Dyslexia Assessment
Find out more about my assessments and more below!
What is a Dyslexia Assessment?
The formal identification of dyslexia is gained through an assessment. A full dyslexia diagnostic assessment will help someone understand their strengths, and why they may be experiencing difficulties in their learning or day-to-day life. It also informs tailored teaching plans by identifying areas of strengths and weaknesses.
An assessment can take 3-4 hours. This will involve: reading, writing and spelling exercises; tests to ascertain phonological processing abilities; tests to identify an underlying ability of the student, and exercises to test memory.
The tests are standardised as recommended by PATOSS (Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties) which means strict guidelines outlined by The Department of Education of Skills must be adhered to. Every word I say during the assessment has to follow a script, however, I do strive to help my examinee feel relaxed so that the experience is positive.
An assessment will recommend how to support a child at home and at school and may be used as evidence for exam access arrangements, and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) when applying to University.
How To Book An Assessment
1) Make An Enquiry
Please complete our enquiry form, which provides me with the initial information.
2) Assessment Booking
You will be contacted with a selection of dates and times to arrange an assessment.
3) Payment and Confirmation
Once a date is confirmed, a £100 deposit will need to be paid to secure the booking.
Full payment will be required after the assessment and before the report is issued.
4) Assessment and Report
I will then carry out an assessment and provide a full report of my findings.
Assessment Report
There will be time after the assessment for discussion. A detailed report will be provided within four weeks of the assessment.
The report will include:
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A summary of your child's cognitive profile, their strengths and the impact any cognitive difficulties may have on their learning. It will include a diagnosis of dyslexia if this is supported by the assessment.
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A summary of background information provided by home and school, including a history of support.
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Detailed interpretation of test results.
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Specific recommendations for support at home and in the classroom.
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Dyslexia quite often occurs alongside other learning differences. These can’t be formally identified, however, referrals to other professionals may be recommended.
A diagnosis of dyslexia will be clear, and if made, the report is evidence which can be used to:
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Exam access arrangements for primary school and secondary school children e.g. additional time, access to a scribe.
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Claim for Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) if the student wishes to progress to university.
Primarily, these assessments are focused towards dyslexia, however if other difficulties such as dyspraxia, dyscalculia or attention/deficit (ADHD) type difficulties are identified they will be discussed in the report and possibly referrals to other professionals may be recommended as well.
I can also assess for just exam access arrangements - this can be ascertained using fewer tests and without a dyslexia diagnosis.