ASSESSMENTS
A Diagnostic Assessment for Dyslexia is available for anyone from the ages of 7 to 17 and offers a detailed investigation of an individual’s cognitive and attainment profiles in relation to literacy.
As our assessors hold their Assessment Practising Certificate (APC), you can be assured that the assessment and report is being completed by a specialist assessor who has followed an appropriate course of study (e.g. an AMBDA course which is recognised by SASC/PATOSS/BDA). If diagnosed with dyslexia, you can relax knowing that you will not need to repeat this assessment at a later date, as it can be used to support learning well into the young person's adulthood.
INITIAL MEETING
All of our assessments always start with an initial non-obligatory telephone call to decide if this is the right route for you and your child. Once you have booked your child's assessment, background questionnaires can then be completed. These provide the assessor with an overview of your child's strengths, difficulties and learning progress to date.
THE ASSESSMENT
The assessment will usually take between 3 and 4 hours to complete and will either take place within the child's educational setting, or at the family home. A quiet room, free from distractions will be required. The assessments consists of a full range of tests, which assess underlying ability, attainment in spelling, writing, reading and handwriting. In addition, we will assess your child's working memory, speed of processing and phonological awareness. During the assessment, breaks are taken as and when needed. Your child is welcome to bring any comfort items in with them to help them feel at ease.
THE REPORT
Following the assessment, a detailed report is written and outlines your child's strengths and weaknesses in the different areas tested. This is accompanied by a diagnostic outcome and detailed recommendations for both the home and school. Recommendations are provided regardless of assessment outcome and we aim to complete the report within 4 weeks of the assessment date. As all of our assessors hold an Assessment Practicing Certificate (APC), this means that the report would allow your child to apply for Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) and it may also be used as evidence towards access arrangement applications. Reports should be shared with the young person's place of learning.
