Read answers to the top questions you may have about dyslexia assessments for children below:
Does a child need a dyslexia diagnosis? A child with dyslexia does not need a formal diagnosis to get help. The SENCO can request extra time in exams and special equipment without it.
Is it worth getting a formal dyslexia assessment diagnosis? Dyslexia is a recognised disability. Legally, schools must provide extra support to SEN children.
Do schools fund dyslexia assessments? Schools usually do not fund dyslexia assessments, but this varies by location. The formal tests can cost £600+.
Who can do formal dyslexia assessments? A qualified educational psychologist or a trained professional can perform these assessments.
Where are dyslexia assessments held? Assessments can take place at the child’s home, the assessor’s office, or even online.
How long do assessments take? Assessments last about 3 hours, with 3 to 4 breaks offered during the session.
What is the child tested for during a dyslexia assessment? The test will assess the child’s ability in reading, writing, spelling, memory, and maths.
How to explain to a child why they are being assessed? It helps to say that the child is seeing someone who will guide their teachers on how to support them.
What happens after the dyslexia assessment? The child will get a report. It might confirm dyslexia or another learning difficulty such as ADHD or Autism.
When do I get the report? The timing varies for different assessments, but it takes 2 to 6 weeks.
What is in the report? The report will explain why the child has dyslexia. It will also give teachers tips on how to support their learning.
Do schools have to help a dyslexic child? Schools are not required to follow everything in a dyslexia assessment report. Only when a disabled child has an EHCP must schools comply.
Does my child need a dyslexia diagnosis?
Get advice below to help you decide if a child needs a formal dyslexia diagnosis:
A dyslexia diagnosis will come with a report, showing areas where the child struggles.
The report will also give ways school teachers can help the child learn better.
It may recommend such as extra exam time and group work. Also access to laptops in class and assistive technology.
The report may show that the child has other learning difficulties. A child with dyslexia is 40% more likely to have ADHD or Autism.
The diagnosis will follow the child to high-school, college and university.
List of dyslexia assessors and centres in UK
You can arrange private dyslexia assessments through the British Dyslexia Association. They have a list of approved and qualified dyslexia assessors in the UK.
Mooki cards also contain quick 10 min activities to explain dyslexia to a child in a positive way. Order your “Mooki Cards” here!
