Dyslexia is a reading problem that affects many people. It can make it hard to read, write, and spell.

If you think your child might have dyslexia, you may consider getting them formally tested. A dyslexia assessment can help you understand the problem and get your child the support they need.

What is dyslexia?

• Dyslexia is a learning problem that makes it hard to read.
• It can affect how people read, spell, and write.
• People with dyslexia may have trouble sounding out words.
• They may also have trouble reading words quickly and smoothly.

Why get a dyslexia assessment?

• A dyslexia assessment can help you or your child get the support you need.
• It can help you understand the specific challenges you or your child are facing.
• It can also help you find out what kind of support is available.

What happens in a dyslexia assessment?

• An assessment will typically include a variety of tests and measures.
• These tests will assess your or your child's reading, spelling, and other skills.

Benefits of getting a dyslexia assessment

• A dyslexia assessment can help you or your child get the support you need to succeed in school.
• It can also help you or your child feel better about yourself.

How to get a dyslexia assessment

• You can ask your child's school for a referral to a qualified professional.
• You can also contact a local dyslexia organisation.

Is it worth getting a proper dyslexia assessment?

Read true views and opinions from parents/carers of dyslexic children. Where they share their own experiences about formal dyslexia asessments.

1. I would recommend a private screening first. We did this last year. It gave us so much information and with a new supportive school we have had a year of intervention based on that screening. If we get to the point that techniques and intervention is not working we have agreed that the school will seek further support! The new school have made a huge difference in terms of personalised support, specialist knowledge and confidence building for my now nearly 9 year old!
2. Best money I have spent.. definitely recommend.
3. Yes as the my daughters school said there were no signs of dyslexia but we were convinced that she was.. my poor girl has been struggling so much all I can hope for that the school will be more supportive now.
4. Yes. The report should include specific ways in which your child is impacted and suggestions on how they can be supported.
5. My daughter plays violin. Her teacher has a copy of certain pages from the report to use as evidence to request more time in the exam for her. He was surprised when the exam board responded because she was given an extra 12 minutes on top of the 26 minutes that would have normally been given. It was the most extra time he has seen granted. They dyslexia assessor also said that the report will follow her and can be used to prove the need for support if she chooses to go to uni too.
6. My daughter plays violin. Her teacher has a copy of certain pages from the report to use as evidence to request more time in the exam for her. He was surprised when the exam board responded because she was given an extra 12 minutes on top of the 26 minutes that would have normally been given. It was the most extra time he has seen granted. They dyslexia assessor also said that the report will follow her and can be used to prove the need for support if she chooses to go to uni too.
7. I would love to say yes absolutely but I think from personal experience it’s at times brought more stress than not knowing because we are faced with an unsupportive school. If more schools had people in that truly understood dyslexia and gave kids the support they deserve and need then I would say 100% yes.
8. Yes or any other testing that maybe necessary!!! The more you know about your student’s learning style the better. It will help you help them.
9. Yes as it allowed my daughters EHCP to be more tailored rather than saying treat as dyslexic.
10. Yes. It helped my son to know there is a valid reason why he finds things like reading/ processing/memory trickier than his peers. It gave him more confidence in himself and more of a drive to try rather than just give up or become frustrated. It also contributed to his EHCP and recent placement in a specialist provision in which he is finally thriving.

Learn more about dyslexia assessments:

• Assessments For Dyslexia, Step By Step Guide

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