Dysorthographie.fr a media powered by
the no.1 media on Dys disorders
Dysorthographie.fr a media powered by
the no.1 media on Dys disorders
Just type “dysorthographia test” into a search engine and you will find dozens of online questionnaires promising an answer in a few minutes. Tempting, when you are worried about your child or about yourself. But what are these tests really worth? Here is what they can offer, their limitations, and why they never replace a full assessment. This helps avoid false worries as well as false certainties.
Online tests usually take the form of questionnaires. You are asked whether your child makes many spelling mistakes, whether they spell words phonetically, whether they confuse certain sounds, or whether they struggle with agreements. At the end, a score indicates a higher or lower level of risk. The questions are often worded simply, so that everyone can access them.
Some also offer short dictations or exercises to complete on screen. They then measure the number of mistakes and compare it with an assumed level. These exercises often do not take into account the exact age or the school year.
These tools are often free and quick, which explains their popularity. However, their quality varies enormously from one site to another, and most have no scientific validation. It is often impossible to find out who designed them.
A diagnosis of dysorthographia is based on standardised tests, that is, tests compared with the results of a large number of children of the same age and the same school level. Online tests generally are not standardised. Without these norms, it is impossible to know whether the difficulties really go beyond what is typical.
A diagnosis also requires a detailed analysis of the errors, their nature and their origin. A global score says nothing about the form of dysorthographia, nor about underlying weaknesses such as phonological awareness or memory. Yet this is what makes it possible to adapt the rehabilitation.
Finally, other possible causes must be ruled out: vision, hearing, attention, teaching. Only a professional can carry out this work. An online questionnaire cannot perform this analysis. See the speech and language therapy assessment.
An online test may worry you unnecessarily. A child who makes mistakes that are normal for their age may get a high score, simply because the questionnaire is poorly designed or does not take their level into account. This worry can cause needless stress for the whole family.
Conversely, it may reassure you wrongly. A child who compensates well for their difficulties may slip under the radar, even though they need help. You may then delay useful support. This false sense of security can cost years.
Some sites also use these tests to sell methods or products, with no real link to research. Be wary of promises of quick results. These commercial offers are often expensive and ineffective.
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Used with caution, some questionnaires can help you structure your observations. They may draw your attention to signs you had not noticed, and help you put your concerns into words. They can also help you prepare your questions.
They can serve as a starting point for discussing things with the teacher or the doctor. Note down the points that strike you, with concrete examples taken from your child’s exercise books. These examples will be far more telling than a score.
But whatever the result, it must never replace professional advice. Keep it as a simple tool for reflection. See the screening questionnaire.
There are genuine screening tools, used by doctors, school nurses and some teachers. They are designed by specialists and tested on large numbers of children. They are adapted to children’s age.
These tools do not make a diagnosis either, but they make it possible to identify children who need a more in-depth assessment. They are used in particular during the school health check. They allow children to be quickly directed to the right professionals.
If you have doubts, ask the school doctor or your GP whether they can carry out a screening. This screening is free and reliable. See the role of the school doctor.
The only reliable way to find out whether your child has dysorthographia is a speech and language therapy assessment, on medical prescription. It usually lasts one to two hours and uses recognised tests. It also includes an interview with the parents.
The speech and language therapist analyses the results, compares them with age norms, and writes a detailed report. This document can then be used to request adjustments at school. It is also essential for any MDPH application.
The assessment is reimbursed by the Assurance maladie, which makes it accessible. The main obstacle is often the waiting time. Register quickly on several waiting lists. See waiting times for an assessment.
Many adults who question themselves also take online tests. These can act as a trigger for reflecting on their own path. Many discover their disorder in adulthood in this way.
However, as with children, they do not allow a diagnosis to be made. A speech and language therapy assessment is possible at any age, on medical prescription. The tests used are suited to adults.
If doubts persist, talk to your doctor. A diagnosis can open the door to support and adjustments. Digital tools can also help a great deal. See the signs in adults.
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No. Only a speech and language therapy assessment, with standardised tests and an analysis of errors, can make a diagnosis. Online tests can at best help you structure your observations. No online score replaces professional advice.
The speech and language therapy assessment is reimbursed by the Assurance maladie on medical prescription. It is the only reliable route. Screening during the school health check is also free. Speak to your GP.
Note down what caught your attention, with concrete examples, and talk about it with the teacher and your GP. Only they can decide whether an assessment should be prescribed. Do not stay alone with your worry.
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