A checklist for dyslexic adults will not provide enough information for a diagnostic assessment, but it can be very useful in promoting a better self-understanding and a pointer towards future assessment needs.

Below are the questions that were found to be more predictive of dyslexia (as measured by prior diagnosis). In order to provide the most informative checklist, scores for each answer indicate the relative importance of that question. Alongside each line, you can keep a tally of your score and at the end find a total. For each question, circle the number in the box which is closest to your response.

DOWNLOAD THE ADULT DYSLEXIA CHECKLIST

    Rarely Occasionally Often

Most of the 
time

 Score
1 Do you confuse visually similar words such as cat and cot? 3 6 9 12  
2 Do you lose your place or miss out lines when reading? 2 4 6 8  
3 Do you confuse the names of objects, for example, table for chair?  1 2 3 4  
4 Do you have trouble telling left from right? 1 2 3 4  
5 Is map reading or finding your way to a strange place confusing? 1 2 3 4  
6 Do you re-read paragraphs to understand them? 1 2 3 4  
7 Do you get confused when given several instructions at once? 1 2 3 4  
8 Do you make mistakes when taking down telephone messages 1 2 3 4  
9 Do you find it difficult to find the right word to say? 1 2 3 4  
10 How often do you think of creative solutions to problems? 1 2 3 4  
    Easy Challenging Difficult Very Difficult Score
11 How easy do you find it to sound out words such as e-le-phant? 3 6 9 12  
12 When writing, do you find it difficult to organise thoughts on paper? 2 4 6 8  
13 Did you learn your multiplication tables easily? 2 4 6 8  
14 How easy do you find it to recite the alphabet? 1 2 3 4  
15 How hard do you find it to read aloud? 1 2 3 4  
TOTAL SCORE  

 

RESULTS FROM THE ADULTS TEST - WHAT IT ALL MEANS

 

The research and development of the checklist has provided valuable insight into the diversity of difficulties and is a clear reminder that every individual is different and should be treated and assessed as such.  However, it is also interesting to note that a number of questions, the answers to which are said to be characteristics of dyslexic adults, are commonly found in the answers of non-dyslexics.

It is important to remember that this test does not constitute an assessment of one’s difficulties. 

It is just an indication of some of the areas in which you or the person you are assessing may have difficulties.  However, this questionnaire may provide a better awareness of the nature of an individual’s difficulties and may indicate that further professional assessment would be helpful.

Whilst we do stress that this is not a diagnostic tool, research suggests the following:

SCORE LESS THAN 45 - PROBABLY NON-DYSLEXIC

Research results: no individual who was diagnosed as dyslexic through a full assessment was found to have scored less than 45 and therefore it is unlikely that if you score under 45 you will be dyslexic.

SCORE 45 TO 60 - SHOWING SIGNS CONSISTENT WITH MILD DYSLEXIA

Research results: most of those who were in this category showed signs of being at least moderately dyslexic.  However, a number of persons not previously diagnosed as dyslexic (though they could just be unrecognised and undiagnosed) fell into this category.

SCORE GREATER THAN 60 - SIGNS CONSISTENT WITH MODERATE OR SEVERE DYSLEXIA

Research results: all those who recorded scores of more than 60 were diagnosed as moderately or severely dyslexic.  Therefore we would suggest that a score greater than 60 suggests moderate or severe dyslexia.  Please note that this should not be regarded as an assessment of one’s difficulties. But if you feel that a dyslexia-type problem may exist, further advice should be sought.

Copyright Ian Smythe and John Everatt, 2001

If you would like to download the Adult Dyslexia Screening Test, click here

 

OTHER DYSLEXIA SCREENING TESTS CAN BE FOUND AT THESE WEBSITES:

British Dyslexia Association—Adults and Employment 
International Dyslexia Association—Adults Self-Assessment Tool
Dyslexia Centre—Am I dyslexic
National Centre for Learning Disabilities  

The Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS) is currently working towards a programme that will provide support for Adult Dyslexics, if you need further information we recommend the information on adult dyslexia support from our international dyslexia partners:

International Dyslexia Association: www.interdys.org
British Dyslexia Association: www.bdadyslexia.org.uk

If, after completing this checklist, you would like to talk to us about an assessment please contact us at:  6444 5700

 

ADULT ASSESSMENT

If you are experiencing difficulties in learning, studying or organising you may wish to consider the Adult Dyslexia Assessment.  

A comprehensive assessment has many benefits, such as:

  • Gaining insight into the nature of the difficulties you might be experiencing
  • Diagnosing specific learning differences, such as dyslexia
  • Identifying your areas of strength and challenges
  • Maximising your potential an improving the quality of life.

 

Information updated September 2019