Dyslexia Assessment

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  BEFORE AN ASSESSMENT

I build a background history of each Client’s health and educational development, as well as their strengths and current difficulties. This is via a questionnaire.

Before completing an assessment, all client’s need to have had a sight test within 12 months and ideally a hearing test too. The GP/school can refer to this service easily.

With a Learner under 16, I ask parents/carers to complete a questionnaire and, with permission, I will also contact the Learner’s school. It is important to know what assessments, intervention and support has already been given. It is important for Learner’s to know that they are going to see someone who is interested in how people learn. The assessment will help to work out why some learning is difficult and what might make things easier.

DURING AN ASSESSMENT

A full assessment takes around 2-3 hours to complete. Depending on age and individual needs, the assessment could sometimes take place over two sessions, or with more rest breaks.

As both an assessor, teacher and parent, I understand that that being in an unfamiliar ‘test’ situation may cause anxiety, especially for someone experiencing possible dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties. I respond to each Learner’s individual needs, making sure they feel as relaxed and reassured as possible throughout the assessment process. I work hard to build a trusting, positive relationship during the relatively short time that we spend together, always taking time to chat at the start of the assessment and to listen to the thoughts and feelings of each person I work with.

During the assessment we will go through a series of tests and puzzles, which look at:

Reading, writing and spelling.

Handwriting and fine motor skills.

Underlying learning skills, phonological awareness, speed of processing and memory speech and language and auditory processing

For learner's under 16, Parents and Carers may like to take something to keep themselves occupied as assessment could take several hours and they may wish to remain close by. The assessment takes place in a private room with access to a toilet. Parents are invited to park on the private driveway and stay in their car whilst the tests take place. The test room can be seen from the driveway. Sarah is fully checked, qualified and has DBS clearance.

AFTER AN ASSESSMENT

At the end of the assessment, I will give some brief feedback on my initial findings, and I will answer any questions.

The aim is to formally diagnose dyslexia if this is supported by test results to assess performance on a range of skills. This isn’t an exam so there is no pass or fail. The intention is to highlight the Learner’s individual style of learning or working and what does or doesn’t work for them. 

Following the assessment, I will produce a detailed report of my findings and send it to you (via email) within 2-3 weeks of the assessment.

This report will provide evidence of the individual dyslexic profile, their strengths and differences signposting to other organisations or further assessments for specific learning difficulties. If required. The report will include recommendations about how to support individual in study work and day-to-day life, the aim is that the report is a document that the Learner will be happy to share with teachers, tutors professionals and employees if they wish as this will give them information on how they can be supported.

There is a slight increase in price to assess in schools due to travel expenses and the length of time to assess, due to the structure of the school day.