Most people know dyslexia as a difficulty with reading, writing and spelling. However, dyslexic traits can also affect other areas of a child’s life – in both positive and negative ways. In fact, dyslexia is so wide-ranging that, while researching my book on the subject, I identified thirteen different areas of learning that can be…
Many people approach getting a dyslexia assessment with fear and trepidation. This guide is designed to set your mind at ease and demystify what can be a scary process. How long does a dyslexia assessment take? A full, formal Dyslexia Assessment will take almost a full day (or two half-day sessions for workplace assessments). An…
It’s possible for parents to detect signs of dyslexia in their child from a very young age. They may wish to ensure a good start in life for their child by formalising a dyslexia diagnosis and getting the classroom accommodations that they deserve. However, is there a “best age” to get a dyslexia assessment, and…
If you’re in the UK and you suspect that you (or your child) is dyslexic, you may be hoping to secure a dyslexia assessment for free, funded by the state. Is dyslexia assessment free on the NHS? No. Unfortunately, dyslexia is not considered a medical issue, so you cannot get an NHS-funded dyslexia assessment or…
Specialist Dyslexia Assessors use a rigorous suite of highly-regarded diagnostic tests. These include an underlying ability test, reading tests, spelling test, rapid naming tests, phonological processing tests, short-term and working memory tests. Other tests that can be added on are writing/handwriting tests, maths tests, visual tests (processing speed, memory, visual perception, visual-motor integration, visual stress),…
“Specialist Dyslexia Assessors will diagnose a wooden spoon as being dyslexic!” This is a common misconception, but it’s completely false. Specialist Dyslexia Assessors like Holly Swinton follow the well-respected Rose Report definition of dyslexia. They are fully qualified and accredited, and they are subject to a standard of ethics that mean they would never diagnose…
Compensating dyslexics, or ‘secret’ dyslexics, who put in heaps of time and effort, so that they don’t ‘seem’ dyslexic, are less likely to be noticed – or supported – in school. However, there are lots of ways for switched-on parents to make sure their child gets the help they need. 1. Get a formal diagnosis…
