Dyslexia Testing with the New Horizons Team
Is your child struggling with reading, spelling, or writing? Dyslexia can often be the cause, and early detection is key to helping your child succeed academically and beyond. As a licensed clinical psychologist with years of experience in identifying learning differences, Dr. Pazos and her team specialize in comprehensive dyslexia testing designed to pinpoint challenges and offer a clear path forward.
Understanding Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a neurological condition that impacts the way individuals process written language. It is not linked to intelligence, but it can make tasks like reading, spelling, and writing more difficult. Children with dyslexia often exhibit signs such as:
- Difficulty reading at the expected age level
- Struggles with spelling words correctly
- Reversing letters or numbers
- Slow and effortful reading
- Problems with rhyming or phonological awareness
These challenges can lead to frustration, lower self-esteem, and academic underachievement if not addressed early on.
The Dyslexia Testing Process
At New Horizons, we provide a thorough evaluation to accurately identify dyslexia and rule out other possible conditions. The process involves several steps:
- Initial Consultation
The testing begins with a detailed consultation with the parents and child to understand the child’s history, including academic struggles, family history, and any previous learning assessments. - Assessing Symptoms Through Reading and Spelling
Using age-appropriate reading and spelling tests, we observe how your child handles tasks such as decoding words, spelling patterns, reading fluency, and word recognition. We focus on how well they can manipulate sounds in words, read aloud, and identify specific patterns related to dyslexia. - Additional Cognitive and Language Exercises
We also conduct exercises to evaluate phonological awareness, working memory, and visual processing skills. These exercises help us identify potential barriers to learning and pinpoint areas where dyslexia may be affecting the child’s ability to process written language. - Expert Diagnosis and Feedback
After all assessments are complete, we will provide you with a comprehensive report detailing the results, including whether your child has dyslexia and the severity of the condition. You’ll also receive specific recommendations for interventions and support.
Why Early Diagnosis is Important
The earlier dyslexia is identified, the sooner effective strategies and accommodations can be put in place to help your child. With proper diagnosis and intervention, children with dyslexia can excel in reading, writing, and other academic subjects. We work closely with schools and educational professionals to ensure your child has the resources they need to succeed.
How We Can Help Your Child Succeed
At New Horizons, we believe in empowering children and parents alike. With the right tools and support, children with dyslexia can thrive. Here’s how we help:
- Personalized Action Plan
After diagnosis, we create a customized plan that can include therapy, tutoring, and school accommodations tailored to your child’s specific needs. - Collaborative Support
We work closely with teachers, speech-language pathologists, and other professionals to ensure that your child receives the best possible support in every area of their life. - Emotional Support
Coping with dyslexia can be emotionally challenging. We offer counseling and emotional support to help children and families build confidence and resilience.
Get Started Today
Don’t wait for your child to fall further behind. Early intervention can make all the difference in their academic success and confidence. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or to learn more about the dyslexia testing process.
Let’s work together to help your child succeed!