The
software incorporates four assessment modules, three of which
are designed to measure phonological processing and working
memory skills, which are typically weak in dyslexic adults
despite educational intervention. These tests will provide
a swift but effective screening for dyslexic individuals in
a wide variety of settings, including those in further and
higher education. The Reasoning test has been included in
order to calibrate the Word recognition and Word construction
tests to increase the accuracy of detection of dyslexia in
bright, well-compensated adults. It also enables the administrator
to reach a rough estimate of the person's intellectual ability,
which may be important when making decisions about further
action after screening.
The
tests in LADS are adaptive; that is, the program varies the
items given according to the performance of the individual
taking the test. This means that the assessment is swift and
efficient. (Please note that progressively harder items will
be delivered to those individuals who get many items correct;
and easier items delivered to those who make incorrect responses).
Each of the four modules in LADS takes about five minutes,
so the whole screening can usually be completed in about 20
minutes. Results can be viewed on screen or printed out immediately.
The
test is accompanied by a comprehensive Administrator’s
Manual, which explains how to use the program and how to interpret
results. The final section of the Manual (which has been written
by E.A. Draffan of Sussex University’s Assistive
Technology Unit) covers a range of strategies for supporting
adults with dyslexia, particularly using computer technology.It
must be emphasised that LADS is not a diagnostic test
and does not purport to provide a definitive assessment of
dyslexia. Nor does it assess reading and spelling abilities
per se. Rather, LADS is designed to provide a quick screen
of unselected or selected adults in order to indicate which
of them is most likely to have dyslexia.
Other
Lucid products available:
