD (50%+ in some studies), dysgraphia, dyspraxia, and autism. Many adults discover dyslexia after another ND diagnosis prompts looking at the broader picture.
What accommodations are available?
Workplace and academic accommodations under Equality Act (UK) or ADA (US): extra time on tests/written work, dyslexia-friendly software (screen readers, text-to-speech), written instructions, recorded meetings, font and spacing adjustments, sometimes reduced reading load. Formal diagnosis documentation unlocks these.
Where can I get assessed?
UK: British Dyslexia Association assessor directory, university disability services if studying, NHS (long waitlists). US: educational psychologist, sometimes university disability services. Private assessment typically £400-1000 / $600-2000.