Frequently Asked Questions About Dyslexia and SpLD Assessments

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If you're considering a dyslexia assessment for yourself or your child, you'll probably have quite a few questions. That's completely understandable. ​​Here are answers to some of the questions I'm most frequently asked.

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How much does a private dyslexia assessment cost?

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A full diagnostic dyslexia assessment with me costs £500. This includes an individual assessment, a detailed diagnostic report and practical recommendations based on your particular strengths and difficulties.

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I also offer a screening-first option costing £250. If you subsequently decide to proceed to a full diagnostic assessment, the additional cost is £250, bringing the total to £500.

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Where appropriate, I can consider several Specific Learning Difficulties as part of the assessment, rather than automatically charging separately for each area investigated.

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If you need comprehensive assessments for both dyslexia and dyscalculia, we should discuss this beforehand, as additional appointments and costs may be necessary.

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Students and employed adults may sometimes be able to obtain financial support towards assessment costs, so it's worth checking before booking.

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What is the difference between a dyslexia screening and a full diagnostic assessment?

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A dyslexia screening explores whether someone shows characteristics associated with dyslexia or other learning difficulties. It can help establish whether a full diagnostic assessment would be worthwhile, but it does not provide a formal diagnosis.

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A full diagnostic assessment is more comprehensive. It involves exploring your background, experiences, strengths and difficulties alongside carefully selected standardised tests. The findings are brought together in a detailed report, with a diagnosis where supported by the evidence and recommendations for appropriate support.

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My screening-first pathway costs £250, with the option to upgrade to a full diagnostic assessment for a further £250.

There is no obligation to continue if a full assessment doesn't appear necessary or you decide it isn't the right next step.

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How do I know if I or my child needs a dyslexia assessment?

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A dyslexia assessment may be helpful if you or your child experience persistent difficulties with reading, spelling, writing or aspects of learning that seem harder than expected.

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Sometimes the concerns are less obvious. Difficulties with memory, organisation, processing information, attention or maths can also be part of a wider picture.

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However, these difficulties don't automatically mean someone has dyslexia. There can be several possible explanations, and different conditions can overlap.

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That's why I offer a free initial conversation. We can discuss what's happening, what you've already tried and whether an assessment is likely to be helpful.

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I don't believe anyone should pay for an assessment unless there's a good reason to think it will be useful.

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What age can a child have a dyslexia assessment?

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Children can be assessed for dyslexia at different ages, although a full diagnostic assessment is generally easier to complete and interpret reliably from around eight years old.

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I occasionally assess younger children, depending on their circumstances, but sometimes screening, advice or targeted support is a better first step.

There is no need to wait until a child has experienced years of difficulty before seeking advice.

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An assessment can help parents and teachers understand a child's individual learning profile, recognise their strengths and identify approaches that may make school more manageable.

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If you're unsure whether your child is old enough, please get in touch. I'm happy to discuss the options.

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Can adults be assessed for dyslexia?

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Yes. Dyslexia can be identified in adulthood, and there is no upper age limit for assessment.

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Many adults have spent years developing ways of coping with difficulties in reading, writing, spelling, memory, organisation or processing information. Some have become extremely successful while still finding particular tasks disproportionately difficult or exhausting.

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Others only begin to recognise possible dyslexia when their children experience similar difficulties.

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An adult dyslexia assessment can help explain these patterns, identify strengths and difficulties, and provide recommendations for work, further education or everyday life.

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Sometimes simply understanding why you've always found certain things difficult can make a considerable difference.

How long does a dyslexia assessment take?

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A dyslexia assessment with me usually takes less than two hours, although some assessments take longer depending on the individual and the areas being investigated.

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Younger children may need more frequent breaks, while assessments involving several possible Specific Learning Difficulties can require additional time.

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Occasionally, it makes more sense to spread an assessment across two appointments rather than try to complete everything in one session.

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I don't believe in rushing people through tests. The assessment should be thorough, but it should also be comfortable and manageable.

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We can discuss how much time to allow before your appointment.

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What happens during a dyslexia assessment?

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A dyslexia assessment involves discussing your background and experiences, completing a selection of standardised tests, and exploring your individual strengths and difficulties.

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Depending on your circumstances, I may investigate reading, spelling, writing, memory, processing speed, aspects of maths and other relevant areas.

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The assessment is tailored to the individual. Not everyone needs the same tests.

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I'm interested in understanding how you approach tasks, what comes naturally and where you may be using considerably more effort than expected.

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There are no grades to achieve, and you don't need to revise or prepare for the tests.

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Where possible, I'll discuss my initial impressions with you at the end of the appointment, rather than leaving you wondering what happens next.

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Can a dyslexia assessment identify ADHD, dyscalculia or dyspraxia?

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A comprehensive SpLD assessment can explore difficulties associated with dyslexia, dyscalculia, attention, memory, processing and coordination. However, there are important differences between identifying characteristics and making a formal diagnosis.

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Dyslexia, ADHD, dyscalculia and DCD/dyspraxia can sometimes produce similar difficulties, and they can also occur together.

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Where appropriate, I can investigate relevant areas, document the difficulties identified and recommend further assessment.

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Formal diagnosis of conditions such as ADHD or DCD falls within specific professional and clinical pathways, and I don't attempt to replace those services.

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My aim is to understand the wider picture and help you decide what support or further investigation might be useful.

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How long does it take to receive a dyslexia assessment report?

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You'll usually receive your diagnostic assessment report within one week of your appointment, often sooner.

The report explains the findings, identifies your individual pattern of strengths and difficulties, and provides practical recommendations.

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For children, this may include suggestions for school and home. For adults and students, recommendations may relate to work, study, technology or other everyday activities.

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If you have an urgent deadline, please let me know when you enquire. I'll always try to help where possible.

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I'm also happy to discuss the report afterwards if anything needs explaining or you'd like advice about the next steps.

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Can a private dyslexia assessment be used for university support or Disabled Students' Allowance?

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Yes. A diagnostic dyslexia assessment completed by an appropriately qualified professional can provide evidence for university support and may be used when applying for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), subject to the relevant eligibility and evidence requirements.

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I hold a current Assessment Practising Certificate through PATOSS and provide diagnostic reports in accordance with current professional standards.

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Universities may use assessment findings to consider reasonable adjustments, specialist study support and assistive technology.

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If you're already at university, I'd recommend contacting your Disability or Student Support Service before arranging an assessment. They can advise you about the evidence required and whether any financial assistance towards assessment costs is available.

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Can a dyslexia assessment help at work?

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Yes. A dyslexia assessment can help adults understand difficulties that affect their work and identify strategies or adjustments that may be useful.

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These might involve reading and writing, processing information, memory, organisation, time management or working with numbers.

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An assessment can provide evidence that may be relevant when discussing reasonable adjustments with an employer or exploring workplace support.

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However, the value isn't always about obtaining formal support. For some people, understanding their own learning profile is just as important.

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The aim is to identify practical ways of working that make better use of your strengths and reduce unnecessary difficulties.

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Will my dyslexia diagnosis remain valid for life?

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Dyslexia is a lifelong learning difference, and a properly established diagnosis does not simply expire.

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A diagnostic assessment report can remain useful throughout education, employment and adult life.

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However, universities, examination bodies, employers and funding organisations may have their own requirements concerning the type of evidence they accept. Occasionally, updated information or further assessment may be needed for a particular purpose.

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I try to take a long-term view when writing reports, so that the findings and recommendations remain useful beyond your immediate circumstances.

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Can a parent, partner or another person attend the assessment?

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Yes, although the arrangements depend on the individual and what will make the assessment most comfortable.

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Parents are welcome to attend with younger children, and children can take breaks with their parent when needed.

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Older students and adults often prefer to complete the assessment independently, particularly when discussing personal experiences or difficulties.

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I'm happy to talk through the arrangements beforehand. The priority is to create a relaxed environment where you or your child can do your best.

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How soon can I book a dyslexia assessment in Nottinghamshire?

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I try to offer appointments within a few weeks of an enquiry, although waiting times vary throughout the year.

During particularly busy periods, the wait can be longer, sometimes extending to several months.

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Cancellations do occasionally become available, so it's always worth asking if you need an assessment quickly.

I work directly with each person throughout the process, from the initial conversation to the assessment, report and any follow-up questions.

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If you have an important deadline, please let me know and I'll do my best to accommodate it.

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Where can I get a private dyslexia assessment in Nottinghamshire?

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I provide private dyslexia and Specific Learning Difficulties assessments from Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, for children, university students and adults.

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I work with people from Nottingham, the wider East Midlands and further afield.

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Assessments are tailored to the individual and can explore dyslexia alongside other relevant learning difficulties.

You can contact me directly for a free initial conversation about your concerns, the assessment process, costs and appointment availability.

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What if I have an assessment and it turns out I don't have dyslexia?

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Not everyone who experiences difficulties with reading, writing, memory, attention or learning has dyslexia.

Sometimes another explanation is more appropriate, and occasionally a full diagnostic assessment isn't necessary at all.

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If our initial conversation suggests that another service or a different approach would be more useful, I'll tell you.

Even during an appointment, if it becomes clear that a full diagnostic assessment is unlikely to be appropriate, we can discuss whether to stop rather than continue unnecessarily. In some circumstances, this can substantially reduce the cost.

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My priority is to help you understand what's happening and identify the right next step, rather than simply provide a diagnosis.

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Still unsure whether an assessment is right for you?

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You're very welcome to get in touch.

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I offer a free, no-obligation initial conversation by phone or email. We can talk about your concerns, whether an assessment would be worthwhile and what options might be most appropriate.

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Whether you're enquiring for yourself, your child or someone you're supporting, I'm happy to help you make an informed decision.

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Ed Garnham — Mr Ed

Specialist Dyslexia and SpLD Assessments

Hucknall, Nottinghamshire

Contact me