A comprehensive evaluation typically includes intellectual and academic achievement testing as well as an assessment of the critical underlying language skills that are closely linked to dyslexia. These include but are not limited to receptive (listening) and expressive (speaking) language skills, phonological skills including phonemic awareness, and the ability to rapidly name letters and numbers.
A student’s ability to read lists of words in isolation as well as words in context should also be assessed in addition to other areas of skills and functioning. If a profile emerges that is characteristic of readers with dyslexia, an individualized intervention plan should be developed which should include appropriate accommodations, such as extended time, oral administration of tests, or other accommodations appropriate to the child. The evaluations can be conducted by trained school personnel or outside specialists such as psychoeducational specialists.