Do you want help?
If the assessment shows symptoms in the moderate to severe range for one or more categories, then you will probably want to seek help to overcome the problems. The good news is that all of the problems highlighted on this assessment are fully correctable. The Davis® Dyslexia Correction program is an approach that works for individuals of all ages.
The Davis program is a one-on-one counseling-based program usually given over the course of a single week. In that week, the Davis Facilitator will work with the client to eliminate the most significant barriers to learning, and the client will also learn how to implement strategies that fit their learning style. It is very common for Davis clients to experience dramatic improvement within the program week. However, it is important to continue to practice and use the Davis tools after the program in order for gains to be sustained.
You can find a directory with a complete listing of currently licensed Davis Facilitators at www.davismethod.org
If you would like to learn more about the program first, we recommend that you read the book The Gift of Dyslexia, by Ron Davis. The book will give you a good understanding of the program and why it works. If you are a parent who would like to work on your own with your child, or a teacher looking for ways to help one of your students, the book also gives you specific instructions on how to get started using Davis methods on your own.
Is further testing needed?
It is not necessary to have a formal diagnosis of dyslexia in order to arrange a Davis program. If you have the sort of problems that are commonly experienced with dyslexia, then a Davis program will probably help.
However, you may feel that it is important to get a formal diagnosis of dyslexia in order to qualify for support and accommodations in a school or workplace setting. Unfortunately, an online test is not sufficient to qualify for such support. Instead, you would need to have a determination made by a qualified professional, such as an educational psychologist.
In some cases, such as for school-age children, formal testing may be available without charge. Adults will usually have to arrange and pay for evaluations on their own.
If you are considering working with a Davis Facilitator but also feel that it is important to receive school or workplace accommodations, it’s generally best to arrange the formal diagnostic testing before beginning the Davis program. Because formal diagnosis is based mostly on measuring the severity of symptoms, it may be harder to get that diagnosis after a successful Davis program, simply because many of those symptoms will have been resolved by the program.
Many individuals who complete the Davis program are happy to be able to function well without accommodations and have no need for a formal diagnosis. However, others may feel more comfortable if they can qualify for additional support, or may find that support is still needed in some contexts.
You may find it helpful to consult with a Davis Facilitator to discuss these options.