Why have a dyslexia assessment?
An assessment is a useful step to understanding the obstacles that are getting in the way of progress and unlocking talent and self-belief. It will provide a profile of a learner's strengths and difficulties, together with recommendations to support future development.
What are the benefits of a diagnosis of dyslexia?
Dyslexia is recognised as a disability under the 2010 Equality Act. This means that schools, colleges, universities and workplaces are legally required to make reasonable adjustments to support an individual. A diagnosis of dyslexia lasts a lifetime and the assessment report can be used throughout school, university and the workplace. It is not necessary to have another assessment report later in life, provided the assessor has an Level 7 APC qualification at the time of assessing.
What is the difference between a dyslexia screener and an assessment?
Many schools conduct a basic, online, dyslexia screener. This might identify indicators of dyslexia, but does not provide a diagnosis. Screenings can be a useful first step before investigating difficulties further.
What age can learners be assessed for dyslexia?
An assessment can be made from aged 7 upwards.
About the assessment
A school-age full diagnostic assessment can take up to 3 hours, and may be split over two sessions if I feel it is appropriate. This will take place in a secure, relaxed home setting in Chester, or in the learner’s own home, as mutually agreed. Be reassured that I have the skills and experience to make this process as stress free and pleasant as possible.
The assessment includes tests of reading accuracy and comprehension, spelling, writing, phonological skills, speed of processing information, memory skills, and verbal and non-verbal ability.
Prior to the assessment I will send you a questionnaire and also provide one for the school to complete. These will need to be returned in good time before the assessment. It's important to ensure that vision and hearing have been checked, with up to date tests if these is due. You will also be issued with a visual difficulties questionnaire to ensure that any further investigation of possible visual difficulties is carried out.
Following assessment, a full written report will follow approximately three weeks later. Do note that an assessment may not always indicate, or lead to, a diagnosis of dyslexia, which will be discussed within the feedback.
Will a diagnostic assessment enable my child to obtain Exam Access Arrangements?
As a learner progresses through school, they may require extra support in exams. These are known as Access Arrangements, and exist to provide reasonable adjustments to allow equality of access to assessment in National Curriculum tests such as SATs, GCSEs and GCEs (A’ Level), exams. Schools are governed by strict Joint Council for Qualification (JCQ) regulations. Access arrangements must not only reflect need, but also the learner’s ‘normal way of working’. It is the school’s responsibility to assess and apply for Access Arrangements. You do not need a full diagnostic assessment for access arrangements, and if concerns are mainly about these, you should contact the school’s SENDco. A diagnostic assessment report will highlight a person’s needs and will specify how they can best be supported in exams, including recommendations for access arrangements, however the final decision rests with the school.
What is the Disabled Students’ Allowance?
The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a government fund that provides support for UK higher education students with a disability (including those with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia). This support includes assistance with the cost of specialist equipment, one to one support and Access Arrangements. If you already have a diagnosis carried out by a qualified (APC) assessor, you do not need another dyslexia assessment to apply for this support.
Do contact me for further information and for fees, I will be happy to help.