Reading, spelling and writing don't come easily to everyone, and for some, the difficulty is more than an off day here and there. If it's ongoing, stressful, or doesn't match up with a student's strengths in other areas, it may be worth learning more about dyslexia.
This dyslexia quiz won't give you a diagnosis. It's a self-reflection tool to help students, parents and adult learners notice learning patterns that are sometimes linked to dyslexia. Healthdirect Australia describes dyslexia as a specific learning disorder affecting reading, and estimates it affects around 1 in 10 people. Dyslexia can make reading, spelling, writing and processing written information harder, but it has nothing to do with intelligence or eyesight.
Work through the questions below and think honestly about your reading, writing and study experiences. Choose the answer that fits best:
Quiz
Quiz :
What Your Quiz Result May Suggest
Your result isn't a diagnosis, and it's not meant to be. Think of it as a starting point for deciding whether it's worth asking for extra support, trying new learning strategies, or getting advice from a professional.
If your answers point to several dyslexia-related signs, it may help to talk to a teacher, parent, GP, or school counsellor. A qualified professional, usually an educational psychologist, is the one who can actually diagnose dyslexia.
What Is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a learning difference that makes it harder to read accurately, read fluently, spell correctly or process written language quickly. Plenty of students with dyslexia grasp ideas easily when they hear them, discuss them or see them visually - it's the written tasks that tend to slow them down.
Dyslexia ranges from mild to more significant and it doesn't always show up at the same age. For some students, it's obvious in primary school as reading and spelling develop. For others, it only becomes noticeable in high school, TAFE, university or the workplace, once reading loads and written assessments pick up.
How Common Are Dyslexia and Learning Support Needs?
Dyslexia is recognised internationally as one of the most common learning differences. The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity states that dyslexia affects 20% of the population and represents 80–90% of all people with learning disabilities.
Learning adjustments are also common across Australian schools. In 2025, ACARA (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority) reported that 1,125,502 Australian school students received an educational adjustment due to disability —
of total enrolments.
That figure isn't specific to dyslexia, but it shows just how many students need some form of support to access learning on the same footing as their classmates.
How Dyslexia Can Show Up
Dyslexia can look quite different depending on age, learning environment and individual strengths.
Some students may read slowly, find it hard to sound out unfamiliar words, struggle with reading fluency or have ongoing spelling difficulties. Others may avoid reading aloud, find written text harder to understand or have trouble organising their ideas clearly in writing.
Some also feel anxious or frustrated about reading and writing, especially after years of being told to "try harder" without actually getting the right support. Dyslexia isn't laziness, many students with dyslexia work incredibly hard. Often, the real issue is that the way they're being taught, assessed or supported hasn't caught up with the way they actually learn.
Where Can Students Get Help for Dyslexia?
If dyslexia may be affecting reading, spelling, writing or study confidence, the next step is to ask for support. The right pathway depends on the student’s age and learning environment.
Talk to someone trusted
School students can start by speaking with a classroom teacher, year coordinator, school counsellor or parent. Adult learners can contact a tutor, course coordinator or workplace training adviser.
Ask about learning adjustments
Students with dyslexia or suspected dyslexia may benefit from adjustments such as extra time, audiobooks, speech-to-text tools, modified tasks or alternative ways to demonstrate understanding.
Consider a professional assessment
A formal dyslexia diagnosis usually requires an assessment from a qualified professional, such as an educational psychologist. A GP, school learning support coordinator may be able to explain the next steps.
Useful Resources in Australia
If you are looking for dyslexia information, assessment guidance or learning support in Australia, these resources are a good place to start:
| What you need | Where to go | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| General dyslexia information | Healthdirect Australia | Explains dyslexia symptoms, diagnosis, causes and support options in clear health-focused language. |
| Support in TAFE, university or adult education | ADCET | Explains reasonable adjustments for students with specific learning disability in post-secondary education. |
| School adjustment information | ACARA and NCCD | Shows how Australian schools report students receiving educational adjustments due to disability. |
| Evidence-based dyslexia and literacy support | AUSPELD | Provides information and resources for families, teachers and specialists supporting children and adults with learning difficulties. |
Can a Tutor Help with Dyslexia?
A tutor cannot diagnose dyslexia, but the right tutor can help students build confidence and practical skills. For example, a tutor may support reading practice, homework routines, study planning and exam preparation. A tutor experienced in literacy support can help students work through these skills patiently and in a way that actually sticks.
When looking for a tutor, consider someone who understands that every student learns differently. On Superprof, students and families can find experienced tutors who offer literacy, study skills and learning support, helping learners practise at their own pace in a patient and encouraging environment. Better marks matter, but so does helping a student feel capable, independent and confident along the way.
References
- Healthdirect Australia. Dyslexia. Healthdirect. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dyslexia
- Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity. (n.d.). Dyslexia FAQ. Yale University. https://dyslexia.yale.edu/dyslexia/dyslexia-faq/
- Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. (2025). School students with disability. ACARA. https://www.acara.edu.au/reporting/national-report-on-schooling-in-australia/school-students-with-disability
- Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2025). Children and young people with disability, 2022. ABS. https://www.abs.gov.au/articles/children-and-young-people-disability-2022
- Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training. (n.d.). Making reasonable adjustments. ADCET. https://www.adcet.edu.au/inclusive-teaching/working-with-students/making-reasonable-adjustments
- Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training. (n.d.). Specific learning disability. ADCET. https://www.adcet.edu.au/students-with-disability/reasonable-adjustments-disability-specific/specific-learning-disability
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