Why have an Diagnostic assessment for Dyslexia?

Assessments FAQs

What is the difference between an Educational Psychologist assessment and a Specialist Teacher assessment?

Both Specialist Teachers (who are AMBDA qualified and may hold an Assessment Practising Certificate, APC) and Psychologists are able to accurately assess for dyslexia; in practice there is very little difference between the two.

There may be some instances where an Educational Psychologist needs to be used instead of a Specialist Teacher, for example where an individual has more complex or multiple needs or where it is felt that they may have co-occurring difficulties (where an individual has other Specific Learning Difficulties alongside their dyslexia). In such cases the additional tests used by psychologists may be able to tease out these subtle differences in an individual's overall profile.

Specialist teachers usually have more experience working, and often teaching, in an educational setting.

Both Specialist Teachers and Educational Psychologists can diagnose dyslexia and can make recommendations about how the individual can best be supported.

Where an assessment is being used to support disciplinary/dismissal/tribunal activities we would recommend an Educational or Occupational Psychologist carries out the assessment. Also if your child is likely to need an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in the future.

What is an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and who is given one?

An EHCP is given to individuals with significant and/or complex needs. It outlines the individual’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) and the requirements for the individual’s education in terms of placement and curriculum adjustments that are required.

An EHCP is given to individuals who are either needing a placement at a specialist resource provision (special school) or need significant adjustments to the curriculum and/or significant amounts of 1:1 support in a mainstream school. An EHCP can be given at any age from birth and lasts until the individual is 25 years old.

Individuals with EHCPs usually have needs in more than one area and it is extremely rare for an EHCP to be awarded to a child who only has dyslexia. Their academic performance would need to be significantly behind their peers. For example, a child in year 5 or 6 would need to be working at the level of a child in Reception/Year one therefore approx. 5 years behind.

How are children supported in school if they do not have an EHCP but need additional support?

Schools are required under the Equality Act (2010) to provide ‘reasonable adjustments’ to ensure that a child can access the curriculum and learn in line with their peers. Schools have systems in place for identifying the needs of individuals and working together with the parents/carers to ensure every child is supported and can make progress at school.

If I have a full diagnostic assessment for dyslexia and my child is found to have dyslexia, what can I expect from the school in terms of support?

Under the Equality Act (2010) schools must engage in a discussion with the parent/carer to ensure they are meeting the child’s needs. The school does not have to put in place every recommendation made by the assessor, but they do need to consider what is needed and what is reasonable within their budget and staffing resourcing.

If my child has dyslexia, will they automatically get extra time or other adjustments in exams?

No, exam access arrangements are carried out by the school at the time of the exams taking place. Many children get access arrangements without a diagnosis based on their needs. Having a diagnosis and assessment report may however help you as the parent/carer to discuss the need to have your child assessed for access arrangements.

Why do I need to ensure my child has had an eyesight test (within 12 months) before the assessment?

Reading and spelling are, in part, both visual activities. Therefore, we must ensure that your child does not have any visual difficulties before investigating other reasons to explain their lack of progress in reading and/or spelling. If these visual issues are not picked up before the assessment it may result in an inconclusive outcome (i.e. an unconfirmed diagnosis). This may mean you may have to pay for another diagnosis at a later date after the visual difficulties have been investigated. Therefore, we require the child to go for a sight test and if visual discomfort are being reported such as words moving around on the page, blurring, tired, watery or gritty eyes etc then mention these at the appointment. The Optometrist (who carries out the eye test) will refer on to an Ophthalmologist if difficulties are identified.

Can Diagnostic Assessment Reports be used in a court of law?

Reports following a Diagnostic assessment are not intended to be used in a court of law. If you require the assessment for a tribunal or court case you would require an expert witness. Our Helpline may be able to advise you. Helpline