DYSLEXIA ASSESSMENTS
Please note that the Dyslexia Association of London does not offer assessments.
However, you can find further information below on where to get help for assessments.
ADULT
Children
ADULT ASSESSMENTS
ADULT
WORK
If you believe you have Dyslexia, and it is impacting your work you should speak to your employer as soon as possible. In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, An employer is legally obliged and has a duty of care to ensure employees with dyslexia are not treated unfavourably because of their dyslexia.
The employer is not obliged to provide support for a dyslexia assessment, although some may contribute to the cost of having an assessment for their employees, typically this is an individual’s responsibility. Employees are typically supported through reasonable adjustments provided by or supported by the employer. A formal assessment, although not necessary can help with getting the appropriate reasonable adjustments in place. The support provided by an employer is discretionary and depends on the resources available to them. If an employer requires a dyslexia assessment, then there are several organisations that offer these including those listed below:
- ACDA
- Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity – Assessments by Educational Psychologists
- BDA Dyslexia – Who are our assessors?
- Independent Dyslexia Consultants – Formal assessment
Alternatively, a workplace assessment can be provided by several private organisations and the governments’ Access to the Work grant scheme.
This ensures the appropriate reasonable adjustments are put in place to meet the individual’s needs and maintain a fair working environment.
ADULT
EDUCATION
Dyslexia is a protected characteristic in the Equality Act 2010, which means that education providers are legally obliged to make reasonable adjustments such that a person is not unfavourably disadvantaged because of their dyslexia. Adult further education students, apprentices and higher education learners at college or university are all eligible to additiional support to minimise the negative impact of dyslexia on their education.
To make the most of the available support, students should discuss their needs with the education provider at the earliest opportunity. Further education students and apprentices will receive Special Educational Needs (SEN) support without requiring a formal diagnosis of dyslexia. Higher education learners should contact the university or college Learning Support Officer, who will explain the available support and how to apply for a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). The DSA is a grant that can help pay the extra costs that the student may incur. A formal diagnosis and a Needs Assessment are required to obtain a DSA.
Support from the education provider will assist adult students, but it is essential to have other strategies to help with studying, such as organising limited time effectively. The British Dyslexia Association website provides some excellent example strategies, with further details on the level of support students can expect and how to access it.
ADULT
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
If now is the time to grasp the nettle and achieve your goals in work or life, then you may be considering understanding yourself better, making the most from your talents and develop areas that have prevented you from reaching your ambitions.
There are many approaches to achieving this and having an assessment is just one example.
The Dyslexia Association of London works with an adult educational specialist, Anna Cooper, who can help you to understand your learning profile and make the appropriate recommendations to set you on the path to reaching your ambitions.
Also, check out our past webinars when Anna joined us to discuss adult assessments and reports.
Children/Young People
Even though children can begin to show signs of dyslexia from a young age, it is typically not diagnosed until around 6 years old. That said, some children will not be diagnosed during their school years.
Dyslexia affects each individual differently, however, there are some signs that you can look out for in your child which may indicate dyslexia. These include:
Difficulty following instructions
Forgetful with words or unable to recognise words that are familiar to them
Stronger oral skills than written work
Poor comprehension skills
Disorganised
At secondary school these indicators become more specific and can include:
Confusing words
Confusing right and left
Clear difficulties processing information
Disorganised
Much stronger knowledge than is able to express in written form
If you believe your child has dyslexia, or their school has suggested an underlying issue, it is important that you speak to their class teacher and SENCO (special needs coordinator) as the school will be able to advise on the support available.
Parents/Guardians seeking independent dyslexia assessments for children can seek help from the following organisations: