Dyscalculia affects a person’s ability to understand numbers, recall number facts, and perform calculations. A proper assessment can explain why maths is challenging and identify the support needed at school, university, or work.
This guide explains who assesses dyscalculia, what testing involves, and how to find a qualified specialist.
In the UK, dyscalculia can be formally diagnosed by:
1. Educational Psychologist (EP)
Fully qualified to assess:
EP assessments are universally accepted by schools, universities (DSA), and employers.
Some Specialist Teachers hold additional qualifications in numeracy difficulties and can assess for dyscalculia.
They can assess:
Important: Not all Specialist Teachers assess dyscalculia — only those with the relevant training.
A dyscalculia assessment is recommended if a child or adult shows persistent difficulties such as:
Adults may also struggle with:
What a Dyscalculia Assessment Involves
1. Cognitive Testing (EP or Specialist Teacher)
To assess skills linked to maths learning:
2. Numeracy and Mathematical Testing
This may include:
The assessor looks at how the learner approaches maths as well as the answers they give.
3. Diagnostic Interview & Background History
Including:
4. Observation of Real-Life Maths Tasks
Where appropriate, the assessor may explore practical tasks, such as reading timetables, handling money, or estimating quantities.
5. Written Diagnostic Report
A comprehensive report will include:
This report can be used for school support plans, exam arrangements, and university DSA applications.
Where Assessments Take Place
Assessments may be carried out:
Make sure your assessor:
Because dyscalculia is less commonly assessed than dyslexia, choosing someone with genuine expertise is essential.
Online tools can be helpful early indicators but cannot diagnose dyscalculia.
They may test:
Next Steps
If you’re exploring assessments, you may also find these pages helpful:
🔵 Dyslexia Assessments – Find an Educational Psychologist
🔵 Dysgraphia Assessments (OT & EP)
🔵 Online Dyslexia Screening Tests
🔵 ADHD Assessments (Psychiatrist Required)
Tests and Assessments for Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia can be carried out by an Educational Psychologist or a Specially Trained Tutor Assessor.
All the organisations below have lists of Psychologists to carry out testing.
BDA
The BDA can assess from age seven onwards to comply with the SASC guidelines (SpLD Assessment Standards Committee). This is the governing body for their specialist teacher assessors. I believe the BDA may have some assessors in Scotland.
BDA
Patoss
The Index lists Patoss members who wish to have their names shown to other professionals or parents seeking tutors, assessment or advice. They provide specialist teaching and carry out assessments – for teaching, exam access arrangements or Disabled Students’ Allowance. I believe Patoss may have some assessors in the Scotland area.
Patoss
Helen Arkell
At Helen Arkell, we offer a range of assessments for adults and children. An assessment will help someone understand their strengths and why they may be experiencing difficulties in their learning or day-to-day life.
Assessments | Helen Arkell
Wiltshire Psychology Service
The Wiltshire Psychology Service has successfully provided an Adult Psychology Service since 2006, providing assessment with a psychologist.
Wiltshire Psychology Service
EdPsych4Kids
Hannah Morris
Educational Psychologist
Hertfordshire
EdPsych4Kids
Educational & Screening Services
Dr Clare Boorne
Leicester
Educational & Screening Services
The Educational Psychologists
Didsbury
M20 2WU
The Educational Psychologists
Educational Psychologist
7 Wadeson Street
Bethnal Green
E2 9DR
Educational Psychologist
Educational Psychologist
CAYP Psychologists
Whitefield
Manchester
The Educational Psychologists Below also test for Dysgraphia
Aspire Ed Psychology
Brentwood
London
CF PSYCHOLOGY
Harley Street
London
Child Psychology London
Dr Stephanie Satariano
She completed a multi-faceted assessment to opine on dyslexia, dyspraxia and dysgraphia.
Greenwich
SE London.
Sima Patel
Brighton
PsychEd Ltd Consultants
27 Ashfield
Park Martock
Somerset
TA12 6EE
PsychEd Ltd
Octavius Psychology
Tests for Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia & Dyspraxia
Octavius Psychology
Robert T Johnstone
Chartered Psychologist and Educational Psychologist
6 Heathfield Drive
Milngavie
East Dunbartonshire
Scotland
G62 8AZ
Sheila Hall
Hassocks
Sussex
Dyslexia Scotland does excellent work and is extremely helpful. They also have lists of Specialist Tutors, suitably qualified people in their area.
Ed Psych
Galashiels,
Scottish Borders
Independent educational psychology assessments / Galashiels (bolesideeducationalpsychology.uk)
The British Psychology Society
Further information is here.
Educational Psychologists provide further information here.
Dyslexia Assessment
Huntingdon.
Sandy
Brington and Molesworth
United Kingdom
Dyslexia Assessor of the Year 2020, 2021.
Tel: 01767 3031
Fearless Dyslexia
I am a qualified Dyslexia Assessor offering both face-to-face and online assessments for children and adults.
Bath
Fearless Dyslexia
The Yorkshire Rose Dyslexia
At Yorkshire Rose Dyslexia, we believe in a dyslexic-friendly society that enables every neuro-diverse person of all ages to reach their full potential.
South Milford,
North Yorkshire,
LS25 6JT
Yorkshire Rose Dyslexia
Dyslexia Online Assessments by Computer
You can take an online dyslexia assessment today.
Many of them are free; however, just a word of caution: after you receive the results, the companies would like you to sign up for their programmes; or a fully detailed Test. These can cost hundreds of pounds.
Online Assessments – Free
These screening assessments/tests are free. However, beware, some of them will have things you can purchase, or you may be directed to a full assessment or test, which can be very expensive.
Dyslexia Screening Test – Free
Our free online symptoms checklist can help you determine if your child should be screened.
Aspire Academy Educational Excellence
Online Assessments – Paid
Quite a few websites charge, usually a small fee, to complete an assessment. These are pretty interesting and often help to point you in the right direction to what you can do next.
Many companies will pay for assessments or tests.
Funding is usually available whether you are at work or unemployed.
Tests and Assessments for Dysgraphia and Dyspraxia can be carried out by a specially trained Occupational Therapist (OT).
¹Occupational Therapists work with people of all ages, helping them to carry out the activities that they need or want to do in order to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
¹British Association of Occupational Therapists
OT4Kids with DCD
Sue Smit
Morrell Handwriting (UK)
Handwriting Specialist with 15 years of experience.
Elland
West Yorkshire
HX5
OT4KidswithDCD
OT4Kids
Munira Adenwalla
Helping kids learn and grow through play
Manchester
M3 4DN
OT4Kids.co.uk
A Storybook for Children with Handwriting Difficulties and a Guide for Adults.
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