WHAT HAPPENS AT AN ASSESSMENT?

I build a background history of each person’s health and educational development, as well as their strengths and current difficulties.

With a learner under 16, I ask parents/carers and the learner's school to complete pre-assessment questionnaires.

With an individual over 16, I will send a pre-assessment questionnaire. If the individual is still at school/college, I may also ask for a school/college questionnaire to be completed.

NB: questionnaires need to be returned to me in plenty of time before the assessment takes place. I may also ask to see copies of other relevant paperwork, e.g. screening reports, other diagnostic reports etc.

Please note that an eye test will need to have been carried out within 12 months of the dyslexia assessment taking place. If the questionnaire indicates that there are any visual difficulties present, I may recommend a visual stress assessment with an Optometrist before the dyslexia assessment takes place.

A full assessment takes around 2-3 hours to complete. Depending on age and individual needs, the assessment will 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 person’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:

• Literacy skills (reading, spelling and writing)
• Cognitive processing (how the brain continuously takes in information and transforms it, stores it, recovers it, and puts it to work)
• General ability (aspects of verbal and visual ability)

If I observe any issues such as particular problems with handwriting, I may also do some further motor skills tests to investigate this further.

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

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

The report includes:

• A diagnosis if one is found;
• A summary of background information and findings;
• A full analysis of the assessment results;
• A detailed set of support recommendations, including exams access arrangements if necessary.