The Assessment Process
A full diagnostic assessment should feel calm, clear and supportive. Here is exactly what to expect at each stage of the process.
1. Booking Your Assessment
Once we agree a date, we’ll also confirm the venue — this can be at school/college, your home or my home, depending on where the person I'm assessing feels most comfortable. A £150 deposit is taken at this stage to secure the booking. Monthly payment plans are available.
2. Background Questionnaires
I will send two questionnaires:
- one for home
- one for school/ college (if applicable)
These help build a clear picture of educational history, strengths and the areas where they may have difficulties.
3. Checking Additional Requirements
Before the assessment day, I will check whether the person I'm assessing needs anything extra to feel comfortable, so everyone is on the same page and prepared. This may include:
- additional breaks
- movement breaks
- snacks
The aim is to make the day relaxed and accessible.
4. Final Payment
The remaining balance is due one week before the assessment date. Monthly payment plans are available.
5. The Assessment
The assessment typically lasts around 3 hours with lots of little breaks whenever needed. It investigates the key areas involved in reading, writing and learning:
- underlying verbal and visual ability
- working memory
- processing speed
- phonological awareness
- reading accuracy, fluency and comprehension
- spelling
- writing
This gives a detailed understanding of their cognitive and academic profile.
6. The Report
A full, parent friendly report is written and you will receive it within two weeks. It includes:
- explanation of test results
- a summary of whether dyslexia has been diagnosed
- clarity about areas of strength and difficulty
- tailored recommendations for home and school
- next steps for support
7. Follow-Up Zoom Call
Once you have read the report, we arrange a Zoom call to go through any questions. This conversation is an important part of helping you feel confident about the findings and next steps.
The Report
Your report is written to be clear, supportive and easy to understand. Each section helps you see how your child learns, where their strengths lie and what they may need moving forward.
1. Was dyslexia diagnosed?
This section tells you whether the person assessed meets the criteria for dyslexia and describes their learning profile clearly.
2. History
A summary of the information shared by you and school about early development, education, interests and any concerns. This helps connect what happens at home and school with what is seen in the assessment.
4. Thinking and Understanding Skills
This section explores vocabulary, understanding spoken language and problem-solving. These skills support reading, writing and everyday learning.
5. Reading, Writing and Spelling
A clear look at performance in literacy tasks, showing their strengths as well as the areas they may find difficult.
6. How the Brain Processes
This section looks at key processes such as working memory, processing speed and pattern recognition. These help explain why some tasks feel easier or harder.
7. Looking a Little Deeper
If extra assessments were needed, they are explained here. This may include coordination tests or attention and focus screeners to help build a fuller picture.
8. What Will Help Next — Personalised Recommendations
This is the heart of the report. It turns assessment results into practical ideas you can use straight away at home and school.
You will receive guidance on:
- supporting reading, spelling and writing
- building on strengths
- creating a supportive learning environment
- tools and approaches that make learning more manageable
- ways to boost confidence and independence
If the person assessed chooses to go to university in the future, a diagnostic assessment completed by an assessor with an APC (Assessment Practising Certificate) also enables them to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). This provides extra support and equipment during higher education.