The initial discussion, which will take place via phone or Zoom, serves as the foundation for the dyslexia assessment; allowing us to tailor our approach, understand the specific concerns and context, and build a collaborative relationship with parents to support the individual’s needs effectively. It is a pivotal step in the process, setting the stage for a thorough and individualised assessment.

We gather background information to better understand an individual’s history, experiences, and potential contributing factors to their learning differences. This information helps in making a more accurate diagnosis and developing appropriate interventions.

Educational History: We will inquire about the child’s educational history, starting from nursery. This may include questions about the child’s experiences in various educational settings, any past evaluations or assessments, and notable difficulties they may have faced in school.

Parental Concerns: During this discussion, we actively listen to the parents’ concerns and observations regarding their child’s learning and behaviour. These concerns are essential in understanding what has prompted the assessment and where the child may be struggling. Parents or guardians are encouraged to share their personal insights and experiences with their child. These insights can be invaluable in providing a holistic understanding of the child’s learning journey.

Goals and Expectations: The discussion often includes parents’ expectations and goals for the assessment process. What are they hoping to achieve through this assessment? What support or interventions are they seeking for their child?

Family History: We may also inquire about any family history of learning difficulties, as certain learning challenges, including dyslexia, can have a genetic component.

Psychosocial and Emotional Factors: It is not uncommon for assessors to explore the child’s psychosocial and emotional well-being. This helps us understand any potential emotional impact of learning difficulties on the child, such as self-esteem or anxiety issues.

Medical and Developmental History: Details about the child’s medical and developmental history, including any relevant health conditions or early interventions, are considered to gain a comprehensive view of the child’s background.

Confidentiality and Consent: Confidentiality and consent procedures are typically discussed. Parents are informed about how the information will be used and shared within the assessment process.

The assessment consists of three areas:

Underlying Cognitive Ability – This includes assessing for verbal, visual and overall abilities Cognitive Profile – Working memory, phonological awareness and processing speed Attainment – Single word reading, reading comprehension, fluency and speed, spelling, writing and maths (if requested)

The assessment will take up to three hours to complete, depending on the circumstances. Following the assessment, individuals will receive a comprehensive report within 3 weeks outlining the findings and recommendations based on the results. It will outline the individual's cognitive strengths and highlight any areas of talent or proficiency that can be leveraged to support their learning process. Identifying these strengths is crucial as it allows for the development of personalised strategies and interventions tailored to the individual's unique needs.

The report will include detailed recommendations for support and interventions. These recommendations may include specific teaching approaches, assistive technology tools, and accommodations that can be implemented to facilitate learning and reduce the impact of SpLD on academic performance. It may also suggest educational resources, tutoring programs, or specialised intervention services that can further enhance the individual's learning experience. In order to ensure the successful implementation of the recommendations, the report may also provide information on training and support opportunities for educators, parents, and other individuals involved in the child's educational journey. This will help create a supportive environment that can maximise the child’s potential and foster positive academic and emotional outcomes.

After receiving the diagnostic assessment report, it is crucial for parents to discuss the findings and recommendations with relevant professionals, such as school SENCo, teachers, or therapists. This collaborative approach will enable the development and implementation of a comprehensive and tailored support plan.