Is it possible to find free learning disability tests you can take now? And if so, which type of tests should you look for? Here is all you need to know about these tests.
How do you know if someone has a learning disability? Are there any tests a child can take to give the answer? Here is everything you need to know.
What is a learning disability?
A learning disability is any type of disability that can cause problems during education, but also later on in life. These disabilities can make everyday activities challenging or nearly impossible to complete.
Those with learning disabilities will have to work hard to overcome the problem. In some cases, they will need to develop new skills, and special education can help along the way. It is also important to know that learning disabilities can affect a person in many ways.
They might have a hard time speaking, reading, doing calculations, problems with motor skills, and many others. Keep in mind that there are also children who are auditory learners, and they just prefer listening to the content instead of reading.
ADHD, dyslexia and other common learning disabilities amongst children
The most common learning disabilities are dyslexia, ADHD, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, autism, processing disorders, and dyspraxia. Each of these disabilities can affect education and progress in life. A person with dyslexia will have difficulty reading, and twenty percent of all children have it.
ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder affects concentration and one’s ability to pay attention. A child with ADHD will have issues controlling hyperactivity, impulsivity, and concentration.
Dyscalculia is a disability that affects one’s math skills, and dysgraphia is a writing disorder. It is worth mentioning that dysgraphia is often paired with dyslexia, making it difficult to both read and write.
Finally, dyspraxia affects one’s ability to coordinate movements and plan actions.
Free learning disabilities test that can help you test for learning disorders
Now that you have the basic details about learning disabilities, you are probably wondering how to test if your child has any problems like this. There are a couple of online tests and courses you can check out, and they will give you a basic idea of what to expect.
One thing worth mentioning is that these tests are designed to provide information and point to a potential problem. But these tests are not developed for you to use as a diagnosis. If you want a real diagnosis, the only option is to consult an educational psychologist.
The idea behind these tests is to inform you if there is a reason to be worried and to take necessary action. Needless to say, you can get in touch with the Learning Disabilities Association of America as well.
Self-assessment tests and checklists
There are numerous websites you can find that offer checklists and self-assessment tests you or your child can take. These are designed to provide a general idea about the subject and suggest that there might be a problem based on the results.
In the majority of cases, the tests are simple. The person taking the test will answer either yes or no, on a scale between 1 and 5, and similar. Whether they disagree or agree on the questions will determine the results.
It is not the ideal option but can give you a couple of ideas. More importantly, it will tell you whether you need to consult a professional or a healthcare provider. Dyslexia testing is probably the simplest one to diagnose.
Tests for specific disability
Testing for a specific disability will be more accurate compared to checklists. However, you will need to have an idea of what to test for. Will you do a test for dyslexia? ADHD? Or something else?
The type of test will depend on the option you choose. Keep in mind that there are no specific tests for dyslexia since there are numerous symptoms a person can have. But an experienced professional will be able to diagnose it in no time.
General quizzes and questionnaires
General quizzes are similar to checklists except you will need to answer a few questions and see whether you have problems with a specific area such as math, spelling, or reading. Once again, these quizzes are simple, and they are designed to offer more details on the subject.
Taking a quiz online is not the same as visiting a dyslexia therapist that can determine reading skills and whether someone has a reading disability.
How learning disabilities and disorders impact learners at any stage and age
One thing worth mentioning is that reading disorders are something that can affect people regardless of their age. Dyslexic children will often have problems as adults as well, especially if the condition is left untreated.
During early childhood, learning difficulties can create a lot of problems in elementary school. Those with ADHD might have trouble following classes, but hyperactivity can also get them in trouble.
At the same time, dyslexia and dysgraphia will make learning quite challenging. Any written assignment will be a horror, and the child will spend so much time on it. And all of these problems can impact adolescents and adults as well.
Adults can have problems with self-esteem, motivation, self-confidence, mental health, concentration, behavior, isolation, and so much more. Early intervention can help with the condition, and allow the person to overcome their disability through various education programs, individualized educational plans (IEP), and others.
FAQs
Is there a test for learning disability?
Yes. There are many different tests and screeners that can show if someone has a specific learning disability. But the majority of the tests you can find online should be used as a sign to visit a trained professional that can spot signs of learning disabilities and suggest potential treatments.
Which test is best for identifying learning disabilities?
IQ tests or intelligence tests can often show whether a child has a learning disability. This is one of the reasons why so many public schools have these tests before the first-grade level. Other tests include cognitive abilities tests, reading and writing tests, and others.
What is the difference between dyslexia and dyscalculia?
Dyslexia is a reading disorder, and a person with this condition may have problems with any type of written text. Dyscalculia is also a learning disability, but a person with this condition will have problems understanding math and numbers.
