Understanding Dyslexia: A Common Learning Difficulty
Unlocking the Mysteries of Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a prevalent learning difficulty that significantly impacts an individual’s ability to read and write proficiently. It is characterised by challenges in various aspects of language processing, particularly in phonemic awareness, spelling, and decoding. Individuals grappling with dyslexia may find it particularly difficult to recognise and manipulate the sounds in spoken words, which can hinder their reading fluency and comprehension. This often leads to difficulties not only in academic settings but also in everyday tasks that require literacy skills.
At Defining Dyslexia, we aim to provide clarity on this complex condition, supporting individuals and their families in understanding its implications. We offer comprehensive educational consulting and testing services tailored to identify the specific needs of those with dyslexia, ensuring they receive the appropriate educational strategies and interventions. Understanding dyslexia is the first step towards empowering individuals to navigate their educational journeys with confidence.
Understanding Dyslexia Diagnosis in the UK
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that affects many individuals in the UK. At Defining Dyslexia, we understand the crucial role early diagnosis plays in providing the necessary support and resources for those who struggle with reading, writing, and comprehension. Our focus is to guide you through the intricate process of diagnosing dyslexia, ensuring that every step is clear and comprehensible.
The Steps to Diagnosis
The diagnosis of dyslexia typically begins with an initial consultation, which is conducted by a specialist teacher. These screenings often utilise various tools and assessments to identify potential dyslexic tendencies.
Questionnaires are then sent out to school, university and the client to complete.
Following this, a comprehensive assessment either online of face to face is carried out by a specialist teacher will be conducted. This assessment includes standardised tests and detailed interviews, providing a thorough understanding of the individual's learning profile.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters?
Early diagnosis of dyslexia is paramount in providing appropriate intervention strategies. When dyslexia is identified at an early stage, tailored support can be implemented immediately, enabling individuals to develop essential literacy skills and coping mechanisms. This early intervention can significantly affect an individual's educational journey and overall confidence, allowing them to thrive in a supportive learning environment. By recognising the signs of dyslexia early on, we can prevent future academic struggles and foster a love for learning.
Comprehensive Assessments
Comprehensive assessments conducted by trained professionals go beyond simple screening. These assessments are designed to evaluate a range of cognitive abilities and learning styles, taking into account and recognising the individual's unique strengths and weaknesses.
At Defining Dyslexia, our assessments are thorough and detailed, ensuring that we provide accurate diagnoses and effective next steps and recommendations for support.
Your Path to Support
Navigating the diagnosis of dyslexia can feel overwhelming, but at Defining Dyslexia, we are here to support you every step of the way. From the initial screening to receiving tailored recommendations, and offering support packages for schools and universities. As a client you will have access to a wealth of resources and guidance. Our goal is to empower individuals and their families to understand dyslexia and access the tools necessary for success.
The best SpLD (Specific Learning Difficulty) dyslexia assessments are those that are fully integrated with schools or universities, ensuring they meet the necessary criteria to be recognised and accepted by the institution’s provisions. These assessments not only provide a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s strengths and challenges but also align with the academic framework to facilitate appropriate accommodations, such as extra time, assistive technology, or specialist support. This collaborative approach ensures that the assessment results lead to meaningful and effective support within the educational environment.
At Defining Dyslexia, we go beyond diagnostic assessments by offering tailored support services to empower individuals on their learning journey. After the assessment, we work closely with clients to develop personalised strategies that address their unique needs and goals. Whether it’s one-to-one tutoring, assistive technology guidance, or ongoing academic coaching, our services are designed to help individuals thrive with confidence and independence.
Why complete a dyslexia assessment?
A dyslexia assessment can help you or your child understand learning difficulties and get the support you need:
Understand learning difficulties
A dyslexia assessment can help you understand the reasons behind your difficulties and how to make the most of your abilities.
Get support
An assessment can help you get the support you need at home, in school, or at university:
- At home: Parents can learn how to help their child at home.
- In school: An assessment can help you apply for Exam Access Arrangements at school.
- At university: An assessment is required to apply for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) at university.
- In the workplace: An assessment can help employers make reasonable adjustments for employees with dyslexia.
Equally, a formal diagnosis from a certified assessor is the only way to be formally identified with dyslexia. The Equality Act 2010 means that education institutions and the workplace have a duty to take dyslexia into account.
Dyslexia Assessment - What do we cover?
All assessment tools are standardised with clear evidence of validity and reliability.
Assessment of literacy attainment
Reading: This includes single words, non-word reading, text reading and reading comprehension. The individual’s reading profile will show evidence of being able to understand text that is; word recognition, fluency, reading speed, and decoding.
Spelling: This includes single word standardised task, a piece of free writing, and dictation of sentences if appropriate.
The individual’s spelling profile will show knowledge, spelling performance, and speed of response.
Writing: This includes writing on a sheet of paper to demonstrate an individual’s ability to write with attention paid to structure of sentences, coherence of writing, composition, writing speed, grammar, vocabulary and legibility. Copying a piece of work will highlight any difficulties with hand-eye co-ordination and motor skills.
Assessment of ability and cognition
Observations and assessment tasks are performed to demonstrate any discrepancies between verbal and non-verbal ability. Processing speed and working memory tasks will assess areas of cognitive function.
Cognitive Processing: Evaluation of cognitive processes are performed to establish an individual’s intellectual potential and ability.
Attainment tests in literacy and numeracy are performed to establish achievement levels.
These tests are standardised, and scores are compared to a normal range, so as to obtain an accurate picture of the individual’s potential strengths and weaknesses. If there is a discrepancy found between potential and achievement, then other perceptual tests can be done to demonstrate how well the brain interprets and processes information through the senses. In addition, other perceptual tests are done as appropriate, to assess working memory, processing speed and visual/auditory skills of the individual.
Additional tools can be used in numeracy assessment, and motor control assessment.Information and a questionnaire about Visual Stress can be given, with referral to a trained Optometrist, if it is appropriate. Learn more about visual stress (also known as Irlens below)
Want to know more?
Growing client reviews
Here’s what some of our clients have to say about their experience working with us.
Customer Review
The dyslexia services provided by Mark are truly exceptional! He is knowledgeable, supportive, and tailors his approach to individual needs. With innovative teaching strategies and a compassionate manner, Mark empowers individuals to thrive.
Parent of student, aged 11
Customer Review
Mark's focus on early intervention, personalised learning plans, and using technological aids ensures remarkable progress. Although my child did not get a SpLD diagnosis, Mark's analysis supported Oscar to grow in confidence and independence. The support for school and us as parents was exceptional. Highly recommended!
Parent of child, aged 16
Customer Review
Mark supported us with Access Arrangements. His knowledge, friendly approach supported both students and staff. His reasonable fees were also a deciding factor! We are confident he will become part of the furnititure!
Secondary School, N E Lincolnshire
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