How a dyslexia assessment can help your child.
Bringing clarity and understanding
A dyslexia assessment helps uncover why your child may be finding things difficult. It can provide a clearer picture of how they learn, their individual strengths and the areas where they may need additional support. This understanding can be a huge relief, replacing worry and guesswork with clarity and direction.
Creating a learning plan that fits your child
An assessment helps teachers and specialists tailor instruction to match your child's learning profile, using proven, structured methods that make reading and writing feel more achievable and less stressful.
Building a stronger team around your child
A clear assessment report gives parents, teachers and other professionals a shared understanding of your child's strengths and areas of difficulty. This can help everyone work together to provide the right support.
Lifting self-esteem and confidence
Many children with dyslexia can become discouraged or begin to believe they are not capable. Understanding their learning profile can help them recognise their strengths and see that the difficulties they experience do not define their ability or potential.
Empowering you as a parent
An assessment gives you practical knowledge and strategies to support your child at home, from reading strategies to simple ways to build confidence and enjoyment in learning.
Opening doors for the future
Dyslexia doesn't define your child, it's just one part of who they are. By understanding it, you can make sure they get the right help now, so they grow into a confident, capable learner who knows how to use their strengths to succeed.
The Assessment Process
What do we need to do before the assessment?
Before the assessment, you will receive a set of questionnaires: one for you to complete about your child, one for their school or college to complete, and a Visual Difficulties Questionnaire for you to complete with your child. All questionnaires must be completed and returned at least four weeks before the assessment. If they are not received by this date, the assessment may need to be postponed. Please also ensure your child has had an eye test within the past two years, as this is a requirement for the assessment to go ahead.
What happens on the day of the assessment?
On the day, a range of tests will be carried out to explore different aspects of your child's learning profile. Although these are formal assessments, I aim to make the session relaxed and supportive so your child feels comfortable throughout. Breaks are always available whenever needed, and most children find the activities engaging and varied.
What does the assessment cover?
Key areas are looked at, including phonological awareness, receptive and expressive language, working memory and processing speed, as well as reading, spelling and writing skills. Language is explored because difficulties understanding or using spoken language can affect literacy development and may help explain some of the challenges a child is experiencing. Tests are carefully chosen to suit each child’s age, needs and individual learning profile. Together, the results help identify strengths, areas of difficulty and whether the overall pattern is consistent with dyslexia.
How long does the assessment take?
Assessment length can vary depending on the individual, but you should allow around three hours in total. The session includes a variety of short activities, with breaks available whenever needed.
What happens after the assessment?
At the end of the session, there will be an opportunity for brief feedback and to discuss any initial thoughts or questions you may have. A formal diagnosis or detailed results cannot be given on the day, as these require careful analysis.
A comprehensive written report will be provided within three weeks, in line with the latest SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC) guidelines. The report will include the assessment results, recommendations and, where appropriate, a diagnosis of dyslexia.
The report is confidential and will be sent to parents as a password-protected file. You may choose to share it with your child's school, college or university. I am always happy to arrange a follow-up discussion once the report is complete.