What’s involved in getting assessed?

Before any psychological or teacher assessment is carried out Dyslexia Scotland would suggest that the person being assessed has had a current eye and hearing check.

This is because it is important to know about any visual and/or hearing issues which could affect the way a psychologist or teacher carries out an assessment.  If hearing or visual difficulties go undetected, and an assessment is carried out out, it may result in the assessment being inaccurate.

Read more about the effects of visual stress in our Dyslexia and visual issues pdf

An interview should also take place before any assessment (or some psychologists/teachers ask for a questionnaire to be completed), so the assessor can understand you or your child's developmental history.

The assessment itself should include tests of vocabulary, reasoning and memory skills.  Reading, writing and spelling should also be assessed using language-based tests.

The idea of an assessment is to help you or your child understand your strengths and weaknesses, and what level of support you or your child need.

Through school

Dyslexia Scotland would recommend that you try and work with the school regarding any assessment of your child's needs. 

Start by asking your child’s teacher if they’ve noticed any difficulties and let them know about your own concerns about your child's progress.  It could be that they are already aware of your child's struggles and have already begun to provide support but not yet carried out an assessment.  Many authorities use a staged intervention and observation method of assessment and may have your child on this already.

You could request to the school that a formal assessment take place but do expect to have to wait a little time for this to happen.  You should also be aware that if your child is identified as being dyslexic, it will not automatically mean that they will be entitled to more support.  Do give us a call if you'd like to explore this aspect further.

If you feel that your concerns are not being listened to by the school, you can request an assessment directly to your local education department.  

If you feel that your child is not getting the support that you feel they should, or that you are struggle to get your child's difficulties identified then our team is here to help you explore your options, including Mediation and Independent Adjudication. Call the helpline or get in touch.

Whether you are asking the school to organise an assessment, agreeing what help will be given to your child, if you are asking the local authority to get involved, it is strongly recommended that you put your requests in writing.

If you feel the school system is not working for your child you do always have the option to have your child assessed outwith the school system.  Call our helpline for further information on this.

Through further education

Students who require up-to-date assessments for further or higher education should speak to their college or university’s disability advisors about your options.

In many instances a student may have to pay to obtain an up-to-date assessment, depending on the level of study and the policies of the institution.

For the purposes of the Disabled Students' Allowance assessments can now be carried out by a suitably qualified teacher who holds a practising certificate(as issued by PATOSS or Dyslexia Action).

Options for adults

If you are employed or actively seeking work you can speak to the Disability Employment Advisor at your local Job Centre Plus.

An assessment can sometimes be arranged through an occupational psychologist. They may also be able to advise you about training and other options to to help you with current and future careers.

Whether you are in or out of employment you can  access the Educational Psychologist list as explained in the section below.

Assessing Dyslexia Toolkit

The 'Assessing Dyslexia' toolkit was formally launched by our President, Sir Jackie Stewart, and Mike Russell, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Learning at Edinburgh University on 1st June 2010.

Funded by the Scottish Government, this online toolkit for early years workers and teachers will help them to identify literacy difficulties and dyslexia early.

Check our out news item on this website at:
http://www.dyslexiascotland.org.uk/news/official-launch-of-the-online-assessment-toolkit-on-1st-June

Dyslexia Scotland Assessments

Dr. Gavin Reid, Chartered Educational Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society attends our offices to carry out assessments 4 times per year.

We are taking appointments for Dr. Reid now.  He will be available from Wednesday 22nd February to, and including Wednesday 29th February 2012 (Sat and Sun not included).

The cost for an assessment with Dr. Reid is £375 but if you are a member of Dyslexia Scotland the cost to you is £350.

Dr Reid also carries out assessments in Aberdeen. If you are interested in booking an assessment in that area you should email the local Dyslexia Scotland branch in the first instance - info@dyslexiascotlandnortheast.org.uk

Private Assessments

If you would like to receive a list of Psychologists in Scotland who can carry out assessments for adults or children you should call our Helpline on 0844 800 8484.