There is no single test that can diagnose dyslexia. Obtaining a diagnosis usually requires a comprehensive educational or neuropsychological assessment conducted by a qualified professional. These evaluations involve multiple tests that measure reading, language, memory, processing, and related skills.
The cost of dyslexia testing varies depending on the provider, the type of assessment, and where you live. In the United States, a full evaluation may cost between $500 and $2,000 or more. In some cases, additional testing may also be recommended to rule out factors such as hearing or vision problems.
Because dyslexia is generally classified as a learning disability rather than a medical condition, many families must pay for testing out of pocket. However, there are several possible sources of support and funding that parents should explore, including:
- Public school evaluations
- Insurance coverage for neuropsychological testing
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
Can my school district conduct dyslexia tests?
In the United States, public school districts are mandated to screen for dyslexia and address the needs of dyslexic children. This is defined by federal law, specifically the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The relevant part of the statute defines the term “specific learning disability” and explicitly includes dyslexia. It reads as follows:
(26) SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITY-
(A) IN GENERAL- The term ‘specific learning disability’ means a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, which disorder may manifest itself in imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematical calculations.
(B) DISORDERS INCLUDED- Such term includes such conditions as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia.
(C) DISORDERS NOT INCLUDED- Such term does not include a learning problem that is primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor disabilities, of mental retardation, of emotional disturbance, or of environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage.
For various reasons, not all school districts offer screening services. If you suspect your child may need dyslexia testing, your first step should be to contact the school district and find out whether it offers screening, testing, or intervention services. You should then request an evaluation.
This process is usually straightforward if your child attends a public school. You can communicate your request to the principal, teacher, school psychologist, or head of special education. However, families can still request evaluations even if their child is not in the public school system:
- If your child attends a private school or is homeschooled, contact the public school district responsible for your area and ask who handles requests for dyslexia evaluations.
- If your child attends a charter school, contact the charter school principal as well as your state’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) representative if additional guidance is needed.
Do insurers cover the cost of dyslexia tests?
Currently, dyslexia is generally classified as a learning disability rather than a medical condition. As a result, specific testing and treatment for dyslexia are not covered by many insurers.
However, some insurers may cover portions of a neuropsychological assessment, particularly if a medical professional considers the evaluation medically necessary. Neuropsychological assessments often include both educational and psychological testing, and insurance coverage may vary depending on the type of assessment being performed and the individual’s insurance plan.
If a medical professional recommends a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation for your child, this may improve your chances of receiving authorization or reimbursement from your insurer. It is also worth checking whether your insurer reimburses for the billing codes related to psychological and neuropsychological testing and assessment.
Can I use an FSA or HSA to cover dyslexia testing?
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is an employer-sponsored savings account that can be used to reimburse certain medical expenses. In some cases, dyslexia testing may qualify for reimbursement if a medical professional provides a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN). Depending on the plan, related therapies such as speech or occupational therapy may also qualify if recommended as part of the child’s treatment plan.
A Health Savings Account (HSA) functions similarly and may also be used to help cover qualified medical expenses related to dyslexia testing or treatment. Because coverage rules vary by plan and provider, parents should check directly with their FSA or HSA administrator to confirm eligibility and documentation requirements.
Edublox offers explicit, systematic reading instruction integrated with cognitive training to help students overcome the symptoms of dyslexia. We work with families worldwide. Book a free consultation to explore how we can support your child’s learning journey.
Authored by Sue du Plessis (B.A. Hons Psychology; B.D.), an educational specialist with 30+ years’ experience in the field of learning disabilities, and Dylan Arslanian (B.A. Hons Linguistics, Cambridge DELTA).
