How to Get Dyslexia Testing for My Child
- Hammond Bell Educational Services, LLC
- Jun 13
- 4 min read
If you suspect that your child may be struggling with dyslexia, you're not alone. Many families begin this journey because their child is bright and curious—but reading and spelling just aren't clicking the way they should. Whether you're seeing letter reversals, difficulty sounding out words, or ongoing trouble with spelling, it can be hard to know what steps to take next. One of the most common questions we hear from parents is: "How do I get my child tested for dyslexia?"
In this blog, we'll walk you through the main options for getting a dyslexia evaluation and share how our team at Hammond Bell can help support your child—whether they receive a formal diagnosis or are just showing signs of dyslexia.
Note on Terminology:
If you’re looking for testing through your public school, be aware that many districts and states—Georgia included—don’t use the term “dyslexia” on their formal evaluations. Instead, they often identify it under the broader label “Specific Learning Disability in reading.”
So although your child might not receive a report that explicitly says “dyslexia,” a label such as “SLD in reading” or “Reading Disorder” can still qualify them for essential support services under IDEA. This classification still entitles your child to interventions like structured literacy, accommodations, and progress monitoring—regardless of the exact terminology used.
Dyslexia Testing Through the School System
Your first option is to request an evaluation through your child’s public school. Under federal law (IDEA), schools are required to evaluate students who are suspected of having a disability, including specific learning disabilities like dyslexia. Here's how to get started:
Put your request in writing. Send a written request to your school’s principal or special education coordinator asking for a comprehensive educational evaluation.
Be specific. Mention your concerns about dyslexia and the signs you're seeing—such as difficulty with phonics, reading fluency, or spelling.
Know your rights. The school must respond within a specific timeframe and let you know whether they will proceed with testing. If they agree, the evaluation will be free of charge.
Pros: It’s free, and if the school identifies a learning disability, your child may qualify for special education services.
Cons: The process can be slow, and not all school-based assessments are designed to specifically diagnose dyslexia.
Private Dyslexia Evaluations
As the Vice President of the Learning Disabilities of Georgia, I just hosted a webinar featuring a private psychologist, Dr. Tamyra Edwards at Magnolia Wellness and Psychology. Dr. Edwards gave a deep dive into the topic of dyslexia (and Learning Disability testing) and we were able to record the webinar and put it on youtube. It's a great resource for parents who want more in-depth information into testing.
Dr. Edwards shared that many families choose to seek a private psychoeducational evaluations for a more detailed look at their child's learning profile. These assessments are conducted by licensed psychologists or educational specialists and typically include:
Cognitive testing (IQ)
Academic achievement testing
Phonological processing assessments
A full written report with a formal diagnosis (if applicable)
To find someone in your area, try searching for "dyslexia testing near me," "pediatric neuropsychologist," or ask your pediatrician or school counselor for a referral.
Pros: More comprehensive, faster turnaround, and may offer clearer recommendations.
Cons: These evaluations can be expensive (often $2,500–$5,000) and may not be covered by insurance.
What If My Child Doesn’t Qualify for Services or Get a Formal Diagnosis?
It’s very common for students to struggle with reading and spelling—even when they don’t meet all the criteria for a diagnosis of dyslexia. The good news is that effective, evidence-based support is still available, and while early intervention is recommended, it's never too late to start the remediation process.
One of the most trusted and widely recommended approaches for reading intervention is Orton-Gillingham tutoring. This structured, multisensory, and individualized method has been shown to help students of all ages close their reading and spelling gaps.
At Hammond Bell Educational Services, we specialize in Orton-Gillingham and offer dyslexia tutoring online using programs like the Barton Reading and Spelling System. Whether your child has a formal diagnosis or simply shows signs of dyslexia, we’re here to help.
Does Online Dyslexia Tutoring Work?- How to Get Dyslexia Testing for My Child
We know that starting tutoring can be a big step, so we offer free lesson demos and screeners to help families get a feel for our process. Check out one of our past blogs that shares about the effectiveness of online tutoring for dyslexia.
Our demo lesson/screener allows us to:
See if our approach is a good fit for your child
Collect baseline data on reading and spelling skills
Show you how interactive and engaging our sessions are
conduct a technology check
answer any questions as they arise
Our tutors are highly trained and deeply passionate about helping kids succeed. We have the same goal as you: to close foundational gaps as effectively and as efficiently as possible, and then to teach new concepts in a way that works best for the particular student. We believe that reading and spelling shouldn’t be a source of stress or shame—and we’re here to prove that with the right approach, things will get better.
If you’re searching for the best online dyslexia tutors, wondering about Orton-Gillingham tutoring, or looking into the Barton Reading and Spelling System, we’d love to connect.
Want to Learn More?
If you're not sure where to begin, and still not sure if you're ready for an online demo lesson, feel free to reach out. We're always happy to talk through your concerns, point you toward testing resources, or talk about your options.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. With the right support, your child can grow into a confident, capable reader.
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