Dyslexia assessmentst
Our Dyslexia assessments will give you a qualified diagnosis and full report of strengths and weaknesses, along with a recommended support and learning programme tailored to your child’s specific needs. A diagnosis can be daunting for both parent and child, so our team are committed to providing ongoing support and advice to help manage the learning journey together.
Dyslexia Assessment for Adults
Our adult dyslexia assessment is a comprehensive process designed to provide clarity, understanding, and practical next steps. Through a structured diagnostic assessment, we explore areas of strength and challenge to determine whether dyslexia is present. You’ll receive clear, detailed feedback, along with personalised guidance on strategies and tools that can make a real difference in daily life and at work. As part of the process, we offer a follow-up call to talk through your results and provide recommendations, including useful technological aids and signposting to further support if needed. The assessment is carried out by experienced professionals who understand that it can sometimes feel demanding, and they will guide you with care throughout. Our aim is to help you gain confidence, access the right support, and feel empowered in both personal and professional settings.
Included in the dyslexia diagnostic assessment
An assessor must have the additional award of APC (Assessment Practising Certificate)
Pre-assessment screening call
Assessment carried out at our dedicated hub, workplace or virtually
Additional follow-up tests if required
Easy to understand full written diagnostic report
Feedback call to discuss if needed
Suggestions and strategies irrespective of the result
Feedback given to employers if requested
Additional Workplace need assessments if requested
Cost £750+VAT*
* Travel costs will be added to the cost of on-site assessments at an individual’s workplace.
The Dyslexia Assessment Journey
Below describes what would be a typical process for a dyslexia assessment, it may vary depending on you and your needs, but we’ll keep you up to date with what’s next, and of course you can ask us any questions you may have.
FAQ’s
How long will the assessment take?
Everyone is different when it comes to assessments for dyslexia, so there’s no absolute answer to this, but on average you can expect it to last 3-4 hours. We will take several breaks during the process, and we recommend that you bring lunch with you, although some snacks and refreshments will be available.
On some occasions we may request that you return for a follow-up additional test which would be much shorter in length.
When can the assessment take place?
The wait time for dyslexia assessments can vary, and we occasionally have some late availability, please contact us and we recommend that you don’t delay so that you can get your preferred date.
When will I receive the results?
While our assessors can sometimes get a general feel for what an outcome may look like, it’s not possible to give any indications on the day. To see the full picture we must wait until all the assessments have been reviewed and scored, and this worked in with the unique history of the person being assessed.
Following this the basis of your individually written report begins. This is a process that cannot be templated as everyone is unique with their outcomes and onward recommendations – so we normally say this part of the process will take around 4 weeks.
From what age do you assess for dyslexia from?
Dyslexic traits can be identifiable in children as young as 5-6 years. Should children continue to show difficulty with reading, spelling and writing at age 8, then a formal dyslexia assessment should be considered. In light of the pandemic and the missed schooling that many children experienced, in our professional opinion we have increased the age from 7 to 8 in order that the results are accurate. We believe that any younger than this it may not give a true reflection of your child.
There is no upper age limit for dyslexia testing, and we regularly assess adults who are significantly through their adult life and careers, from all walks of life. Indeed for many adults it can be a very emotional and useful process to go through, shining a light on prior struggles and helping answer questions they have had their whole life.
What happens if the results are inconclusive or negative?
In the event that the results of the assessment are inconclusive, we may invite you back for some additional tests, but this does not apply to everyone.
If this is not the correct course of action, or the assessment indicates that you are not dyslexic, we’ll discuss with you what the outcome means, and in your report there will still be some guidance as to what can be done to assist with your specific needs. For children there is some further options available, which can include accessing our specialist alternative provision on a part-time basis during the normal school week, you can read more about this here.
Can the dyslexia test identify dyscalculia?
As standard, no, the dyslexia assessment will not identify dyscalculia, however we do have an assessor that can offer standalone dyscalculia assessments.
If the result is positive, what next?
Receiving a positive result that dyslexia has been identified can be an emotional time, but overall people find it a liberating experience, and with the right direction and help, dyslexia can be an extra string to your bow.
Included in your report will be strategies that you can use to assist in your day to day life, and assist in learning environments. We are also happy to answer any questions you may have.
For children we offer access to our Toucan Hub, this is what’s know as an alternative provision, where children spend part of their normal school week with our specialist teachers. This does carry a cost, but we can also accept childcare vouchers which can help offset this.
Who will deliver the assessment?
Your dyslexia test will be carried out by one of Toucan Education’s dyslexia specialists who are trained in this speciality and have continual professional development in order to maintain the highest standards.
All our assors are APC and AMBDA registered, meaning assessments are lifelong and delivered by a specialist approved to do so.
Can the dyslexia assessment results be used for extra time in exams?
The report / results alone cannot be, but in conjunction with a child’s school we can assist in preparation of what’s known as a Form 8. It’s essential the the child’s school is notified and agree to this BEFORE the assessment takes place. There is an additional fee for the preparation of a Form 8 on behalf of the school.
Can the result be used as a workplace needs assessment?
On it’s own, no, but along with a dedicated workplace assessment for dyslexia and co-occurring needs, the information from the dyslexia report would normally be referred to.
Toucan can provide standalone workplace assessments for dyslexia and co-occurring needs, irrespective as to where a dyslexia assessment may have been carried out. Contact us for more information about these.
What payment options are there?
We have easy payment methods to suit everyone, from bank transfer, to credit & debit card or even spread your cost over four payments by Direct Debit.
Your assessment date is secured once you have either paid a deposit or the full amount.
- Bank transfer – we’ll issue you an invoice, and it’s simply a case of transferring the amount due.
- Credit / Debit card – again we’ll issue you an invoice, but this time there’s a payment button to use your card (inc. Apple Pay or Google Pay).
- Direct Debit (4 part payment) – your first payment is due upon booking, this is by credit or debit card. Following this we’ll automatically collect the 3 remaining payments each month there afterwards.
Where will the assessment take place?
Assessments will normally take place at one of our Hubs, either in Newcastle or Gateshead.
For business funded assessments, we may be able to offer these in school or the workplace.
Travel costs will be added to the cost of on-site assessments at an individual’s workplace.
For older children and adults we also offer remote virtual assessments, which subject to timezone can be offered to those anywhere in the world.
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