PATOSS Professional Member
Mr Ed Garnham BA(Hons), PGCE, CertEd (SPLD), DipPsych, CertEd (SLD/PMLD), DipCBSS, PPM
I'm a psychologist and specialist assessor, with extensive experience in the assessment, diagnosis and understanding of neurodiversity and Specific Learning Differences, including:
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Dyslexia
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Dyscalculia and maths difficulties
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Dyspraxia / DCD
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ADHD and attention difficulties
I work with children, young people, university students and adults of all ages.
Sometimes, the main purpose of an assessment is simply to identify dyslexia and provide clear evidence in a written report. But you may also have other questions or areas you would like me to explore.
For me, an assessment is about more than identifying a particular diagnosis, even though that is a big part of the process.
I’d like you to see an assessment as an opportunity to understand things better, make life a little easier, and explore practical ways forward. Making it an enjoyable experience isn't against the rules either.
What you can expect
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A free initial conversation by phone or email to discuss your concerns and whether an assessment would be helpful.
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Flexible, individual assessments, face-to-face wherever possible, as I believe this usually gives us the best opportunity to understand the full picture.
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Experience across all ages, from primary-aged children and teenagers through to university students and adults.
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A broader approach, considering literacy, maths, attention, coordination, wellbeing and other factors where they are relevant, rather than automatically looking at one difficulty in isolation.
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Screening options when a full diagnostic assessment may not be the right first step.
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One person throughout, with no agencies or being passed between different professionals. You'll deal directly with me before, during and after your assessment.
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Practical, individual recommendations based on your results, circumstances and what you actually need next.
Understanding what's going on can make a real difference. Specific Learning Differences and other neurodevelopmental differences can affect much more than reading and writing. They can influence maths, memory, organisation, attention, coordination, confidence, education, work and everyday life.
Difficulties in these areas can sometimes have a significant impact on emotional wellbeing, particularly when someone has spent years not understanding why certain things seem harder for them than for other people.
The good news is that once we understand what's going on, there's often a great deal we can do.
Whatever your age or circumstances, my aim is to help you make sense of your strengths and difficulties, provide clear answers where possible, and identify practical strategies and support that can make a genuine difference.
