Did you know that the Supreme Court of India recently acknowledged the need for better ways to assess dyslexia in adults? On April 15, the Court disposed of a case after NIMHANS confirmed it’s developing adult-specific tools for dyslexia assessment, with an expected publication in about three years. This case was initiated by a Ph.D. scholar who pointed out that current testing methods are largely based on children, not adults, despite revisions to guidelines. NIMHANS’ research aims to create national norms for assessing adult reading, writing, arithmetic, and cognitive skills, with the Court keeping the option open to revisit the case if progress is insufficient.

 

This is important because dyslexic and neurodivergent adults require assessment systems that understand their unique realities. Access to accurate diagnosis and certification is fundamental for dignity, recognition, and receiving the appropriate support needed to thrive, rather than relying on outdated or ill-fitting tools.