Dyslexia icon - illustration representing dyslexia

Free Dyslexia Test
for Adults

Take our dyslexia test for adults (below) to see whether you have any traits of dyslexia.

⏱ Takes about 3 minutes 📝 20 questions 🔒 Free & confidential 👤 Designed for adults
 


What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a common learning difference that affects how the brain processes written language, making skills like reading, spelling and writing more challenging. It's not linked to intelligence — many people with dyslexia have particular strengths in areas like verbal reasoning, creativity and problem-solving. According to the British Dyslexia Association, around 10% of the UK population is dyslexic.


Do you have any traits of dyslexia?

Our dyslexia quiz helps to see if you have any traits of dyslexia. There are a number of questions throughout the quiz that ask you questions regarding how comfortable you are with reading and writing, and other areas.

What this quiz is based on: Our questions are based on commonly recognised indicators of dyslexia drawn from clinical checklists and dyslexia research literature. They've been reviewed for accuracy and appropriate framing by Dr Natalie Cawley, PhD, Counselling Psychologist. This is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument — see how your score is interpreted →

What this quiz can and can't tell you

✓ What it can do

Give you a clearer picture of the traits you're experiencing — often the hardest part of the process to start alone.

✕ What it can't do

Confirm or rule out dyslexia. Only a qualified professional can do that, through a formal assessment.

If you score highly, a formal diagnosis is usually done by an educational psychologist or a specialist dyslexia assessor. This typically involves a series of reading, writing and cognitive tasks over one or two sessions, and results in a written report you can use to request workplace adjustments or further support. Your GP can refer you, or you can go through one of our diagnosis partners.

Either way, understanding your traits — with or without a formal diagnosis — is a valid and useful step on its own.





Seeking a formal dyslexia diagnosis

If our test suggests that your struggles may be down to dyslexia, you will likely feel that a formal diagnosis is the next step; Exceptional Individuals are so pleased to connect you with trusted diagnosis partners who can support you with that. These providers can help you seek a formal dyslexia diagnosis through thorough assessments that help you access clarity, insight, and further support.

Help to make adjustments in your working life for your dyslexia following a formal diagnosis is where Exceptional Individuals can step back in.

Facilitating resources such as our neurodiverse-friendly jobs board and the Workplace Needs Assessment is what we do best. We're proud to have helped so many with dyslexia overcome the workplace struggles that their neurodiversity can cause.



Take the online dyslexia test for adults...

 

⏱️ Takes about 3 minutes  •  20 questions



Answer the questions below

What is your name?*

Do you have any diagnosed neurodiversity?

Are you based in the UK?*

Do you often struggle with reading words accurately? Example: sometimes using the wrong sounds in a word, choosing the wrong word.

Do you find it challenging to decode or sound out unfamiliar words? Example: Saying words the way they are written or writing words the way they sound

Do you have difficulty remembering sight words or common word patterns? This could be word retrieval failures.

Do you frequently mix up or reverse letters or numbers?

Do you find it hard to follow the sequence of letters or sounds in words?

Do you struggle with spelling, even with common words?

Do you find it difficult to read aloud fluently and smoothly? Example: do you stumble over words and say them incorrectly

Do you experience persistent difficulty with reading comprehension? Example: When you read you might get parts, but may have difficulty remembering a book as a whole.

Do you often need to reread sentences or passages to understand them? Example: Having to reread the same paragraph/page over a few times for it to make sense.

Do you have trouble organizing thoughts and ideas in writing? Example: Struggle to take brief message stating the purpose of a call.

Do you find it challenging to remember and accurately recall information read in books or articles? Example: Using simpler sentences when writing than when speaking.

Do you have difficulty with time management or completing reading assignments within the given timeframe?

Do you experience anxiety or frustration when faced with reading tasks? Example: Feel stress levels rising for knowing reading is required for the task

Do you avoid reading tasks or try to find ways to minimize reading requirements?

Do you have a family history of reading difficulties or dyslexia?

Before we proceed to your results, do you understand that the outcome of this quiz is not a diagnosis?

Would you like to receive our Neurodiversity Jobs newsletter, featuring inclusive job opportunities and career support for neurodivergent individuals?

Almost there, put in your email address to find out your result

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Thanks for completing the quiz! You'll be automatically redirected to your results page in a moment.


Think you may have dyslexia?

If your results suggest dyslexia traits, a formal diagnosis can give you clarity and access to further support. We can connect you with trusted diagnosis partners.

Explore diagnosis options →
 

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"Thank you! I loved the test. Very insightful."

Nick T

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"Highly recommend their Workplace Needs Assessments. Tim was excellent and thorough!"

Oriele S

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"An absolutely crucial service for neurodivergent people who need help with Access to Work grants! So communicative, clear, and accessible."

LD Davis

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Dr Natalie Cawley

Dr Natalie Cawley PhD

Counselling Psychologist | Neurodiversity Certified Trainer | Clinical Advisor

HCPC Registered Counselling Psychology
✓ Clinically Reviewed 19th July 2026 Next review: January 2027

About Dr Natalie Cawley

This page has been clinically reviewed by Dr Natalie Cawley, a Counselling Psychologist and Psychotherapist with over a decade of experience working in both the NHS and private practice. She holds a PhD in Counselling Psychology, a Master's and undergraduate degree in Psychology, and is a certified trainer in neurodiversity.

Natalie works with Exceptional Individuals as a clinical advisor, providing oversight on our neurodiversity screening tools to ensure they are responsibly framed, appropriately positioned, and use clear, strengths-based language that reflects best practice in the field.

She is the author of Just About Coping (Picador, Pan Macmillan, 2024), which received widespread acclaim including a Sunday Times review. She has been featured in The Telegraph, Cosmopolitan, and the BACP journal, and has appeared on high-profile podcasts including Slo Mo with Mo Gawdat and The Stompcast with Dr Alex George.

Full bio →

Trusted and recognised by

More on dyslexia...


Want to know more about dyslexia, or see how we help dyslexics find work. Check out the below links...


What others found

Lydia, who has both dyslexia and dyscalculia, struggled during the pandemic and had been through workplace needs assessments elsewhere that felt rushed and impersonal. Working with Exceptional Individuals was different — she received one-to-one coaching and practical software support tailored to how she actually works. Years after first coming to terms with her dyslexia, she says she now feels far more able to explain what she needs so she can do her best work.

Read Lydia's full story on Positive News →


FAQs

How does the dyslexia test work?

Enter your name, then answer each question honestly based on your everyday experience with reading, spelling, and writing. At the end of the quiz, enter your email address to receive your results.

How long does the dyslexia test take?

Around 3 minutes to complete the 20 questions.

Can this test diagnose dyslexia?

No. This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis — it can highlight traits associated with dyslexia, but only a qualified professional can confirm or rule it out through a full assessment.

Who is this dyslexia test for?

This test is suitable for adults who believe they may have symptoms of dyslexia such as difficulties with reading, spelling and writing. By taking this test, you'll be able to gain insight into how many traits of dyslexia you could be experiencing and where you may need support.

Why is it worth taking an online dyslexia test?

This quiz doesn't count as a diagnosis, but it can help you to understand more about yourself and how your brain works. Plus, if you score highly on the quiz, you can show your results to a GP and ask for a formal diagnosis to be arranged. If you do have dyslexia, there are plenty of support groups, resources and help that you can access.

What happens if I score highly on the test?

We'd recommend speaking to your GP. Exceptional Individuals can also connect you with trusted diagnosis partners and Workplace Needs Assessment support if you'd like help along the way.

Is this test suitable for children?

No — this test is designed for adults.

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