Assessment

Diagnostic assessments from the age of 7

What happens in a Diagnostic Assessment?

Before the assessment, you will be given a set of questionnaires to fill in for yourself or your child. If the assessment is for a child, you will also receive a questionnaire to pass on to the school. If you would prefer, the questionnaires can be filled in over the phone.

Once I have received those, there may be extra information that I need. If needed, I will set up a video meeting with you to talk through more of your background information – this information, along with the tests from the assessment, will help me to come to a diagnostic decision.

Before the assessment day, I will offer a virtual FaceTime call to 'meet me.' Some children choose to do this as it helps them to feel more comfortable when meeting me for the first time.

On the day of the assessment, a number of tests will be carried out. There will always be a chance for breaks when needed. The tests cover:

• Underlying Ability – This includes verbal and visual ability

• Cognitive Ability – This includes assessments for memory, phonological processing and processing speed.

• Attainment – Generally this will be reading, writing, spelling, but also may include maths if this is an area where some need is identified.

In all, an assessment should take between 2-3 hours, depending on the needs of the person being assessed. I will be able to give you an idea of how long the assessment will last when I have received the questionnaires.

I will arrange a telephone/video call to discuss my findings. This usually takes place the same day as the assessment. Then, around two weeks after,  you will receive your full diagnostic report. Another call can be arranged to answer any questions you may have.

As I hold an assessment practising certificate (APC) through The Dyslexia Guild, for a student of any age, a diagnostic assessment will meet SASC guidelines and will be accepted as evidence towards applications for Disabled Student Allowance.