Spld
Assessments
(East Midlands)
PATOSS Professional Member
Mr Ed Garnham MBPsS, BA(Hons), PGCE, CertEd (SPLD), DipPsych, CertEd (SLD/PMLD), DipCBSS, PPM
Dyslexia Diagnosis /
Full SpLD Assessment
​
This is one service at one fixed cost regardless of the range of SpLDs explored (£500). I will not charge separately for an assessment that identifies DCD and ADHD and Dyslexia for example (as is common). I work alone to minimise costs and keep well below the rates of bigger agencies. This is a big expense for most people, so I do my best to minimise cost and provide maximum value by going clearly above and beyond when I can. An added bonus is that you will deal only with me directly throughout the process and after.
​
I will conduct a full SpLD assessment reacting to any concerns you tell me about before we meet or during the assessment. The resulting very detailed report will meet the highest standards - set by the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC). The report is completed usually within one week and will identify recommendations tailored to the individual, focussing on school, student life or the workplace with a lifelong view.
This will be made as pleasant as possible, which is really important because people are often a little nervous. It is a necessary skill to ensure people of any age are comfortable and able to show their abilities. I'm very used to small children or people as old as me and I see a lot of students too.
​
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's always 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).
​
If dyslexia is identified, it will be formally diagnosed alongside other identified SpLDs and difficulties. Specific recommendations will be provided for DCD or ADHD if warranted, with variations based on the individual's age.
​​
-
Under 16s: For younger people, the process may involve a referral to their GP along with detailed advice for supporting all identified needs within the assessment report. There are clear professional boundaries to respect when addressing DCD and ADHD in younger children as there are paediatric pathways available, but needs will be communicated assertively. It can be tempting for assessors to be cautious here, but from my experience within the NHS and with past clients, I can assure you that validated, thoughtful referrals are very helpful. The focus here will often be on predicting challenges, ensuring good communication of needs to all parties, suggesting appropriate support, and helping with any necessary referrals identified. Often difficulties are regarded in isolation so gathering all angles together can make things clearer for all.
-
Higher Education: Universities will be able to support to you with an educational psychologist or specialist teacher's report identifying DCD, Dyslexia or ADHD. Please check with them first about what support they can provide, as this can vary.
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 in isolation.
This is a choice you must make yourself but should also discuss with your GP and Student Support Services. I provide educational assessments focussed on advice and engagement of appropriate support for you as a student, so a bursary may be available for you to help 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.
-
​Beyond Education: 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.
​​​​Option 2: Screening
This may be a more suitable option if you are uncertain, although we can often establish possibility/risk without this. Call me to discuss and we may be able to decide if it is a good step or not. Sometimes I may need to refer you to a different route if I think this is appropriate. For example with visual issues or hearing problems. Screening in person allows a higher level of accuracy than software or other systems commonly used in schools and universities and I see several false negatives but also a few false positives. In short they do not detect everyone or do this accurately. Screening programs can be misinterpreted and rely on computer programs to administer tests. The report provided is more succinct than a full diagnostic assessment, which will dramatically reduce the time needed and cost of the assessment. However, I will use many of the same tests we would use in a full assessment and so it will be possible to upgrade this to a full assessment and report. This may be helpful if evidence is required and this is recommended if dyslexia or other SpLDs are identified. A full assessment report can be invaluable for many but is not always essential for everyone.