A Simple Test to Identify Dyslexic Children at Birth Pediatricians will be able to detect children with dyslexia at birth. Early detection and intervention can help these kids catch up in school. Parents should ask their doctors about screening tests for reading problems. These tests are available for use with infants and toddlers. There are several tests that can be used to identify children who are having difficulty learning to read. The most common test is called the Developmental Reading Inventory (DRI). The DRIL is a questionnaire that parents complete about their child's reading abilities. It includes questions about how well your child understands written words, reads fluently, and uses context to interpret meaning. A professional will also conduct a formal reading assessment with the child. This assessment may include testing visual acuity, determining if the child has any hearing problems, and observing them while they read instructional materials. Prenatal tests can also be used to identify babies who are at risk for developing reading difficulties. Scientists have found associations between low scores on certain tests given during pregnancy and subsequent reading problems in children. However, no single test can accurately predict which babies will develop reading problems. Only time-consuming individualized assessments conducted by trained professionals can do that.