Frequently asked questions
What happens before the dyslexia assessment?
After a date and time have been confirmed, an invoice will be sent. On receipt of the deposit, a parental and teacher questionnaire will be sent. This information will help inform the background information of the report.
What happens on the day of the assessment?
During a face-to-face assessment, a series of tests will be carried out and this takes around 2 and a half hours to complete. There will be one/two mini-breaks during the testing session, where the individual can have a drink and snack with their adult staying onsite.
What happens after the assessment?
Within 48 hours, verbal feedback is provided by telephone and this will confirm a dyslexia diagnosis (or not). A written report will follow within three weeks.
What happens if dyslexia is not diagnosed through a formal diagnostic assessment?
If dyslexia is not diagnosed or a report is not required, the client has the option to decline the report and will only have paid for the deposit and assessment. £200 will be refunded if a written report is not required.
How long does a dyslexia assessment take?
A Dyslexia Assessment is the only way to formally diagnose dyslexia and a diagnostic assessment takes around 2 and a half hours to complete. The assessment can be conducted over two shorter sessions if needed (this is usually over two consecutive days).
Where does the assessment take place?
Assessments are conducted in Maidstone, Kent (just off Junction 7 on the M20). A parent/carer is encouraged to stay onsite during the assessment. There is a side room where you can wait with access to Wifi and refreshments are available.
What does my individual need to bring with them?
It is recommended that an individual brings a drink and a snack with them during the assessment. If they wear glasses or use a colour overlay for reading, then please ensure they bring them with them.
What age can you diagnose dyslexia at?
Mid Kent Dyslexia can assess individuals for dyslexia from age 7 onwards as we comply with the SASC guidelines (SpLD Assessment Standards Committee).
What are the benefits of a diagnosis?
A diagnostic dyslexia assessment will confirm if an individual is dyslexic or not but most importantly, it will identify the areas one needs support in and also the types of support needed. Other benefits of an assessment include:
Formally diagnosing dyslexia
Identify the areas of support in and the types of support needed
Informing decisions made by the school about Access Arrangements
The report can be used as evidence to apply for DSA (Disabled Students’ Allowance) in England
What is the benefit of a dyslexia screener?
Dyslexia Screeners…
- Help identify general areas of literacy difficulties
- Guide teachers to develop appropriate interventions
- Can be completed remotely
- Are less expensive than a diagnostic assessment
- Are a good first step into exploring your individual’s literacy difficulties
- Is a useful tool to help indicate whether further investigation is appropriate.
What is the benefit of a dyslexia assessment?
A dyslexia assessment…
- Can formally diagnose dyslexia
- Is carried out by experienced specialist teachers
- Takes around 2 and 1/2 hours to administer
- Identifies an individual’s strengths and weaknesses
- Provides recommendations on how best to support an individual at home and in school
- Includes a written report
- The report can be used to advise on access arrangements
- The report can be used to support applications for DSA in higher education
Who gets a copy of a dyslexia report?
The report will be completed within three weeks and will be supplied by a password-protected PDF document to the parent/carer of the individual who requested the assessment. This report can then be shared with teachers, tutors and other professionals as you wish.
Does a dyslexia diagnosis mean my individual will get extra time in formal exams such as GCSEs and A-Levels?
A diagnosis does not mean a learner automatically qualifies for Exam Access Arrangements as all learners have different needs.
However, a dyslexic report can be shared with the school’s SENDCo as it will guide them towards the sort of assessments they should consider carrying out, in order to gain any suitable Access Arrangements for your individual.
The report will clearly signpost the school towards your individual areas of need.
Can I apply for DSA (Disabled Students’ Allowance) if I am dyslexic?
Yes – a report can be used to support applications for DSA in higher education.
Students that are studying on higher education courses are eligible to apply for a non-means-tested government grant that can be used towards the extra costs that occurred due to their SpLD: dyslexia.
For example, it can pay for specialist tuition, IT equipment, and dyslexia-friendly software.
