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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…

By Mark, specialist dyslexia assessor

How Much Does a Dyslexia Assessment Cost?

If you are looking into a dyslexia assessment, cost is often one of the first questions. It is a fair question, and you deserve a clear answer before you commit to anything. At Defining Dyslexia, a full diagnostic dyslexia assessment costs £495, which includes the assessment itself, the full written report and feedback afterwards, with no hidden extras to catch you out later.

Our prices

We offer two main routes, depending on what you need.

The first is a dyslexia tendencies short report, priced at £250. This is a focused screener for children aged eight and over, and for adults. It looks at literacy and the cognitive profile, then gives clear recommendations. It also indicates whether dyslexia or another learning difficulty is likely. It is a helpful starting point, although it is not a formal diagnosis.

The second is a full diagnostic assessment report, priced at £495. This is a comprehensive assessment of literacy, cognitive processing, and the wider learning profile. Every report includes clear findings and practical recommendations. It also includes post-diagnostic support, along with a liaison report for schools where that is needed. This is the route most people choose when they want a formal outcome. This applies equally whether the assessment is for a child or an adult, with the optional £100 add-on available either way if you'd also like to explore ADHD or dyspraxia traits.

What the price includes

We believe in honest pricing, so the figure you see is the figure you pay. The fee covers the assessment session itself, and the full written report afterwards. It also covers the recommendations that help you act on the findings. There are no separate charges for the report, which can surprise people who have shopped around elsewhere.

There are only two times a further fee might apply, and we are upfront about both. The first is for a face to face assessment where a venue has to be hired and the venue costs are considerable. In that case, we agree any add-on with you first. The second is for adults who would also like to explore traits of ADHD or dyspraxia. As this involves extra screening, a further fee of £100 applies. We always discuss either situation with you at the enquiry stage, so nothing is ever a surprise.

There are only two times a further fee might apply, and we are upfront about both.

How our pricing compares

Independent assessments in the UK typically range from around £400 to £600, depending on the assessor and what's included. The British Dyslexia Association currently lists specialist teacher assessments at £690 including VAT, and educational psychologist assessments at £882 including VAT. Other independent providers sit in a similar range too, with diagnostic assessments commonly priced between £450 and £550 depending on location. Our full diagnostic sits comfortably below all of these, at £495 with nothing added on top. We keep our pricing keen because we want a quality assessment to be within reach for as many families as possible.

Once you know the cost, it helps to know the ways to pay. Some people spread the cost, while others get help from an employer or university. You can read more in our guide to ways to pay for a dyslexia assessment.

A free call before you decide

You do not need to commit straight away. We offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation, before any booking. This gives you the chance to ask questions, and to work out which option suits your situation. There is no pressure, and no obligation to go ahead.

If you are weighing up whether to go ahead, our guide to is a dyslexia assessment worth it talks it through.

Where we work

Our pricing is the same wherever you are, whether you meet us in person or work with us remotely. That keeps things simple, and it means your location never changes the figure you pay. Face-to-face doesn't have to mean travelling to us. We're happy to hire a suitable venue, come to you at home, school, or work, or meet remotely, whichever feels most comfortable and works best on the day.

Defining Dyslexia works remotely right across the UK, which keeps assessments within reach wherever you live. For those who prefer to meet in person, we cover two main areas. In South Yorkshire, that includes Sheffield, Doncaster, Barnsley and Rotherham. In and around Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Rutland that includes Peterborough, Stamford and Oakham.

Remote assessments are just as valid as in person ones, so the choice is simply about what feels right for you. If your town is not listed, please still get in touch, as we travel across both regions and assess right across the UK online.

A Final Word

Cost is often the first question people ask, and it's a fair one. What matters most is that you know exactly what you're paying for, and that nothing changes further down the line. Whether you choose the tendencies screener or the full diagnostic assessment, you're getting an honestly priced process from a qualified assessor, with support built in at every stage, not just a fee and a form.

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About Defining Dyslexia and the author

Mark, specialist dyslexia assessor at Defining Dyslexia

About the author

Mark

Specialist dyslexia assessor and founder of Defining Dyslexia

Mark is a qualified teacher and specialist assessor who has worked across mainstream and SEND education, including as a SENCo. He holds an Assessment Practising Certificate and is a member of PATOSS, and he carries out every Defining Dyslexia assessment personally, from the first conversation through to talking the report through with you.

  • PATOSS member
  • Assessment Practising Certificate
  • PGCE
  • NASENCo
  • CPT3A
  • PgDip SpLD
More about Mark and Defining Dyslexia

About Defining Dyslexia

Diagnostic dyslexia assessments for children, adults and students

Defining Dyslexia provides full diagnostic SpLD assessments for children, adults and university and college students. Face-to-face assessments are available in Sheffield and South Yorkshire, Peterborough and Cambridgeshire, and Stamford and Rutland, with remote assessments available UK-wide. Every assessment includes time to talk through the findings together, so you leave with a clear understanding of the results rather than a document to decipher alone.

If you have questions, or you are wondering whether an assessment might be the right next step, a free 15-minute telephone call is available with no obligation.

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