Assessments for dyslexia are confusing. It can be hard to get the information you need from the child's school.
Looking at the internet can leave you feeling even more confused. See below a step by step guide to dyslexia assessments.
For a child to be diagnosed with dyslexia, they need to do a formal dyslexia assessment.
The child has to first have the signs of dyslexia. The signs may-be spotted in the child's writing, reading and speaking.
It is then recommended that help is requested from the child's school, to see what support they can offer. Before getting the child formally assessed and diagnosed with dyslexia.
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To understand what a child should be learning at school. See handy checklists based on the National Curriculum UK below:
To help you understand how to get dyslexia support and the types of dyslexia tests.
Below is a simple step by step guide. It includes links to cards and blog posts with all the information you need.
Step 1: How to get dyslexia help from school?
Step 2: What dyslexia help and tests can school offer?
Step 3: How to arrange a formal dyslexia assessment kids?
Everything you need to know about dyslexia tests and assessments.
Answers to questions provided by dyslexia assessor Katie Burt, from Evolve Dyslexia Solutions.
Dyslexia screening tests can be unreliable and are just a guide:
Who can do formal dyslexia assessments? The assessors have to be specially trained to do the formal assessments. Usually this would be a qualified education psychologist.
Where are dyslexia assessments held? In different places, some at the child's home, the assessors home or office, they can even be done on-line.
How long do assessments take? Usually they take 3 hours. The child will be offered breaks, up to 3-4 during the session.
What is the child tested for, during dyslexia assessment? They will be tested on reading words, sections of writing and spelling. Memory and Maths will be covered, with pattern games and puzzles.
What happens after the dyslexia assessment? The child will be given a report, this may say they are dyslexic or have another learning difficulty. It will give recommendations for teachers to follow at school to help child learn.
A dyslexic child does not need a formal diagnosis to get the help they need. SENCO can request extra time in exams, special equipment in class without a formal diagnosis.
A dyslexia diagnosis can only be given by a qualified professional. The formal diagnosis, usually will include a report with ways to help the child learn.
Yet a dyslexic child that is struggling should still be given help, without formal diagnosis.
Dyslexia is a recognised disability, legally schools have to give extra help to SEN children:
It all depends on where the child lives and the teaching quality in their school.
A dyslexia diagnosis only makes a difference if the school teachers are able to teach the child in a dyslexia friendly way that works for them. Also dependent on if the school has a budget for dyslexia equipment, such as assistive tech.
To learn more read real stories for other parents/carers, about their experience of formal assessments. "Is it Worth getting a proper dyslexia assessment?".
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Yes legally schools have to help dyslexic children. Yet they do not have to do what is on a dyslexia assessment report.
Only if a disabled child has a ECHP, does the school then legally have to follow everything on this plan.
Usually schools do not fund dyslexia assessments, yet this depends where you live:
Many schools do not have enough money for SEN support, to spend on dyslexia tests:
To arrange a private dyslexia assessments, you can do this through the dyslexia association. Who have a list of approved and qualified, dyslexia assessors and tutors.
See post for more information about "Dyslexia Support Centres UK" and join the "Dyslexia Mums Support Group U.K".
It can be a worry when a child is diagnosed with dyslexia. You may have concerns that being "labelled" as dyslexic will affect the child's confidence. You may-be even be unsure if you should tell them.
Having dyslexia comes with many positives, that the child can learn about. Made by Dyslexia have many positive videos about dyslexia on their website.
Mooki cards also contain quick 10 min activities to explain dyslexia to a child in a positive way. Order your "Mooki Cards" here!
Get jargon free tips and advice to help your dyslexic child at home and in school.