Which Type of Dyslexia Assessment or Screening is Right For You?

Dyslexia assessment in the UK comes in many forms. It’s important to know whether you’ll require a formal, officially-recognised diagnosis and report, or whether a more informal screening will suffice. Here’s our quick guide:

If you’re hoping to get help in the classroom for your child

In order to secure special allowances for your dyslexic child in the classroom, you will tend to need an official dyslexia diagnosis and report. This requires a Formal Dyslexia Assessment (Children Under 16).

If your child is taking their GCSEs soon

For special allowances during exams, including GCSEs, your child may benefit from an official dyslexia diagnosis and report. This requires a Formal Dyslexia Assessment (Children Under 16).

If your child is taking their A-Levels soon

For special allowances during A-Levels, your child may benefit from an official dyslexia diagnosis and report. This requires a Formal Dyslexia Assessment (Teenagers 16-18).

If you’re hoping to access the Disabled Students’ Allowance

In order to get specialty equipment and support at university via the Disabled Students’ Allowance, your child will need an official dyslexia diagnosis and report. This requires a Formal Dyslexia Assessment (Teenagers 16-18), or (for mature students) a Formal Dyslexia Assessment (Adults).

If your child is struggling, but you don’t know if it’s dyslexia or something else

First, look at our free dyslexia checklist to see if any of it connects with your child and their difficulties.

If you’re still unsure if dyslexia is the root of the problem or not, an Initial Dyslexia Screening (Children) can clear up a lot of confusion.

This shorter, cheaper assessment can later be converted into a full (official) assessment, at a reduced rate, if appropriate. Holly also has a wide variety of tests to try to pinpoint what issues may be underlying, which means she can offer a tailored screening instead of the typical dyslexia screening, if appropriate.

If you’re not sure whether a formal dyslexia assessment is necessary for your child…

An Initial Dyslexia Screening (Children) can be a great starting point. However, to get a full picture of your child’s strengths and weaknesses, a Formal Dyslexia Assessment (Children Under 16) is worth the extra time and expense.

While a screening will indicate whether dyslexia is the correct label, a full assessment will pinpoint your child’s difficulties. In essence, the more tests Holly runs, the more accurate she can be. An extra few hours at the initial testing stage can save years wasted working on the wrong things.

Also, equipping yourself with a raft of good, tailored recommendations means that you may not need to pay an expensive specialist to deliver them. You can either do it yourself, bring it to the school, or find someone that your child trusts and connects with.

If you need tutoring or a study plan from a dyslexia specialist

Holly Swinton may be able to create a tailored plan of action for your child, or provide bespoke one-to-one tutoring sessions. Find out more on the Further Guidance page.

If you’re an adult who’s always wondered if your difficulties are due to dyslexia

Many adults can benefit from a clearer picture of their learning difficulties. Holly Swinton assesses people at all points in their lives. Some are students, looking to access support at their college/university. Some are older, successful in their careers, but struggling with undiagnosed issues. Some have ended up in jobs which are not a good fit for their dyslexic strengths and weaknesses.

If you’re hoping to get workplace allowances, or access support at your college or university, you are likely to need an official dyslexia diagnosis and report. This requires a Formal Dyslexia Assessment (Adults).

If you’re an employer looking to support an employee with possible dyslexia

For managers who are struggling with supporting employees they suspect may be dyslexic, Holly Swinton can help with an action plan and an officially-recognised dyslexia diagnosis. This requires a Formal Dyslexia Assessment (Workplace).