Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are uniquely suited to diagnose dyslexia. In graduate school, SLPs receive strong foundational training in language development and language disorders, including literacy disorders. Their coursework also includes evaluation and statistics, providing them with the knowledge to administer and interpret norm-referenced standardized testing.

At the INW Dyslexia Alliance, our SLPs undergo additional training with Alicia Weeks, M.S., CCC-SLP—one of our board members and owner of Niche Therapy, a private practice in Spokane. Alicia is an experienced practitioner and mentor specializing in dyslexia.

Our SLPs don't just administer standardized tests; they also analyze clients’ behavior, body language, effort level, fatigue, and other performance factors that standardized testing alone might miss. As language experts, they can assess all five levels of language (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics) and conduct in-depth error analysis, identifying patterns associated with dyslexia.

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability, so who better to diagnose it than language experts?

Not all SLPs are trained to evaluate for dyslexia, as it is not part of the standard required coursework. If you are considering testing with an SLP outside of the INW Dyslexia Alliance or our recommended provider list, we suggest asking about their specific training and certifications related to dyslexia.

We do not provide a diagnosis without first conducting extensive testing, including a case history review, standardized testing, and error analysis. Since we screen and refer clients who may not meet the criteria for a dyslexia diagnosis or who have needs beyond what the INW Dyslexia Alliance can provide, most of our testing does result in a diagnosis of dyslexia.

Dyslexia is included in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004) as a specific learning disability (SLD). Legally, you can talk about dyslexia at school.

Schools are NOT required to name a student's learning disability dyslexia. They can meet federal and state standards by identifying a student as having a Specific Learning Disability (SLD).

SB 6162 went into effect in Washington state in the 2021–2022 school year. This law requires all public schools SCREEN K–2 students for dyslexia and other literacy challenges, not diagnose.

This official medical diagnosis from a licensed Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) can be given to your school to initiate 504 and IEP plans. It cannot be used for accommodations on SAT or ACT testing.

If we conduct testing, we will either confirm or rule out a diagnosis of dyslexia. If we identify other potential challenges, such as difficulties with focus and attention, social skills, voice, articulation, vision, hearing, or other language or medical issues, we will refer for additional testing, either in a school or medical setting.

No, if you have dyslexia in 2nd grade you still have it in high school. Students with dyslexia should have access to accommodations whether they are academically struggling or not. In our opinion, the only reason to reassess would be if they were going to receive some intervention, and you wanted to know what areas to provide intervention for.

In high school and college students typically will sit down with their academic advisor and discuss what accommodations are appropriate for each academic school year. You just have to have proof of that original diagnosis.