ADULT READING HISTORY QUESTIONNAIRE
Introduction
The Adult Reading History Questionnaire (ARHQ) is a self-report screening tool designed to measure risk of reading disability (i.e. dyslexia) in adults (Lefly & Pennington, 2000). The ARHQ asks adults about their own reading history and current reading habits in order to estimate the risk that they may have a reading disability. Normative scores are based on actual testing, and Lefly & Pennington (2000) found that the ARHQ is reliable and valid. It is important to note that the ARHQ is only a screener and does not constitute a formal evaluation or diagnosis. If you have concerns about your reading skills, we recommend that you contact a licensed psychologist or your primary care physician about pursuing a more thorough evaluation to investigate the nature of these concerns.
Minimal Risk
Your score indicates that there is very little in your reading and learning history to indicate that you are at risk for a reading disability (dyslexia). However, if your reading skills are interfering with occupational or educational success, or you have other reasons to be concerned about your reading abilities, we recommend that you pursue an evaluation with a licensed psychologist to examine the nature of these difficulties.
Moderate Risk
Your score indicates that there are features of your reading and learning history (e.g. difficulty learning to spell, disliking reading) that may be consistent with a reading disability (dyslexia). Reading disability constitutes a very common learning disability, affecting approximately 5% of the United States population. Reading disability is characterized by slow or effortful reading, difficulty sounding out new words, and problems with spelling. If your reading skills are interfering with occupational or educational success, or you have other reasons to be concerned about your reading abilities, we recommend that you pursue an evaluation with a licensed psychologist to examine the nature of these difficulties. To find assistance please click here
Significant Risk
Your score indicates that there are several features of your reading and learning history (e.g. difficulty learning to spell, reading slowly, disliking reading) that are consistent with a reading disability (dyslexia). Reading disability constitutes a very common learning disability, affecting approximately 5% of the United States population. Reading disability is characterized by slow or effortful reading, difficulty sounding out new words, and problems with spelling. The results of this questionnaire indicate that you have experienced some or all of those symptoms. If your reading skills are interfering with occupational or educational success, or if you have other reasons to be concerned about your reading abilities, we strongly recommend that you pursue a formal evaluation a licensed psychologist so that you can get the reading support you need, if appropriate. To find assistance please click here
Scoring Instructions
1. Add up the circled numbers and record that as the Total Score.
2. If the respondent is MALE, the following cutoffs apply:
Total Score <37 = Minimal Risk
Total Score 37-42 = Moderate Risk
Total Score >42 = Significant Risk
3. If the respondent is FEMALE, the following cutoffs apply:
Total Score <34 = Minimal Risk
Total Score 34-39 = Moderate Risk
Total Score >39 = Significant Risk
Click here for more information about your score.
