Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does a dyslexia assessment take?

A: An initial dyslexia screening typically takes around one hour, providing a quick and informative overview of your child’s needs. For a diagnostic dyslexia assessment, I recommend setting aside a full day, ensuring a thorough evaluation tailored to your child’s unique learning profile.

Q: Where does dyslexia testing take place?

A: The right location can be discussed to suit the needs of the individual being assessed. I can adapt my practice to provide a calm and nurturing environment. 

• At my home
• In your own home
• In school (with permission)
• Online

Q: How far will you travel for a Dyslexia Assessment?

A: I am happy to conduct assessments either face-to-face or online, providing flexibility to suit your needs. For face-to-face assessments that require significant travel from Northamptonshire, additional costs may apply, which will be clearly discussed in advance.

Q: Can I speak with you before the assessment?

A: It is a necessary stage before the assessment takes place. I will require background information, 2 weeks prior to the assessment, in the form of questionnaires, followed by a relaxed chat to answer any of your questions or to gain any further information I might need.

Q: How long after the assessment will I get feedback?

A: The timeframe can vary depending on each individual case, but to ensure accurate and thorough results, you can expect to receive the outcome within three weeks of the assessment.

Q: What should I bring to a dyslexia assessment?

A: This depends on the location of the assessment and can be discussed beforehand. Comfort is paramount to ensure a relaxed and proactive environment.

Q: How much does a dyslexia assessment cost?

A:  Pricing is designed to reflect the thoroughness and expertise of the assessment process. 

• Initial Dyslexia Assessment - £195
• Formal Dyslexia Assessment (Under 16) - £475
• Formal Dyslexia Assessment - Post 16 - £475

Q: What is your payment procedure?

A: To secure your assessment appointment, the fee is requested upfront. Payments can be conveniently made via bank transfer.

Q: What qualifications do you have?

A: I have the following qualifications alongside extensive experience: 

• A Master's level postgraduate Diploma in Specific Learning Difficulties & Inclusion.
• Assessment Practice Certificate
• BA(Hons) in Childhood and Adolescence Studies

Q: Do you have a DBS (formerly CRB) check?

A: Yes, I hold a current DBS certificate.

Q: Can you check for anything other than dyslexia?

A: Dyslexia is my area of specialism; I am not able to formally diagnose any other form of SpLD. However, I have extensive knowledge of how dyslexia can co-occur with other conditions, such as ADHD, Autism, Developmental coordination disorder, and Dyscalculia. I can offer support and guidance in relation to onward referrals, both verbally and in the form of a referral letter.

Q: Will the assessment be stressful for my child?

A: Not at all. In fact, many children enjoy the assessment process. My relaxed, child-focused approach, built on years of teaching experience, helps children feel comfortable and engaged. Most appreciate having dedicated time to explore how they learn and think.

During the assessment, I focus on boosting self-esteem by highlighting their strengths and achievements. Any challenges are reframed as opportunities to understand how best to support their learning, ensuring that we work smarter, not harder.

Q: How young is ‘too young’ for a dyslexia assessment?

A: I assess children aged 7 and above.

Q: Do you work with schools?

A: Yes, I work with schools and educational settings. I can provide individual assessments at the standard rates or offer a reduced rate for multiple assessments, making it flexible and cost-effective for schools.

Q: Do you assess adults?

A: Yes, I assess individuals at all stages of life. Some are students seeking support at college or university, while others are professionals who have been managing undiagnosed dyslexia. Many adults discover that their current roles may not fully align with their dyslexic strengths and challenges.

Whatever your situation, I can help you develop a clear plan of action to achieve your goals and access the support you need.

Q: Do you work with employers?

A: Yes, I frequently work with managers who want to support employees they suspect may be dyslexic.  I can assist by providing a clear action plan along with an officially recognised dyslexia diagnosis to guide appropriate support.

Q: What tests are used in a dyslexia assessment?

A: I use a rigorous suite of highly regarded diagnostic tests to provide a thorough and accurate assessment of dyslexia. Core testing typically includes assessments of underlying cognitive ability, reading, spelling, phonological processing, rapid naming, and short-term and working memory.

Some of the tests I select from include:

SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC) approved tests:

• Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement: Third Edition (KTEA-3)
• Intelligence and Development Scales Second Edition (IDS-2)
• Wechsler Individual Achievement Test: Third Edition (WIAT-III)
• Test of Dyslexia (TOD)
• Academic Achievement Battery (AAB)
• Oral Passage Understanding Scale (OPUS)
• TAPS-4: A language Processing Skills Assessment
• Test of Adolescent/Adult Word Finding: Second Edition (TAWF-2)
• Cognitive Assessment System - Second Edition (CAS-2)
• Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales, Second Edition (RIAS-2)
• Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing 2 (CTOPP-2)
• Feifer Assessment of Reading (FAR)
• Phonological Assessment Battery (PHAB2)
• Raven's 2 Progressive Matrices
• Test of Word Reading Efficiency: Second Edition (TOWRE)
• Gray Oral Reading Tests: Fifth Edition (GORT-S)
• Helen Arkell Spelling Test 2 (HAST-2)
• Wide Range Achievement Test version 5 (WRATJ)
• Test of Orthographical Competence 2nd Edition (TOC-2)
• Detailed Assessment of Speed of Handwriting 2 (DASH-2)
• Rapid Automatised Naming and Rapid Alternating Stimulus Test (RAN/RAS)
• Test of Information Processing Skills (TIPS)
• Woodcock Johnson Test of Oral Language (WJIVOL)
• Test of Memory and Learning second edition (TOMAL-2)

This comprehensive approach allows me to understand your child’s unique learning profile, strengths, and areas of challenge, ensuring tailored recommendations and support strategies.

Q: I already have a dyslexia assessment, but need help supporting my child – can you assist?

A: Yes, I can help. I offer comprehensive action plans tailored to your child’s specific needs, as well as consultations in person or over the phone. For ongoing support, please also see information about my specialist tutoring services.

Q: How is your service different from what my child might receive at school?

A: School-based support often consists of broad coverage interventions or basic-level assistive technology. This is due to limited resources, which can be understandable but sometimes frustrating for parents. With my service, you can be confident that your child will receive a comprehensive, definitive assessment, rather than a general progress check, providing clear insights and tailored recommendations.

Q: Why choose a full assessment rather than a screening test?

A: A full assessment provides you/your child with a lifelong diagnosis that can support you/your child throughout life. While a screening can indicate whether dyslexia is likely, a full assessment provides a detailed understanding of individual, specific difficulties. The more comprehensive the testing, the more accurate the results, helping to prevent years of effort spent on the wrong strategies.

A full assessment also equips you/your child with tailored, practical recommendations. This allows you to implement support yourself, share strategies with your child’s school, or work with a trusted tutor—often saving the cost of additional specialist services.

Q: What is Disability Student Allowance (DSA)?

A: DSA provides financial support to make sure Students (16+) can fully participate in their studies, on an equal basis with other students. It is not a loan - it doesn't need to be repaid, and it's not based on income, but an individual's need. It is necessary to have a formal diagnosis of dyslexia to be eligible for DSA consideration.

Q: Why does it cost that amount? 

A: A formal dyslexia assessment can seem expensive, but that is because it involves a detailed professional process. 

Expert knowledge through intensive training in understanding how people learn and process information.

Time and Care - the full assessment usually takes 3-4 hours (sometimes longer). This one-to-one testing, plus additional time before and after assessment for me to analyse the data and write a detailed and lengthy report, which is tailored to the specific needs of the individual.

Specialised tests and materials - I use licensed testing tools that must be purchased, updated, and used responsibly, adding to the overall cost.