Tested as an Adult?

[Grayrabbit]

Hello

Just wondering if anyone has been tested as an adult? Was it expensive ?Or worth it?

Did you benifit?

I am over 40 now and have always been a poor speller I can't order things well either.This made me feel thick in the past.

I wonder if it would help to know?

My daughter had a diagnosis but seems only to have a reading problem which she's got strategys for.

I would like to retake some exams.

Thank you for your time.

[Hidden]

Adults I have tested find understanding their learning profile useful. It tends to explain other behaviours too like difficulty with memory or organisation. If you want to retake exams find out what testing is necessary to give you suitable accommodations such as extra time. Hope your endeavours go well!

[Mummycaf]

I'm also interested in this as my daughter is being tested this month and if she is dyslexic I would like my husband to get tested but I'm sure he won't want to. But I can imagine that it will answer a lot of questions for you about times in your life that you have struggled with certain things. I hope it turns out well for you.

[UaLiathain]

Here are a couple of online tests.

interdys.org/AreYouDyslexic...

dyslexia.com/library/adult-...

It isn't official, but it will at least let you see if you are dyslexic. Dyslexic Advantage also has a test, but you have to sign in. Don't worry they won't spam you.

dyslexicadvantage.com/

[cundiamor in reply to UaLiathain]

I have signed up to this sight and have found it extremely useful.

[Grayrabbit]

Thanks for your replys.Dyslexia Action seems to offer tests for adults.Just need to work out where they are on site.

Thanks for the free test sites.

Just wanted to say some dyslexics have had such a hard time even now.I don't feel so bad about my issues.

Any of you left handed by the way? Or is that totally unrelated.

Thanks again.

[DyslexiaAction1 in reply to Grayrabbit]

Hi

Contact your nearest Dyslexia Action Centre where one of our advisers will be able to help you. Visit: dyslexiaaction.org.uk/find-us for a list of centres and telephone numbers.

[Kanani]

It emerged I might be dyslexic during a course I was taking on adult literacy last year (2014), and the tutor helped me explore the issue. I did a lot of looking around at free information and then I came across a terrific book, “The Dyslexic Adult” by Dr McLoughlin and Carol Leather. I did what I could for myself, including free tests, but then realised I needed more understanding and also certainty. Free tests are ok, but it is difficult to assess yourself in a truly neutral way.

So I went for assessment Sept 2014 with a consultancy whose approach I liked and where I felt confident about who I was dealing with. I was very nervous, and worried as I had been covering up my difficulties most of my life - if it wasn't dyslexia, what was it? Being assessed as dyslexic lifted a very dark cloud, and has opened up a lot of positives for me, including confidence in my way of doing things where there are strengths, as well as understanding about areas of difficulty.

You have to decide for yourself, but I found 1) dealing with an agency I was confident in and 2) coming to a conclusion has been a very positive experience.

[Grayrabbit]

Thanks for your reply.I may well try and get myself tested.I don't live in England at the moment so it makes it more difficult.

What exactly was picked up on the course if you don't mind me asking?

[Kanani in reply to Grayrabbit]

Hi Grayrabbit. Sorry for the delay in picking this up - I'm not very experience with this site yet and didn't realise you replied to my reply, so apologies.

It was only at the end of the course I was taking (first stage in teaching adult literacy no less!) that we did a workshop in dyslexia. We watched a video called "The Dyslexic Advantage". When I listened to the testimony of other dyslexics I got the shock of my life - it was really on an emotional level that I realised that for the first time these were people I felt absolutely in tune with. Descriptions of dyslexia hadn't hit home (reversal of letters etc) because I had worked out strategies as a child to mask any problems I had, so I didn't see myself as having issues - well, I was desperate to appear normal! After the video I spoke with the tutor, and it fell into place for her as well. I think my coursework was a bit unusual. Things like the written work being detailed to an unusual degree, and sometimes I developed very unusual visuals to explain what it was I was thinking because processing or creating lists and linear styles of thinking are almost impossible for me, which my tutor had also picked up. The course itself was so extremely well designed and, being about adult literacy, used very inclusive teaching methods - allowing someone who is dyslexic to excel, which I think I did. It was the first time I felt really comfortable in a learning environment.

So in conclusion, I think it was a coming together on both sides, me and my tutor, that the realisation of dyslexia emerged. Now it seems really obvious.

Hope this is of use.

Denise

[Mimsi in reply to Kanani]

Thanks for the replying.

I hope your teaching is going well.That must be an added bonus for recognising other adults with dyslexia and helping.

[Kanani in reply to Mimsi]

Thanks Mimsi. I'm only supporting fully qualified teachers at the moment, as a volunteer. It has been really useful. I hope to be able to continue to work towards a certificate myself, but we'll see how it goes!

D

[cundiamor]

Yes I was tested at 50 and it was a life changing event for me. I now understand my strengths and how to manage my weaknesses . Also I have benefited from funding and training from Access to Work as I have a statement which states that l am dyslexic.

[Grayrabbit in reply to cundiamor]

Do you think employers will be more understanding of you now?

Or do they have to be?I would love to hear I'd the Access to work helps you either get work or improve your situation.Please let me know.

Thanks for your reply.

[cundiamor in reply to Grayrabbit]

Access to work can also provide awareness training for employers. It also meant that I was legally protected from any unfair dismissal. I felt confident explaining my specific reasonable adjustment needs to my line manager and HR department. Hey This wouldn't have happened if I didn't have this statement and approved funding and training from Access to work. Hope this response helped.

[DyslexiaAction1]

Dyslexia Action has supported countless people once they have been 'diagnosed' with dyslexia. Here are just a few of our case studies which highlight how Dyslexia Action has helped people of various ages. Visit: dyslexiaaction.org.uk/case-...