Early Warning Test for Dyslexia

A 10 minute test has been devised by scientists according to the BBC which can detect early warning signs of dyslexia.  The test can be carried out on children between the age of three and a half to six and a half. Professor van der Lely, speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme (hear it here) said that the test, which asks a child to repeat sentences and re-tell a story, can help with early intervention:

"Many children who have more severe language problems are not spotted until they're seven, eight or nine years of age, which is a huge cost for everybody.  The test examines how children use language - with particular attention to "phonology", which is how sounds build up into words.  For the dyslexic part we're trying to look at the phonology, as we know that children who have problems with phonology are at risk for dyslexia. So we're trying to pick it up before the child even starts to read."

He continues by saying that the test had been used with 700 pupils and was found to be as reliable as tests which lasted 90 minutes. (hmm - I thought it said 10 minutes!)  Full details on the test can be found on the GAPS website.

Link: http://www.dldcn.com/