Why have a Diagnostic assessment for Dyslexia?

General Assessments FAQs

What is the difference between a 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 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 a 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 a Remote Assessment?

In 2021, SASC (SpLD Assessment Standards Committee), approved for remote assessments to be equally recognised and valid as a face-to-face assessment. This means that schools, colleges, universities and workplaces recognise a remote assessment as equally valid as a face-to-face assessment.

There is no difference in the assessment. A remote assessment requires the person being assessed to meet with the assessor online via a video conferencing tool such as Zoom. The person being assessed requires a quiet room for the assessment, a good internet connection, a large tablet, laptop or desktop computer with a minimum of a 14” screen. They must also have a suitable microphone, camera and speaker/headphone facilities. If necessary, there can be a facilitator in a nearby location ready to offer support with any technical aspects of the remote assessment session. Remote assessment guidance for individuals and or parents

Can Diagnostic Assessment Reports be used in a court of law?
If you require an assessment specifically for a tribunal or court case our assessors are unable to provide this. You may find someone through The British Psychological Society. https://portal.bps.org.uk/Psychologist-Search/Directory-of-Expert-Witnesses

Child Assessment FAQs

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. In order to have access arrangements for GCSEs, A-Levels and a range of other qualifications, testing for the specific exam application has to be completed internally by the school or college. 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. The SENCo (or equivalent) is responsible for ensuring that the relevant tests are completed, that the teachers have completed the evidence as to ‘normal way of working’ and that an application is made to the relevant exam board for exam access arrangements. Exam Access Arrangements

Why do I need to ensure the person being assessed has had an eyesight test (children within 12 months/ adults within 2 years) before the assessment?

Reading and spelling are, in part, both visual activities. Therefore, we must ensure that their are not have any visual difficulties before investigating other reasons to explain a 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 an up to date 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.