Spld
Assessments
PATOSS Professional Member
(East Midlands)
Mr Ed Garnham BA(Hons), PGCE, CertEd (SPLD), DipPsych, CertEd (SLD/PMLD), DipCBSS, PPM
Dyslexia Diagnosis / Full SpLD Assessment
I provide a comprehensive assessment for Specific Learning Differences (SpLDs)
There is a single fixed cost of £500. Whether the results highlight dyslexia, SpLD in Maths/dyscalculia, Dyspraxia (DCD), ADHD, or a combination, there are no extra charges.
From start to finish, you will deal directly with me. Each assessment is tailored to your needs. I listen carefully to any concerns raised before or during the process. I'd aim to give you some immediate feedback and advice but the service does not stop there.
The outcome is a thorough, high-quality report that meets the standards of the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC). Reports are typically completed within one week and provide clear, practical recommendations with a lifelong view, whether for school, university, or the workplace. I'm happy to follow this up with further consultation if this is helpful.
It's really important to make the experience as comfortable and reassuring as possible.
Many people feel a little nervous about an assessment. We need to create a calm and supportive environment where you (or your child) can feel at ease. We can go at whatever pace works best.
I have decades of experience working with young children, students, and adults of all ages, and no two assessments are fully alike.
_edited.jpg)
As a certified SpLD assessor registered with PATOSS, the report remains valid for life, even if the assessment is conducted during school age. Therefore, it's recommended to undergo assessment as early as possible to ensure timely support and accommodations.
To avoid repeated assessments and be as accurate as possible, it can be important to look for a wide range of SpLDs and other possible issues in the same assesment, amongst other things. This allows consideration of other (possibly hidden) factors and how these may be working together.
These conditions can often seem similar, and it's quite common to identify multiple SpLDs in varying degrees. In fact it was once said that this is '...the rule rather than the exception' (Maggie Snowling).
Please refer to the guidance below depending on your age and situation.
For younger people, the process will involve formal diagnosis of difficulties in Literacy (Dyslexia) or Maths (SpLD in Mathematics / Dyscalculia), but may also include a referral to their GP along with detailed advice in the report for supporting all identified needs. It’s important to respect professional boundaries when considering DCD or ADHD in children, as there are established paediatric pathways. However, I make sure that needs are communicated clearly and assertively. It is very useful to have all the information gathered, including a large amount of (psychometric) test results, and a conclusion about dyslexia when considering other conditions.
Over 16 and Higher Education Students
For university students, my reports are used as formal evidence for access Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) / student finance support. However an assessment should be more than just evidence. I regularly provide assessments that identify dyslexia, ADHD, DCD, or dyscalculia, ensuring that students can access the support they need to thrive in higher education. My support often involves timely mental health advice at this challenging time. Many people first notice that they need an assessment either here or at A-level for various reasons. Perhaps they have struggled through with extra effort, or felt they didn't quite get the grades they should have.
Here is a great video from the University of Nottingham which clearly explains all routes available for ADHD, as there are other options for assessing ADHD if you don't want to also assess dyslexia for example.
It can sometimes feel as though referrals are approached with unnecessary caution, but my experience in the NHS and with families over the years has shown that validated, well-considered referrals are extremely valuable. The focus for under-16s is often on:
-
anticipating potential challenges,
-
better understanding and motivation for the young person,
-
ensuring clear communication of needs to parents, schools, and professionals,
-
recommending appropriate support, and
-
helping to initiate any further referrals that may be required.
Difficulties are too often considered in isolation by different services. Bringing together all the information provides a clearer picture for everyone involved. This is my specialism.
Children and Young People
(Under 16)
I provide educational assessments focussed on advice and engagement of full appropriate support for you as a student, so (as mentioned in the video) a bursary may be available for you to cover the costs. From my experience, Student Support Services at universities have been highly effective at supporting people. Their support is very wide ranging, experienced, practical and delivered at the location of need without delay, so this is always encouraged while you are a student. Given the complexity of these options, don't hesitate to get in touch via call or email for further clarification. Ensuring you're properly informed in this matter is crucial and I wouldn't take you on unless I thought I was the best match. I'm here for free advice if you are just feeling confused.
Adult/Workplace assessments
For those who have completed their education, the focus shifts to supporting them in life and the workplace. This may entail suggesting suitable alterations, engaging with coaching and CBT approaches and personal 'psychoeducation'. Many simply seek recognition and understanding.
Screening
This option may be suitable if you’re uncertain about whether a full diagnostic assessment is needed. In many cases, we can identify the possibility or risk of difficulties without going through the full process. Feel free to call me for a discussion, and together we can decide whether this is the right step. Sometimes, if I feel another route would be more appropriate (for example, if there are visual or hearing concerns), I may suggest a referral elsewhere.
In-person screening offers greater accuracy than the software-based systems often used in schools and universities. These programs can produce both false negatives and false positives, meaning they sometimes miss difficulties or suggest them where none exist. They can also be open to misinterpretation, as their focus is almost always too narrow.
The report you receive from screening is more concise than a full diagnostic assessment, which makes the process quicker and more affordable. However, I still use many of the same tests as I would in a full assessment, so if needed, it is straightforward to upgrade to a full report later. This is particularly important if formal evidence is required, and it is strongly recommended if dyslexia in particular identified.
While a full diagnostic assessment can be invaluable (especially for gaining access to support in education or the workplace) it isn’t always essential for everyone. Screening can therefore be a very useful first step.