Assessment

Signs that an assessment might be beneficial

The following list is not exhaustive. A child with dyslexia may demonstrate other behaviours, and not all children who show these signs will have dyslexia.

If you are worried about your child's progress, and if they are experiencing some of the difficulties listed, a diagnostic assessment is advised.

The report you receive will identify your child's strengths and weaknesses, provide suggestions on strategies and further support, as well as identifying whether your child's difficulties are characteristic of dyslexia. 

General

• Struggles with literacy and/or numeracy

• Lack of progress or falling behind at school

• Slow processing  -written and/or spoken language delay

• Difficulty following (particularly multi-step) instructions

• Forgetful

Writing

• Messy work with multiple crossings out

• Confused by similar looking letters (b/d etc)

• Poor handwriting, badly formed letters

• Spells a word multiple ways in a single piece of work 

Reading

• Poor reading progress/found learning to read difficult

• Misses out words when reading/adds extra words

• Struggles with expression and comprehension when reading

Behaviour 

• Work avoidance tactics

• Dreamy/easily distracted

• Excessively tired due to effort of concentrating

the process

A full diagnostic assessment takes approximately three hours to complete. It involves an informal interview with parent/carer to establish background information then the administration of seven diagnostic tests.

These tests assess: processing speed; phonological awareness; memory; handwriting; reading level; maths and underlying ability.

A full diagnostic report will be produced, which will include recommendations for support. There will be opportunity to discuss the report and implications.

Assessments normally take place at the students home and include plenty of movement/brain breaks. It is also possible to complete the assessment over two sessions if necessary.