How is dyslexia diagnosed?
Dyslexia screening
Screening tests provide an indication of an individual’s strengths and weaknesses and can help indicate the possibility of a specific learning difficulty (SpLD), such as dyslexia. They do not provide a diagnosis, but can help determine whether further assessment or support may be needed.
Screening tests for children
Children in the UK are not routinely screened for dyslexia, although many schools use screening tools to support pupils with literacy difficulties.
Screening can help identify children who may benefit from additional support or a full diagnostic assessment.
Some screening tools must be used by qualified specialists, while others are designed to be accessible for parents and schools.
There are many screening tools available that families can use. The BDA has reviewed a range of these and considers Nessy to be a suitable screening tool for children aged 5–9, and Talamo for children aged 10–16.
Families can receive a 20% discount on these screening tools through the BDA. Talamo will also make a donation of 20% of the screener price to the BDA each time this discount is used. The BDA are using these donations to support our charitable objectives, including Helpine, providing confidential information, support and signposting for people with dyslexia and dyscalculia and those who support them.
Complete the form to receive your discount codes for these screeners:
Screening tests for adults
There are many online screening tools available for adults. These are easy to access and offer a lower-cost way to identify the likelihood of dyslexia and whether further support or a full diagnostic assessment may be helpful.
Some employers may accept a screening test as evidence to put simple reasonable adjustments in place. Screening tests are also accepted by the DVLA for access to adjustments in the driving theory test.
However, screening tests cannot be used to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), and are not usually accepted for exam access arrangements. A full diagnostic assessment from a qualified professional is typically required for DSA and Exam Arrangements requests must meet the requirements of the awarding body or Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ).
The BDA have not reviewed adult screening tools but plan to in the near future.
Find out more about Diagnostic Assessments on the BDA Assessment webpage.