Dyslexia assessments across South Yorkshire, Peterborough and UK-wide

A dyslexia assessment is a detailed, one-to-one evaluation carried out by a qualified specialist assessor. It looks at reading, spelling, writing speed, phonological processing and memory, and builds a picture of how you or your child thinks, learns and processes information. Most assessments take around two to three hours and conclude with a comprehensive written report containing practical recommendations.

No. Dyslexia is not a medical condition and is not diagnosed or referred through the NHS. A formal diagnostic assessment is carried out by a qualified specialist assessor, such as a PATOSS-registered practitioner holding a current Assessment Practising Certificate. Defining Dyslexia provides exactly that, independently and without a GP referral.

A full diagnostic dyslexia assessment with Defining Dyslexia costs £495. That includes the assessment session and the comprehensive written report with practical recommendations. There are no hidden costs. Where an adult assessment includes screening for co-occurring difficulties such as ADHD traits or dyspraxia, any additional fee is always discussed and agreed at enquiry stage.

A screening tool can flag whether dyslexia traits are present, but it cannot give a formal diagnosis, a detailed cognitive profile or a report that schools, universities, exam centres and employers can work from. A full diagnostic assessment goes considerably further. If you are not sure which you need, get in touch and Mark will say so honestly, including when an assessment is not the right next step.

Defining Dyslexia specialises in dyslexia and related specific learning difficulties. Screening for co-occurring difficulties such as ADHD traits or dyspraxia can be included in an adult assessment where relevant, and this is discussed at enquiry stage. Defining Dyslexia does not formally diagnose ADHD, autism or DCD. Where a full assessment of that kind is needed, Mark can advise on appropriate referral routes.

Waiting times are usually under two months and are often considerably shorter. Remote assessments can frequently be arranged more quickly than face-to-face appointments. Get in touch to discuss current availability.

Every assessment finishes with time set aside to talk the findings through together, so you leave understanding the results rather than waiting for a document to decipher. The written report follows, with detailed recommendations for education, work or everyday life, and Mark is available to answer questions once you have read it.

Reports are written to SASC standards by an assessor holding a current Assessment Practising Certificate, which is the form of evidence schools, colleges, universities, exam centres and employers normally ask for. Each body still applies its own rules, so a report supports an application for exam access arrangements, DSA or workplace adjustments rather than guaranteeing the outcome.