A classroom test for screening and diagnosis of language difficulties.The Aston Index consists of 17 sub-tests the use of which as its name implies will indicate the nature of an individual childs learning potential for literacy. The sub-test scores yield a 'profile' from which a teacher can perceive the levels of 'readiness' for learning; and which sub-skills and abilities will need special help in teaching.The sub-tests themselves were selected after many years of observation and research as representing key aspects of literacy:Visual and auditory perceptionSymbolic sequencingDirectional motor fluencyAssociation of picture and symbol with lexical meaningGeneral maturational readinessThe Aston Index can be used to indicate the particular learning pattern of the child and identify specific types of learning patterns:Specific written language difficulties (Dyslexia)Slow learnersCulturally deprived childrenNeurologically damaged childrenLanguage disordered childrenSpecific auditory difficultiesSpecific visual difficultiesSpecific graphic difficultiesComprises of:17 page handbookspiral bound test card book (contains 17 tests)additional support materialresource CDflash cards30 scoresheetsAge suitability: 5 years +Additional Aston index scoresheets available.