Screening & Assessments
Specialist Dyslexia Assessor in Educational TestingDiagnostic assessments conducted by a suitably qualified Specialist Teacher.
Consultation
The assessment process starts with a conversation to explore your concerns and what you would like to gain from an assessment. From this it can be decided whether you need a screening or a full diagnostic assessment. These are actually quite different in what they will tell you, the difference in price reflects this.
Dyslexia Screening
This is a short assessment (1-2 hours) to explore the ‘possibility’ of dyslexia.
It includes short tests to explore performance in:
- Spelling
- Reading
- Writing
- Working Memory
- Phonemic awareness and ability
At the end of the assessment you will be given a short report (2-3 pages), with the results of the assessment giving a profile of strengths and weaknesses in the above area’s and a ‘probability’ of dyslexia based on this information only.
It is not a diagnosis and is for educational purposes only to guide additional support
Dyscalculia Screening
This is a short assessment (1-2 hours) to explore the ‘possibility’ of dyscalculia.
It includes short tests to explore performance in:
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- Number sense
- Working memory
At the end of the assessment you will be given a short report (2-3 pages), with the results of the assessment giving a profile of strengths and weaknesses in the above area’s and a ‘probability’ of dyscalculia based on this information only.
It is not a diagnosis and is for educational purposes only to guide additional support.
Neurodiversity Screening
This is a short assessment (1-2 hours) to screen for characteristics of neuro diverse conditions such as:-
- ADHD
- Autism
- Dyslexia
This information is examined alongside background information given from parents / teachers / the student, and observations from during the assessment process.
At the end of the assessment you will be given a short report (2-3 pages), with the results of the assessment giving a profile of strengths and weaknesses and neuro diverse characteristics.
This information can then be used for onward referral if necessary.
How do I know if I need a screening or an assessment?
If you just have concerns regarding your child’s progress and there hasn’t been a history of relevant interventions at school or privately, it is most likely that a screener will be the best route for you. This will help clarify the situation and give enough information for you to request intervention from your child’s school.
If there has been a history of your child struggling for quite a while and they have received intervention to help (additional reading / writing / phonics etc) but this has had little impact, a full diagnostic assessment would be your next step. This will give you an in-depth assessment of all areas of learning and how this is contributing to your child’s difficulties. Any co-occurring difficulties will be noted with onward referral suggestions if deemed necessary. Recommendations will be specific to your child and will help your child to be better supported in areas they are struggling with.
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What are the benefits of having a full assessment rather than a screening?
A full diagnostic report can provide a diagnosis of dyslexia (if relevant) and can also be used to support EHCP applications and guide specialist teaching.
* Please note:- If you require a report to apply for Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) for a University application, you may need an assessor who holds a current APC certificate (although many will accept a report as long as it is written to the relevant SASC guidelines). It is advisable to check with the requirements with the relevant University before proceeding.
Can an assessment be conducted by any teacher?
No. A full diagnostic assessment can only be conducted by a Specialist Teacher holding a suitable level 7 qualification, or an Educational Psychologist.
How long is the diagnostic report valid for?
The report can follow your child through school and onto further education or be used as supportive evidence for an EHCP (Educational Health Care Plan) application.
*Please note:- If you require a report to apply for Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) for a University application, you may need an assessor who holds a current APC certificate (although many will accept a report as long as it is written to the relevant SASC guidelines). It is advisable to check with the requirements with the relevant University before proceeding.
Does screening have to be conducted by a specialist teacher?
A screener can generally be conducted by anyone within school with the relevant experience, however they can often be inaccurate as non specialist teachers frequently miss relevant signs in well compensated or older students.
I would always recommend that screening is conducted by a qualified specialist teacher.
Booking a diagnostic assessment.
It is essential that the assessee has had a relevant eye test within 12 months of the assessment date and a hearing test if relevant.
On booking of a diagnostic assessment you will be asked to send a deposit of £100 to hold the date and time (this is fully refundable up to 7 days before the assessment).
The remaining balance is due on the day of assessment.
The date will be confirmed by email, and you will be asked to complete some background information questionnaires.
A questionnaire will also be included for you to forward to your child’s school and / or any other professional who has worked closely with them and may be able to add to the background information.
It is important to try and encourage your child’s school to contribute as it helps to create a well-rounded view of your child in as many circumstances as possible.
(It has also been proven that schools who are asked to contribute to the background information are more likely to engage with the final report).
ASSESSMENT TIME-LINE
Enquiry
Enquiry / booking of assessment date (£100 deposit required)
Questionnaires
Background and health screening paperwork sent (to be returned at the latest 2 weeks before the assessment date).
Assessment Date
Assessment date (remaining balance of £350 due).
Initial findings will be verbally discussed at the end of the assessment.
Report Issued
Full diagnostic report E-Mailed within 28 working days of assessment.
(Paper copies available on request for a surcharge of £4).
Follow Up
Follow up telephone / video call if required to discuss the report, what it means for your child and the way forward.