Parents & families
The Signs You See at Home Matter Too: When School and Home See Different Things
“They seem fine at school.”
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Parents & familiesGuidance for parents and carers: what dyslexia can look like at home and at school, when to act, and how to make sense of what you are seeing.16 articles Dyslexia assessmentsHow diagnostic assessment works, what a report contains, how to choose an assessor and what happens afterwards.20 articles School & educationWorking with schools, colleges and universities: screening, exam access arrangements, SENCos and classroom support.10 articles Understanding dyslexia & SpLDsWhat dyslexia and related specific learning difficulties actually are, how they present, and how they overlap.9 articles Adult dyslexiaDyslexia in employment, training, study and everyday life, and what seeking an assessment as an adult involves.4 articles After diagnosisWhat happens once you have a report: talking to school or work, using the recommendations and finding practical support.2 articles Local guidesLocal guidance for families and adults in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, Stamford and Rutland.1 articlePathway
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Parents & families
Read the article They’re Meeting Expectations: So Why Does Everything Feel So Hard?
Your child is meeting expectations at school.
Dyslexia assessments
Read the article How to Choose a Dyslexia Assessor: 8 Things Every Parent and Adult Should Check
If you have decided to book a dyslexia assessment, you may be wondering how to choose the right assessor. A quick online search often brings up dozens of providers, all offering similar…
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Showing 62 of 62 articles
Understanding dyslexia & SpLDs
What Causes Dyslexia? Genetics, the Brain and Common Myths
Dyslexia is developmental and often runs in families. Here is what is understood about genetics and the brain, what does not cause dyslexia, and how it is actually identified.
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Understanding dyslexia & SpLDs
What Do People With Dyslexia See When They Read? Visual Stress, Moving Words and Common Myths
Most people with dyslexia see text exactly as everyone else does. Here is what is really going on when reading is hard, what visual stress is, and why the two are not the same thing.
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Understanding dyslexia & SpLDs
Is Dyslexia a Disability Under the Equality Act 2010?
Dyslexia can fall within the Equality Act 2010 definition of disability, though a diagnosis does not settle the question by itself. Here is how the legal test works and what it means at school, at university and at work.
Read the articleParents & families
The Signs You See at Home Matter Too: When School and Home See Different Things
“They seem fine at school.”
Read the article
Parents & families
They’re Meeting Expectations: So Why Does Everything Feel So Hard?
Your child is meeting expectations at school.
Read the article
Parents & families
Is There Ever a "Right Time" for a Dyslexia Assessment?
Most people don't wake up one day and decide, out of nowhere, to look into a dyslexia assessment. Something usually prompts it. The trouble is, the moments people wait for aren't always…
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Dyslexia assessments
How to Choose a Dyslexia Assessor: 8 Things Every Parent and Adult Should Check
If you have decided to book a dyslexia assessment, you may be wondering how to choose the right assessor. A quick online search often brings up dozens of providers, all offering similar…
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Dyslexia assessments
Can Dyslexia Be Mild?
It is a question that comes up often, particularly from parents whose child is managing in school but clearly finding things harder than they should. Can dyslexia be mild? And if it can,…
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Parents & families
Why Can My Child Read One Day and Struggle the Next?
It can be confusing when a child reads a passage confidently one day, yet struggles with similar words or text the next. Parents may wonder whether their child is rushing, not…
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Parents & families
My Child Has Been Diagnosed With Dyslexia. What Do I Tell Their School?
Getting a dyslexia diagnosis for your child is often a relief. It gives a name to something you have been noticing for a long time, and it opens the door to proper support. However, many…
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Dyslexia assessments
How to Find a Dyslexia Assessment Near You: Online and In-Person Options Explained for Parents and Adults
When parents and adults start looking for a dyslexia assessment, the first search is usually some version of "dyslexia assessment near me." It feels like the most practical place to…
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Dyslexia assessments
What Happens If My Child's Assessment Doesn't Find Dyslexia?
It helps to understand what a formal assessment actually measures. It looks closely at reading, spelling, memory, and processing speed, alongside several other cognitive areas. Dyslexia…
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Dyslexia assessments
What Is Working Memory, and Why Does It Matter for Dyslexia?
If your child has had a dyslexia assessment, you may have seen the term working memory in the report. It often comes up as an area of difficulty, and it can be one of the harder concepts…
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Parents & families
Dyslexia and Reading Aloud: Why It's So Hard and What Actually Helps?
If your child goes quiet when the teacher asks the class to read aloud, you are not imagining it. For many children with dyslexia, reading aloud is one of the most difficult and exposed…
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School & education
Dyslexia and Exam Access Arrangements: What Schools Need to Provide
If your child has been assessed with dyslexia, you may have heard the phrase exam access arrangements. It can sound bureaucratic, and many parents are unsure what it actually means in…
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School & education
What Is It Like to Be Dyslexic at Secondary School?
Secondary school brings a step change in demands. There are more subjects, more teachers, more reading, and more writing under pressure. For a young person with dyslexia, that step…
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School & education
What Is It Like to Be Dyslexic at Primary School?
Dyslexia at primary school is often easy to miss. The child in question is usually bright, curious and full of ideas. Reading and writing simply do not click in the way they do for…
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School & education
Why Do Some Schools Not Recognise Dyslexia?
If you have raised concerns about your child's reading, writing, or spelling and felt like you were talking to a wall, you are not alone. Many parents describe the same experience. A…
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Dyslexia assessments
Are There Different Types of Dyslexia?
Many people search for “types of dyslexia”, expecting there to be several distinct diagnoses. Whilst these terms are still widely used online, current understanding suggests that…
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Local guides
Dyslexia Assessments in Peterborough: A Local Guide for Parents and Adults
If you are searching for a dyslexia assessment in Peterborough, you are probably feeling a mix of worry and frustration. Perhaps your child is struggling at school, and you are not…
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Dyslexia assessments
Ways to Pay for Your Dyslexia Assessment
The cost of an assessment is one thing. How you pay for it is another, and it is a fair question to ask before you book. Most people pay for a private assessment themselves. There are a…
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Dyslexia assessments
Dyslexia Assessment Costs Explained: What You Pay For and Why
A plain-English look at what makes up the cost of a diagnostic dyslexia assessment. It is a fair question, and you deserve a clear answer before you commit to anything. At Defining…
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School & education
Why Do Some Local Authorities Not Recognise Dyslexia?
If you've spent any time navigating the world of SEND support, you may have encountered a deeply frustrating experience, and being told by your local authority that dyslexia isn't…
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Understanding dyslexia & SpLDs
What Do Dyslexia Assessment Scores Actually Mean?
When parents receive a dyslexia assessment report, one of the first things they notice is the numbers. There are scores for reading, spelling, memory, processing speed, and more, and it…
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Parents & families
What Is a Cognitive Assessment and What Does It Tell Us About My Child?
If your child is being assessed for dyslexia, or if you are exploring why they are finding learning harder than expected, you may have come across the term cognitive assessment. It can…
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Understanding dyslexia & SpLDs
Dyslexia and ADHD: When They Travel Together
For many people, dyslexia doesn't arrive alone. Around 40% of individuals with dyslexia also meet the criteria for ADHD, and yet the two are often treated as entirely separate…
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Dyslexia assessments
What's behind the price tag? Understanding the real cost of a dyslexia assessment.
Dyslexia assessment fees vary by hundreds of pounds. Here is what sits behind the price tag (assessor qualifications, testing time, the written report and the follow-up) so you can compare quotes fairly.
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Dyslexia assessments
Can a Dyslexia Assessment Be Done Remotely?
Remote assessment has become an increasingly common question, and for good reason. For many families and adults, the ability to access a qualified dyslexia assessor without travelling…
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Dyslexia assessments
What Equipment Do I Need for a Remote Dyslexia Assessment?
Remote dyslexia assessment is simpler to set up than most people expect. This guide explains the equipment, space and materials needed, in plain English.
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Dyslexia assessments
Can I Get a Dyslexia Assessment Through the Right to Choose?
Right to Choose is an NHS pathway in England, most often discussed for ADHD and autism assessment. A diagnostic dyslexia assessment is an educational assessment, so it usually sits outside that route. Here is what that means in practice.
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Dyslexia assessments
Do You Need a GP Referral for a Dyslexia Assessment?
One of the most common misconceptions about dyslexia assessment is that you need a GP referral to access one. It comes up regularly, and it is understandable. Many specialist services…
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Parents & families
Dyslexia and Homework: Practical Strategies That Actually Help
For many families living with dyslexia, homework is one of the most challenging parts of the day. What should take twenty minutes can stretch into an hour or more, ending in tears,…
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Parents & families
Dyslexia and Self Esteem: Supporting Your Child's Confidence
Of all the challenges that come with dyslexia, the impact on a child's self-esteem is perhaps the one that worries parents most deeply. Watching your child conclude that they are not…
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Dyslexia assessments
How Long Does a Dyslexia Assessment Take to Book?
When families and adults decide to seek a dyslexia assessment, one of the first questions they ask is how long it will take. The honest answer is that it depends enormously on the route…
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Dyslexia assessments
How Long Does a Dyslexia Assessment Take?
One of the most common practical questions about dyslexia assessment is simply how long it takes. It is a straightforward question, and it deserves a clear answer, though the full…
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Dyslexia assessments
Is a Dyslexia Assessment Worth It?
If you have started looking into getting your child assessed, you may have noticed that prices vary enormously, sometimes by hundreds of pounds. That can feel confusing, and even a…
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School & education
My Child's School Says They Can't Diagnose Dyslexia: What Now?
If you've raised concerns about your child's learning and been told by the school that they can't diagnose dyslexia, you're not alone. It's one of the most common things parents hear,…
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Parents & families
My Child's School Screener Came Back Fine. Should I Still Be Worried?
It is one of the most confusing and isolating experiences a parent can have. You know something is not quite right. You have raised your concerns with school. A screener has been carried…
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Dyslexia assessments
What Does a Dyslexia Assessment Report Actually Look Like?
After a dyslexia assessment, you will receive a written report. For many families and adults, this is the document they have been working towards, and it can feel like a lot to take in…
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Understanding dyslexia & SpLDs
What is an SpLD and How is it Different to Dyslexia?
If you've been looking into support for your child's or your learning difficulties, you've probably come across the term SpLD and wondered exactly what it means. It's one of those pieces…
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Understanding dyslexia & SpLDs
What Is PATOSS and Why Does It Matter When Choosing a Dyslexia Assessor?
When you start looking for a dyslexia assessor, you will quickly encounter a set of terms and abbreviations that can feel overwhelming. PATOSS, BDA, Dyslexia Guild, Level 7, practising…
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Dyslexia assessments
What Should I Do to Prepare for a Dyslexia Assessment?
Once a dyslexia assessment is booked, it is natural to wonder whether there is anything you should do beforehand. The answer is yes, though the preparation involved is straightforward…
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Dyslexia assessments
Why the Age for a Dyslexia Assessment Has Changed, and Why It Matters for Your Child
When a parent suspects their child may have dyslexia, the instinct is to act quickly. That instinct is completely understandable, and in most respects it is the right one. Early…
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Adult dyslexia
Dyslexia and University: What Support Is Available?
Going to university is a significant step for any student. For students with dyslexia, it can also bring a fresh set of questions. Additionally, it can bring relief, because university…
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Understanding dyslexia & SpLDs
What Is a SpLD? Dyslexia and Related Conditions Explained
If you've started looking into dyslexia, you may have come across the term SpLD. It can feel like yet another piece of jargon to decode. Additionally, understanding what it means can…
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Adult dyslexia
What Is DSA and How Does It Help Students with Dyslexia?
If you are a student with dyslexia, or the parent of one heading to university, you may have come across the term DSA. It is one of the most significant sources of support available, and…
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Parents & families
Do I Need an Educational Psychologist for a Dyslexia Assessment? A Parent's Guide
If you've started looking into getting your child assessed for dyslexia, you may have come across the term Educational Psychologist (or EP) and wondered whether that's what you actually…
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Parents & families
Dyslexia and Self-Esteem: What Every Parent Needs to Know
If your child has dyslexia (or you suspect they might) you may already have noticed something beyond the reading and spelling difficulties. A reluctance to try. A child who says…
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Parents & families
"Is My Child Just Being Difficult?" How Dyslexia Can Look Like Refusal and Bad Behaviour
You've been called in again. The school says your child is being disruptive, refuses to engage, and isn't trying hard enough. But something doesn't add up. At home, you see a curious,…
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Parents & families
How to Talk to Your Child's Teacher About Dyslexia Concerns
As a parent, noticing that your child is struggling can be worrying and at times, isolating. You may have spent weeks or months observing difficulties at home, wondering whether to raise…
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Adult dyslexia
Signs of Dyslexia in Adults: Could You Have Been Missing a Diagnosis Your Whole Life?
Many adults living with dyslexia were never identified during their school years. Some developed coping strategies so effective that their difficulties went unnoticed by teachers and…
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Parents & families
Signs of Dyslexia in Children: What Parents and Teachers Should Look Out For
If you've noticed that your child is struggling with reading, writing, or spelling despite working hard and receiving support, you may be wondering whether dyslexia could be a factor.…
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Understanding dyslexia & SpLDs
What If It Isn't Dyslexia? What a Formal Assessment Really Tells You
One of the questions parents ask most often before booking an assessment is a quietly anxious one. What if it comes back and there's nothing there? What if we've worried all this time…
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Adult dyslexia
Why Get a Dyslexia Assessment as an Adult? Why Now Is the Right Time
If you're an adult who has spent years suspecting you might have dyslexia, you'll probably recognise a particular pattern of thinking. You've managed this far. You've developed ways of…
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Dyslexia assessments
Dyslexia Test or Dyslexia Assessment: What's the Difference?
If you've been searching online for help with your child's reading or writing difficulties, you've probably come across both terms, dyslexia test and dyslexia assessment. They're often…
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After diagnosis
What Happens After a Dyslexia Assessment? A Guide for Adults
Receiving a dyslexia assessment as an adult can be a genuinely life-changing moment. For many people it brings an enormous sense of relief, finally having an explanation for…
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After diagnosis
What Happens After a Dyslexia Assessment? A Guide for Parents
Getting a dyslexia assessment for your child is a significant step, and for many parents, it brings a real sense of relief. Finally, having clarity after months or even years of…
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School & education
Getting to Know Your SENCo: A Parent's Guide
If you have concerns about your child's learning, one of the most important steps you can take is building a good relationship with your school's SENCo. Their Special Educational Needs…
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Parents & families
How Do I Get My Child Assessed for Dyslexia in the UK? A Parent's Guide
If you've found yourself searching for answers about your child's reading, writing, or spelling difficulties, you're not alone. Many parents reach a point where they know something isn't…
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School & education
The Wrong Ruler (Part 1)
Miss Calloway had been teaching for three years, which was long enough to feel competent and short enough to still feel uncertain about feeling competent.
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School & education
The Wrong Ruler (Part 2)
Laura knew before anyone told her. That was the thing she would say afterwards, when there was an afterwards to speak of.
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