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Ten minute test for dyslexia25 January 2007 The UCL Centre for Developmental Language Disorders and Cognitive Neuroscience has produced a short test that can identify learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, in children. How does the test work?The GAPS (Grammar and Phonology Screening) test assesses the grammatical capabilities and pre-reading skills of children aged between three and a half and six and a half. This includes their ability to structure sentences, use words in the past tense and understand how words sound when spoken. The test, which can take less than ten minutes, is presented by an alien character called Bik. The child is asked to repeat sentences and words to Bik. A score is then calculated from their performance and compared to a level that is typical of their age. What is dyslexia?About one in 10 people in the population are affected by dyslexia. Dyslexia can affect people in different ways and to different degrees. Generally people with dyslexia tend to have trouble with spelling, writing, reading and sometimes speaking. Can dyslexia be treated?Support from teachers, parents and psychologists can help reduce the impact dyslexia has on a child's learning. Its effects can be minimised if it is also identified at an early age. People with dyslexia can potentially manage the aspects of learning that they find most challenging throughout their lives and be successful. What causes dyslexia?Dyslexia is thought to be related to the language-processing areas of the brain found in the left hemisphere (side). Studies using brain scans have highlighted that the connections between the different language areas are not as efficent in people with dyslexia. Dyslexia tends to run in families and there are a number of genes thought to factor in dyslexia. How can you tell if a child has dyslexia?There are a number of signs that can identify children with dyslexia. Some of the signs can include the following:
These signs can go undetected or they may be associated with another cause. This is why a test could help. What will the results of the test show?The test will identify children with learning difficulties such as dyslexia. Development disorders such as autism or Down's syndrome can also be detected. Children who may need assistance in their development of language will also be recognised. When will the test be made available?One of the developers of the test, Heather van der Lely, would like all children to be tested prior to entering school. Dyslexia testing is available in schools such as those provided by the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (BECTA). A spokesman for the Department for Education and Skills said, "The Department does not comment on, or endorse particular products. It is for schools and local authorities to decide the approaches they use to determine whether a child has special educational needs, including dyslexia, and the support that should be put in place to meet the child's needs." Further information
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