Full Diagnostic Assessment
The Dyslexia Association can provide a full diagnostic assessment service for children and teenagers aged 6 to 16.
Our assessors are fully qualified teachers who also hold a post-graduate qualification in assessing for dyslexia and have vast experience in working with children.
A diagnosis of dyslexia can be used as evidence to justify a parental request for appropriate learning support at school. It will provide evidence of the child's strengths as well as areas of difficulty, and can help teachers and parents to understand what progress and achievement it is appropriate to expect for the individual child.
A child assessment usually takes between two and three hours.
The Dyslexia Association undertakes assessments in our welcoming premises in term time and in the holidays. They can be arranged to suit parents between Monday and Fridays 9 am to 5 pm. Saturdays and early evenings may be possible by special arrangement.
A comprehensive report giving the results of the tests and recommendations for support is usually sent within three weeks.
What will happen in the assessment?
- The assessment process will start with gathering background information from the child's parents and school, by means of a questionnaire, which is returned to us by post before the assessment appointment.
- The assessor will start the meeting by getting to know the child and understanding his or her view of any difficulties.
- She will then carry out a series of tests designed to measure performance across a range of activities. This includes basic reading and writing, but also other activities which can help the assessor to understand the underlying causes of difficulty in some areas of learning.
- For a child with dyslexia, the test results are likely to identify areas of strength as well as problem areas.
- The pattern of difficulties and strengths allows the assessor to determine whether dyslexia is present, how severe it is, and what particular underlying dyslexic characteristics are particularly significant for this child.
- It is then possible to make recommendations on suitable teaching methods and resources. There may be recommendations on access arrangements for exams and on study skills strategies.
Cost
£375
To discuss your needs, contact us by telephoning our helpline on 0115 924 6888