Kate Worrall
Specialist Teacher and Assessor of Dyslexia
Assessment Service
Why do I need a dyslexia assessment?
An assessment for specific learning difficulties serves its best purpose if it supports and equips the student, parents/carers and school. It does not aim to simply provide a label, but to work out why a student is struggling to meet their potential, to identify strategies that should work, and to enable schools, parents and students in meeting the identified needs.
Where does the assessment take place?
I offer dyslexia assessment in Kent. Typically, my assessments take place at the client's home or at the student’s school over one weekday morning.
How do we collect the information?
A diagnosis of dyslexia is a process over time, so I ask for background information in advance to help inform the assessment; for example early development, family history, educational history, evidence of previous intervention and its impact. This comes from discussion with parents, school staff and the pupil themselves either via conversation or questionnaire.
The assessment itself includes a full set of tests to gain a cognitive profile: underlying ability (verbal and visual), memory skills, phonological skills, processing speed, attainment in literacy and number (if applicable). Assessment is child centred and led by previous information that I have gathered; each learner is unique and the tests I choose are determined by background information provided.
What does a dyslexia assessment involve?
How long does it take to get the results?
A full and detailed report, with recommendations, is sent 2 weeks after the assessment date.
How much does it cost?
£500 in total (for the assessment and the report)