Assessments

This is what's involved in having a full diagnostic assessment with Furzedown Dyslexia.

Before the assessment

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Before the assessment takes place, detailed background information is collected about the candidate's educational and developmental history as well as the difficulties they are experiencing.  

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This information will come from parents and/or the candidate themselves depending on their age, and their school, college or university.

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The candidate will be asked to see an optician for an eye test if they haven't had one within the last two years and to complete a short visual difficulties screening questionnaire. 

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On the day of the assessment

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Assessments usually take about three hours, but short breaks are given as needed.

Candidates complete a wide range of tasks which many find interesting and enjoyable. (Afterwards, even younger children often say the session was more fun than they had expected!)

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The tests assess an extensive range of skills including reading accuracy, fluency and comprehension; spelling and writing; verbal and visual ability; verbal and visual working memory, and processing speed. Numeracy, motor skills, and oral skills may also be included depending on the difficulties flagged up in the background history.

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After the assessment

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The full diagnostic assessment report will be completed within three weeks. The report contains a detailed analysis of the candidate's profile of literacy and cognitive processing skills and will confirm whether the evidence supports a diagnosis of dyslexia.

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The report also offers personalised recommendations to enable the individual to move forward. These recommendations cover the development of literacy skills, suggestions for teaching support, study skills strategies, assistive technology and access arrangements where appropriate.

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If evidence has been noted that suggests the possibility of any of the co-occurring conditions which often overlap with dyslexia, advice will be given for any onward referrals which are recommended.  

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A follow-up meeting will be offered to go through the report and answer any questions.

For children, a further meeting can be arranged after the report has been discussed with parents, to explain the findings in an age-appropriate, reassuring way.

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