Thinking About a Dyslexia Assessment? What You Should Know

If you or your child are finding literacy skills especially challenging, you may be considering a dyslexia assessment. In many cases, teachers are the first to notice slower progress or ongoing struggles in specific areas.

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Common signs of dyslexia can include:

•Difficulty with reading

•Trouble spelling words correctly

•Challenges with writing

•Problems recognising and breaking down sounds in words

•Short-term memory difficulties

•Slower processing speed

•Struggles with organisation

•Feelings of frustration, anxiety, or low confidence around learning tasks

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First Steps

If your child is showing signs of dyslexia, start by sharing your concerns with their teacher or the school’s SENDCo (Special Educational Needs and Disability Coordinator). Schools can often provide support and interventions without a formal diagnosis. However, if difficulties continue despite these measures, a more detailed assessment may be beneficial.

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Screening vs. Full Assessment

Some schools offer dyslexia screenings, but it’s important to understand that these only highlight possible tendencies—they do not provide a diagnosis.

A full diagnostic assessment goes much further. It explores an individual’s cognitive profile in detail, identifying both strengths and areas of difficulty. This deeper insight ensures that any support offered is personalised and effective, helping learners reach their potential.

 

Why a Diagnostic Assessment Helps

A dyslexia assessment can give parents and children clarity about learning challenges and strengths. It helps families know how to support learning at home and school, opens access to extra help like exam arrangements or university support, and ensures workplaces can make fair adjustments. Most importantly, a formal diagnosis provides recognition and protection under the Equality Act 2010.