Dyslexia has many definitions; the BDA has adopted the Rose (2009) definition of dyslexia: Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. Characteristic features of dyslexia are difficulties: • phonological awareness • verbal memory • verbal processing speed Dyslexia occurs across the range of intellectual abilities. It is best thought of as a continuum, not a distinct category, and there are no clear cut-off points. Co-occurring difficulties may be seen in aspects of language, motor co-ordination, mental calculation, concentration and personal organisation, but these are not, by themselves, markers of dyslexia. A good indication of the severity and persistence of dyslexic difficulties can be gained by examining how the individual responds or has responded to well-founded intervention.

An APC recognises professional achievement at postgraduate level, as well as a commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) solely in relation to assessment (not specialist teaching). The APC must be current and will have been issued by a SASC (SpLD Assessment Standards Committee) approved professional association. There are currently three APC awarding bodies: • British Dyslexia Association • Dyslexia Guild • PATOSS To determine if someone has a current APC, it is advisable to ask them for a copy of their most recent APC certificate, which will state the date that it was issued. This would need to be within the last three years. A list of APC holders can also be found on sasc. If you would to check out our APC qualifications type in, Helen Walker or Jeanette Butterworth in the following link : https://www.sasc.org.uk/find-an-assessor/#

Dyslexia may be assessed by a psychologist or by a specialist teacher who is qualified at Level 7 and preferably has an Assessor Practicing Certificate (APC). All DTC staff are level 7 specialist teachers who hold a current APC. This certifies that the report will be written in accordance with the SpLD Working Group 2005/DfES Guidelines for assessment of SpLDs.

An APC recognises professional achievement at postgraduate level, as well as a commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) solely in relation to assessment (not specialist teaching). The APC must be current and will have been issued by a SASC (SpLD Assessment Standards Committee) approved professional association. There are currently three APC awarding bodies: • British Dyslexia Association • Dyslexia Guild • PATOSS To determine if someone has a current APC, it is advisable to ask them for a copy of their most recent APC certificate, which will state the date that it was issued. This would need to be within the last three years. A list of APC holders can also be found on sasc. If you would to check out our APC qualifications type in, Helen Walker or Jeanette Butterworth in the following link : https://www.sasc.org.uk/find-an-assessor/#

• Through family/background, visual difficulties and school questionnaires. A child may also complete a questionnaire to explain their challenges and strengths. • A series of standarised assessments measuring cognitive ability, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, memory, phonological knowledge and processing. • A selection of tasks to measure reading (speed, accuracy and fluency), spelling and written tasks. • A selection of informal activities and further interviews maybe necessary.

• Through family/background, visual difficulties and other other related questionnaires. • A series of standarised assessments measuring cognitive ability, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, memory, phonological knowledge and processing • A selection of tasks to measure reading (speed, accuracy and fluency), spelling and written tasks. • A selection of informal activities and further interviews maybe necessary.

The assessment takes approximately 3 hours, breaks and snack will be accommodated.

We can perform a diagnostic report from the age of 7 to 80. Under 7, we can complete a learning needs assessment to help you understand what is going on.

The price depends on the type of assessment and the number of tasks needed to be measured. Please contact us for a price list.

Screeners are not detailed assessments and can often miss out specific cognitive measures.

It can take up to 4 weeks to receive your final report. Unless you have requested and paid for our priority service, where you will receive it within 2 weeks.

A diagnostic assessment is used to identify and formally diagnose a specific issue. Psychologists and specialist teachers can diagnose specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and dyspraxia. A needs assessment is advisable if you already have an ADHD and or Autism diagnosis and you want to know how this may impact on your learning and attainment. Or you would like to know what reasonable adjustments may help you in the workplace or educational setting. Both types of assessments contain a list of recommendations and strategies to use, to understand the indiviudals personal needs, as well as a full detailed report of any strengths and challenges.

Remote dyslexia assessments become possible in 2021 when SASC approved Remote assessments to be equally recognised and valid as in-person assessments. Remote assessments follow very strict guidelines. All resources used have been verified. You will need a large laptop and good internet connection. The assessment takes place through a highly encyptive video streaming platform to protect your security. The assessment is similar to the face-to-face assessment. Some people prefer to be in their own surroundings. It is important that a quiet place is used with no interruptions or distractions.

A summary of key findings from the assessment and background information from home, school and/or other agencies. Detailed interpretation of test results, including: • General Underlying Ability: verbal and non verbal ability • Academic achievement: reading, spelling, writing, and handwriting • Cognitive processing: memory, phonological skills, and processing speed • Holistic view of assessment findings • Table of test scores • Key recommendations for supporting the learner in the following areas: • Home environment • Classroom environment • Access arrangements in exams (if appropriate) • Disabled Students Allowance (DSA), if appropriate.

Following the assessment and the compilation of the final assessment report all client questionnaires, all raw data test sheets and all other personal data will be permanently deleted/destroyed. Your final assessment report will be held for 7 years. During this time you will be able to ask for an electronic copy of the report. After this time we will not be able to supply you with a copy of your report. You will be asked if your data can be ananmysised and accessed by university research studies to help develop and support other people with spLD is in the future.

If you have a disability (SpLD diagnoses are covered within this) and studying or intending to study in higher education you can apply for a Disabled Student's Allowance, to cover some of the extra costs you have because disability. You can get the allowances on top of your other student finance. You will not need to repay this. You can find more information, check your eligibility and apply via the Disabled Students Allowance section of Gov.uk (external link).

A diagnostic report will help you obtain Exam Access Arrangements, however, it will not automatically guarantee it, as this is down to the individual school or univeristie's discretion. A learner does not need a diagnosis of a learning difficulty, to receive Access Arrangements. The JCQ regulations are very clear that an independent assessment carried out without prior consultation with the school cannot be used to award Access Arrangements. However, an independent assessment report may be used to build a picture of the student’s needs which will inform decisions made by the school about Access Arrangements.

The report will be transferred by encrypted message/email on our portal system directly to the client. All reports are confidential as determined under the GDPR. The assessment report will be private to the client and it is the responsibility of the person or the person with parental/ guardian consent to share it with the school, university, workplace or DSA.

The report will be transferred by encrypted message/email on our portal system directly to the client. All reports are confidential as determined under the GDPR. The assessment report will be private to the client and it is the resposibilty of the person or the person with parental/ guardian consent to share it with the school, University, workplace or DSA.

You can, but there may be a charge because of the preparations we’ll be making in the run-up to your assessment. This will depend on how much notice you give us. Charges vary according to when you cancel: • more than 72 hours in advance − no cancellation charge • 72 to 24 hours in advance − a cancellation charge of 50% • less than 24 hours beforehand − the charge is 100% of the cost of your assessment.

• Please make sure you have an up-to-date eye test within the last 2 years of an adult and 1 year for a child. • Completed all the questionnaires before the assessment. • Wear any glasses if needed. • Have paper and pens/pencil ready. • Make sure you have good internet connection, • and large laptop not ipad or phone ready. • A quiet room and desk available.

• Please book in consultation so we understand your needs, • Complete any questionnaires completed. • Book in a convenient assessment time (allowing at least 3 hours in your diary). • Have a consultation with your results and • Receive your report.