The Assessment Process
At Dyslexia Heroes, I offer full diagnostic assessments to identify dyslexia in children and young people up to 18 years old.
At a glance
- Age range: children and young people up to 18
- Duration: typically 2-3 hours (plus breaks as needed)
- Locations: home, school, or North London (N8) home office
- Report timeline: full report provided in about four weeks
- Before assessment: hearing and vision checks within six months
- Important note: dyslexia diagnosis is not a medical diagnosis for NHS medication
Before the assessment
If your child has not already been screened, I will ask both you and your child’s school to complete initial questionnaires. This helps me build a holistic understanding of strengths, challenges, and relevant history. Please return forms at least two weeks before the full assessment.
During the assessment
The assessment uses psychometric tests, observations, and questionnaire information to build a clear profile of your child’s current learning needs and strengths.
After the assessment
I will arrange a phone or video call to share initial findings. A full diagnostic report follows about four weeks later and can be shared with school and relevant agencies.
What the assessment evaluates
Underlying abilities including visual and verbal skills.
Cognitive skills such as memory, phonological processing and processing speed.
Academic attainment covering reading, writing and spelling, and, if needed, maths.
By combining test results, observations, and questionnaire responses, I can draw conclusions about your child’s current learning profile.
Questions and answers
How can a dyslexia diagnosis help my child at school?
A dyslexia diagnosis can be extremely valuable in a school setting, as it provides a clear understanding of a child’s learning profile and helps teachers tailor support effectively. Here’s how it can be used:
- Personalised Learning Strategies: Teachers can adjust lessons to match the child’s strengths and challenges, using approaches that make reading, writing and spelling more accessible.
- Exam Accommodations: Schools can provide extra time on tests (up to 25%), use of a word processor or other exam access arrangements.
- Targeted Support: Additional support such as reading interventions, phonics programs or literacy tutoring can be put in place to help the child improve skills in specific areas.
- Classroom Adjustments: Small changes like providing written instructions, using visual aids or breaking tasks into smaller steps can help the child engage more successfully.
- Informed Communication: A diagnosis helps teachers explain the child’s needs to support staff and other professionals, ensuring a consistent approach across school and home.
- Long-Term Planning: Schools can monitor progress and adjust support over time, helping the child build confidence and achieve their academic potential.
- Financial support: An individual will be entitled to apply for financial support via the Disability Students’ Allowance when at college or university.
What preparation is needed?
Before the assessment, your child should have an up-to-date hearing and vision test (within the last six months).
It can be helpful for parents to talk to their child about the upcoming assessment and explain why it is happening. Reassure them that the assessment is not a test they can “pass or fail,” but a way to understand how they learn best and to provide support where needed. Keeping the conversation positive and calm can help your child feel more comfortable and confident on the day.
What if my child doesn’t show signs of dyslexia?
Even if dyslexia is not identified, the assessment can still be highly valuable. It may highlight other learning differences or challenges that could be affecting your child’s literacy skills. The findings can guide parents and educators in developing alternative strategies to support your child’s learning and help them succeed.
Assessment pricing
If an assessment is appropriate and you wish to go ahead, I will email details for payment by bank transfer.
A non-refundable deposit of £100 is required to confirm your assessment date.
The balance is due in full two days before the assessment.