Pre Assessment
We will begin with an initial phone call or email to determine whether a full assessment is appropriate for your child.
You will be asked to complete a visual difficulties questionnaire and a parent questionnaire which collects important information about your child’s developmental history, current needs and concerns. Your child and their school will also be asked to complete questionnaires.
Please ensure that a standard eye test has been conducted within the two years prior to the assessment.
The Assessment
The assessment takes around 3.5 hours, including movement breaks and a snack. We will start with an informal chat to help put your child at ease, discussing their hobbies, likes, dislikes and areas they would like to improve. I shall explain what to expect during the assessment and be able to answer any questions they may have about the process. Your child will be provided with an age-appropriate visual planner, which helps them see what activities are coming next and gives them a clear sense of what to expect throughout the session.
Please ensure that your child remembers their glasses or coloured overlays if they normally use them. They are welcome to bring their own water and snack, although these will be provided.
The assessment evaluates cognitive skills including verbal and non-verbal ability, working memory, processing speed, and phonological awareness. It also measures attainment levels of reading, writing and spelling. Activities are varied which help maintain engagement. Most children report that they have enjoyed the experience.
Post Assessment
You will receive a detailed report by email (password encrypted) no later than three weeks after the assessment.
A diagnostic decision will be made based on collating the background information, observations and the test results.
The report will include:
A three page summary of the findings from the assessment and background information from home, school and/or other agencies
A detailed analysis of the test results including :
general underlying verbal and non verbal ability
cognitive processing - phonological skills, memory, processing speed
attainment levels in reading, writing and spelling
A conclusion of all the findings with the diagnostic decision.
Key recommendations. Tailored and specific recommendations for school, specialist tutor and home will be provided that harness your child’s strengths and support their weaknesses. If appropriate, exam access arrangements will be recommended.
Onward referrals to other specialists if applicable.
A table of the test scores.
Brief explanations of the tests used in the assessment are included for reference.
I will be happy to arrange a follow up either on the phone or in person if required to answer any queries you may have about the findings of the report.
A full diagnostic assessment costs £500
Diagnostic Assessment
Reasons to choose a full diagnostic assessment:
Your child is 8 years or above and is experiencing difficulties in developing their reading, spelling and writing skills.
It provides a comprehensive analysis of your child’s cognitive strengths and difficulties and how these affect their literacy attainment levels.
It identifies the underlying causes of their specific difficulties and highlights specific and tailored recommendations for the school, specialist tutor and home.
It can help your child understand their preferred learning style and also explain why some aspects of learning are challenging. This self knowledge supports self-esteem.
It may recommend Reasonable Adjustments such as extra time or rest breaks to enable your child to fully access the curriculum and exams.
It places families in a stronger position when requesting specific support.
The diagnosis can be used if applying for DSA (Disabled Students’ Allowance) for further education. This is a non means-tested allowance that covers costs including equipment (e.g. laptops, assistive software) and support (e.g. study skills tutors). This is only applicable where the assessor holds an APC certificate.