Diagnostic Dyslexia Assessment
A Diagnostic Dyslexia Assessment is available for anyone from the ages of 7 to 16 and offers a detailed investigation of an individual’s cognitive and attainment profiles in relation to literacy.
As an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) holder, you can be assured that the assessment and report is being completed by a specialist teacher who has followed an appropriate course of study (e.g. an AMBDA accredited course or a course recognised by SASC) and demonstrates a commitment to quality and an up-to-date knowledge of assessment procedures.
Please feel free to get in touch to discuss any concerns you might have or if you have questions about the assessment process.
Any assessment will always start with an initial non-obligatory telephone consultation to decide if this is the right route for you and your child. Detailed background information is then collected from home and school to inform the assessment.
The Assessment will take approximately 4-5 hours and can be split over two sessions at no extra cost. The assessment normally takes place at the child’s school or at the office, conveniently located in central Aylsham.
The assessment consists of a full range of tests to assess underlying ability, attainment in spelling, writing, reading and numeracy (if required), and a range of underpinning tests to assess working memory, speed of processing and phonological awareness.
During the assessment, breaks are taken when needed and your child can bring comfort items with them to help them feel more at ease. If the assessment is taking place at the office, there is a comfortable waiting room just next door, with a window looking into the assessment area.
Following the assessment, a detailed report (around 30 pages in length) is written outlining your child’s strengths and weakness in the different areas tested, a diagnostic outcome and detailed recommendations for home and school.
As an Assessment Practicing Certificate is held by the assessor, the report would allow your child to apply for DSA should they wish to go onto Higher Education.
“In November 2018, the Department of Education (DfE) announced that a diagnostic assessment conducted at any age, which results in a diagnosis of dyslexia, will be accepted as part of an application for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA). However, these reports will only be accepted if written by an assessor holding a valid APC at the time of the assessment (or an HCPC psychologist). As reports conducted at any age may be used for DSA purposes, it is recommended that all assessors should now hold an APC”
Source: BDA
A shorter report is available for schools only. Please get in touch to discuss this option.
Once you’ve had time to read the report a follow up conversation is arranged to go through the outcome and answer any questions. This is also available for the class teacher or SENCO if required.