What to Expect from a Dyslexia Assessment in the UK

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 Initial Dyslexia Screening (Children) can take as little as an hour, but may be longer if your child’s needs are particularly complex.

Where will the assessment take place?

All dyslexia assessments and screenings by Holly Swinton take place in the comfort of your own home (or, for workplace assessments, at your workplace). 

Holly Swinton makes house calls across the counties of Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and beyond. (Get in touch to find out if she is able to come to you.)

Will the assessment be stressful?

No. Holly Swinton goes to great lengths to make the dyslexia assessment process feel positive, pleasant, and even fun (yes, really). Clients have described her as “enthusiastic”, “encouraging”, and “supportive”.

During the assessment, Holly will highlight strengths, not just weaknesses, which can actually boost self-esteem (rather than reduce it). She tries to reframe the things that you’re struggling with as helping to pinpoint exactly where you need help, so you can work smarter, not harder.

What about for children – will they find it stressful?

When it comes to assessing children, Holly (a former primary school teacher) is adept at using a child-focused approach to put the child at ease.

In most cases, children actually love the assessment process. Seriously! Most children relish having a few hours devoted to them and how they tick.

Parents often find it an emotional process, but most kids love it. Snacks, treats and a little bit of bribery from parents can help them to retain their focus and keep motivated, even when they are doing things that they find tricky.

For this reason, Holly has found it’s preferable for children to be assessed for dyslexia in their own home, rather than in an office setting. Your home is where your child feels comfortable and they can have as many breaks as they need, with their toys, snacks, family, pets and games around them. 

How long after the assessment until I find out if I am (or my child is) dyslexic?

In most cases, you’ll find out immediately. Holly Swinton will give you about an hour’s  verbal feedback straight after the assessment. Most other assessors do not do this, but she thinks it is vital for you to get quick, workable answers to your burning questions. 

Will you tell my child they are dyslexic?

Most parents ask Holly to explain dyslexia to their child with a positive slant. Some parents wish to introduce the label themselves slowly, over months or years, using positive (famous) role models and within family/friends.  

A majority of children are relieved to know that dyslexia is a real thing and have it acknowledged that they really are having to work harder to achieve less. They are often thrilled that they have proof that they are not thick or lazy, which is what they may have been told over the years by teachers or classmates. Sadly, overworked teachers inevitably do label children for speed, so it’s much more useful if they have the correct label, which gives them the right tools/keys to success. 

What do I need to have ready at a dyslexia assessment?

For parents, if you are able to look out any of your child’s recent school exercise books, that would be extremely useful. However, it is not essential, since questionnaires are done on the day. 

Will you check for anything other than dyslexia?

No. Holly Swinton is a qualified Specialist Dyslexia Assessor, which means dyslexia is her specialism.

However, she is extremely knowledgeable about the ways that dyslexia co-occurs with other conditions (such as ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, etc.). Occasionally, she does diagnose a specific learning difficulty, affecting written output, since a dysgraphia or dyspraxia diagnosis is hard to achieve in the UK.

If your child does not have dyslexia but may qualify for exam considerations that could be transformational, then Holly can produce a shorter (non-diagnostic) report with recommendations, at a reduced rate. This could accompany a report from a psychologist diagnosing ADHD or autism, or from a paediatrician/occupational therapist diagnosing dyspraxia. Or it could be a useful placeholder for schools, until such a diagnosis might be sought/obtained.

What if the dyslexia diagnosis comes back as negative?

If the assessment does not find your child to be dyslexic, you will always get extensive verbal feedback and not have to worry about paying for a report that you don’t need. 

Holly will only produce (and charge you for) a dyslexia report if it’s actually helpful to you.

However, if you’re concerned that dyslexia may NOT be the root of your difficulties (or your child’s difficulties), it’s advisable to take a look at our Dyslexia Checklist first, or book an Initial Dyslexia Screening. This shorter, cheaper assessment can later be converted into a full (official) assessment, if appropriate.

If your child’s needs are complex, then the fact that Holly Swinton offers a full assessment, without the need to pay for a report, may mean that this gets you much better answers.

Which type of dyslexia assessment/screening is right for me?

Read Holly Swinton’s comprehensive guide to which type of dyslexia assessment is best suited to you.

How much does a dyslexia assessment cost?

Learn more about Holly Swinton’s costs for a dyslexia assessment.