The Dyslexia Screening Tests are a range of nationally-normed tests designed by Dr. Angela Fawcett and Prof. Rod Nicolson of the University of Sheffield. They are designed to be used as a screening instrument, and form a valuable first step in deciding whether to request a further full assessment by an appropriately qualified educational/clinical psychologist. The test can also be used as a basis for  identifying appropriate support strategies which can be used to guide the development of in-school support for the child.

An overall ‘at risk’ index for likely literacy difficulties is provided, as well as a profile of scores on a range of skills such as measures of literacy (including reading, spelling, phonological discrimination), as well as working memory, spatial memory, vocabulary, and motor skill. 

The Dyslexia Early Screening Test (DEST-2)  is used for ages 4:6 to 6:5 years,

The Dyslexia Screening Test – Junior (DST-J) is used for ages 6:6 to 11:5 years

The Dyslexia Screening Test – Secondary (DST-S) is used for ages 11:6 to 16:5 years.