In the summer of 2000, the first 80 AFS tests on CD-ROM were sent to certified dyslexia trainers. The programming was carried out in Austrian-American collaboration after its validation in the 1990s. At that time, the CD-ROM software was shipped from the USA to Austria, Germany, and Switzerland via postal packages. Delivery to Germany and Switzerland went smoothly. However, there were issues in Austria—most packages ended up at customs. Many dyslexia trainers had to personally visit the customs office to collect their test and explain what was so mysterious about this CD-ROM. But the most important question was:
“What is the value of this software?”
After 25 years, it is clear: This AFS test is incredibly valuable! Since the summer of 2000, the AFS test has been conducted over 260,000 times by thousands of trainers.
Even in 2025, more than 50 dyslexia or dyscalculia tests are conducted daily using the AFS method. The AFS test is used in schools, private practices, or remotely by certified dyslexia and dyscalculia trainers of the EÖDL, as well as in various other institutions—but always by certified trainers. The AFS test is licensed exclusively for them, and there are strict regulations in place for its use.
Today, it’s almost impossible to imagine such a situation. Now, you simply access the online customer center, log in, and the AFS test opens instantly. Without delays caused by shipping or customs, you can start working immediately.
At the turn of the millennium, only 15% of dyslexia trainers had an email address. 90% of work was still done on computers without the internet, and for online activities, users had to “dial in” to the internet via a telephone line. Many trainers had been online “once before,” but they did not have their own internet connection at home or in their practice. Mobile internet did not yet exist.
In 2008, the AFS test transitioned from individual CD-ROM software to an app-based browser software. At the time, this caused quite a stir! Stable internet connections were not always available. Around the same time, Google introduced its G Suite (Google Office Suite), which, like the AFS test, was only available online and required a constant internet connection. This technology was forward-thinking and well-received. Software improvements could now be implemented directly on servers or in the cloud without requiring updates, allowing trainers to focus on their work instead of dealing with technical issues.
Since the AFS test has been web-based, it has been possible to expand it step by step. Initially, after the evaluation, trainers had to create their own training plans and reports. Today, intelligent cloud-based algorithms automatically generate recommendations, providing major support for trainers. Combined with the trainer’s personal observations, this enables much more accurate and individualized assessments.
Additionally, the AFS test is now available in six different languages: German, English, Spanish, French, Dutch, and Turkish. This innovation and consistency over 25 years is highly valued and recognized.
The design aspect is also quite unique. The AFS test has looked almost identical in terms of operation and evaluation for the past 25 years. However, the technology behind it has changed multiple times. Our certified dyslexia and dyscalculia trainers appreciate these efforts—unnecessary changes are generally not well received. A visual modernization is often frustrating and unnecessary. Eventually, every great design becomes a classic.
From the very beginning, the AFS test had a unique copy protection system—unorthodox, yet effective. Every AFS test result includes a portrait photo of the trainer along with their name. No trainer wanted a stranger to work or test under their name and photo. And just like that, the perfect software copy protection was invented.
Many things have changed over the past 25 years:
• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), which enforces strict handling of personal data, especially data from minors.
• Mobile internet, which is now available anytime, anywhere, across various devices.
The AFS test has been adapted and optimized to comply with legal regulations and incorporate practical improvements.
We are extremely proud of the continuous availability of the software, which is used day and night in 60 countries worldwide. But even more than that, we are honored by the certified dyslexia and dyscalculia trainers who have been using the AFS test for two decades. Some super trainers have conducted over 500 AFS tests with children over the years.
Thank you for your dedication and hard work
Thanks to the widespread use of the AFS test, a comprehensive study was conducted in 2019 at Northcentral University in California, USA, using the AFS test. A total of 33,000 AFS test evaluations were analyzed to examine differences in sensory perception performance among test participants across six languages.
The analysis revealed that sensory perception performance was similar across language and gender groups, while significant differences emerged when comparing age groups. These findings suggest that educators and other professionals can structure training programs to improve sensory perception in a similar way—enhancing reading, spelling, and writing skills for individuals with dyslexia, regardless of the language they speak, the script they use, or their gender.
The AFS test is a fantastic tool for working with children with dyslexia and dyscalculia, helping them receive a personalized training plan. People with dyslexia and dyscalculia can learn to read, write, and calculate—much more easily with a customized and individualized training plan, ideally supported by an informed and understanding environment.
For the past 25 years, the AFS test has played a crucial role in providing training plans and assessments to support this process!