How to get Dyslexia Assessment and what's involved.
- Mable Green
- Aug 19
- 2 min read
There are many reasons for you or your child to have an assessment and learn how best to provide appropriate support if you think your child has dyslexia.
It can help parents understand their children’s difficulties, know how best to help them at home, or ask for more targeted support within the education system.
It can be used to support an application for Exam Access Arrangements (this should be discussed with the school/college first, as assessors cannot complete a Form 8 without the school completing part A in advance)
Students in higher education will need an assessment to apply for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)
Some Employers find a valuable assessment to make appropriate, reasonable adjustments in the workplace.
Once a person has been formally identified as dyslexic, they are considered to have a recognised disability covered by the Equality Act 2010.
Diagnostic Assessment for dyslexia.
The process often begins with a parent, teacher or educational professional identifying signs of potential dyslexia in a student.
Initial Screening
This initial screening may involve observing difficulties with reading, writing, spelling, and phonological awareness. Schools do a ‘phonics’ screening to assess a child’s ability to sound and recognise letters, but cannot evaluate for Dyslexia.
Referral to Specialist
A student may be referred to a specialist, such as an educational psychologist or a specialist teacher.
Comprehensive Assessment
A qualified professional conducts a comprehensive assessment. The assessment determines if dyslexia is the primary issue and rules out other potential causes of the reading difficulties.
The assessment typically includes reviewing the individual's developmental, educational, and family histories of reading difficulties.
Standardised tests and assessments evaluate reading and literacy skills, including phonological awareness, word recognition, reading fluency, spelling, and comprehension.
The assessment may also consider the individual's cognitive abilities, such as memory, processing speed, and verbal skills.
Report and Diagnosis
After the assessment, the specialist will provide a detailed report outlining the findings. If dyslexia is diagnosed, the report will specify the type and severity of dyslexia.
Educational Recommendations
Based on the assessment results, the specialist may recommend appropriate educational interventions and accommodations to support the individual's learning needs.
These recommendations may include specialised teaching methods, assistive technology, and extra support in the classroom.
Support and Intervention
With a diagnosis, the individual can receive appropriate support and interventions in an educational setting. There are specialist teachers and Dyslexia schools, but many stay in mainstream schools and have their interventions planned by Senco.
Monitoring Progress
It is essential to regularly monitor the individual's progress and adjust interventions as needed to ensure continued support for their learning difficulties.
The process may vary slightly depending on the specific educational authority or institution. Additionally, dyslexia assessments should be performed by qualified professionals who have expertise in assessing and diagnosing learning difficulties. A formal diagnosis can help obtain appropriate support and accommodations for individuals with dyslexia in educational and workplace settings.
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