Dyslexia assessments
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a set of processing difficulties that affect the acquisition of reading and spelling.
Definition of dyslexia
A panel of dyslexia experts agreed this definition in 2025, in research known as the Delphi study. It has nine statements, and the British Dyslexia Association now uses it.
Show the full definition (9 statements)Hide the full definition
- Dyslexia is a set of processing difficulties that affect the acquisition of reading and spelling.
- In dyslexia, some or all aspects of literacy attainment are weak in relation to age, standard teaching and instruction, and level of other attainments.
- Across languages and age groups, difficulties in reading fluency and spelling are a key marker of dyslexia.
- Dyslexic difficulties exist on a continuum and can be experienced to various degrees of severity.
- The nature and developmental trajectory of dyslexia depend on multiple genetic and environmental influences.
- Dyslexia can affect the acquisition of other skills, such as mathematics, reading comprehension, or learning another language.
- The most commonly observed cognitive impairment in dyslexia is a difficulty in phonological processing (i.e. in phonological awareness, phonological processing speed or phonological memory). However, phonological difficulties do not fully explain the variability that is observed.
- Working memory, processing speed, and orthographic skills can contribute to the impact of dyslexia.
- Dyslexia frequently co-occurs with one or more other developmental difficulties, including developmental language disorder, dyscalculia, ADHD, and developmental coordination disorder.
Source: Carroll, J. M., Holden, C., Kirby, P., Thompson, P. A., Snowling, M. J., & the Dyslexia Delphi Panel (2025). Toward a consensus on dyslexia: findings from a Delphi study. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 66(7), 1065-1076. Reproduced under a CC BY 4.0 licence (opens in a new tab).
Assessments for every age
Assessments for children
For children under 16.
A clear, written picture of how your child learns, to guide support at school and at home.
How it works
- Before the assessment, I send three short forms: one for you, one for your child’s school, and one about any visual difficulties. Your child should also have had an eye test in the last two years.
- The assessment takes about three hours, face to face somewhere that suits you, or online.
- I write a report that follows SASC guidelines.
- Afterwards, we can go through the report together if you would like to.
Assessments for young people and adults
For anyone aged 16 and over, including students and people in work.
A clear, written picture of how you learn, to guide support at college, at university or at work.
How it works
- Before the assessment, I send you two short forms, one about your background and one about any visual difficulties. If you are studying, I also ask your school, college or university for some information. You should also have had an eye test in the last two years.
- The assessment is face to face somewhere that suits you, or online, and can take longer than three hours.
- If you are 18 or over, you can add ADHD and dyspraxia screening at an extra cost. This can support reasonable adjustments at college, at university or at work.
- I write a report that follows SASC guidelines.
£500for a full diagnostic assessment
The same price for every age, with a £50 deposit when you book.
An assessment for higher education or the workplace is £525.
ADHD and dyspraxia screening costs extra.
Travel: 45p per mile for face-to-face visits.
Not sure which assessment is right?
Call me and we can work it out together, including whether you need one at all. There is no obligation to book.
07738 307274
