Getting a dyslexia assessment is an essential step in understanding learning strengths, identifying specific difficulties, and accessing the right support at school, university, or in the workplace. This quick guide explains who can diagnose dyslexia, what the assessment involves, and how to choose a qualified professional you can trust.
A dyslexia assessment can help you or your child understand learning strengths, identify specific difficulties, and access the proper support at school, university, or in the workplace.
This guide explains who carries out dyslexia assessments, what the testing involves, and how to find a qualified, trustworthy assessor.
In the UK, a formal diagnosis of dyslexia can be made by:
1. Educational Psychologist (EP)
Fully qualified to assess a wide range of learning differences, including:
EP assessments are the most comprehensive and accepted everywhere, including schools, universities (DSA), and employers.
2. Specialist Teacher Assessor (Level 7 Qualified)
Must hold a recognised Level 7 qualification (e.g., AMBDA or APC).
They are trained to assess:
Schools, universities, and many workplaces also accept their reports.
A complete assessment usually takes 2–3 hours and may include:
Cognitive Testing
To understand strengths and challenges in:
Including:
Your assessor may ask about:
Examples:
After the assessment, you receive a detailed report containing:
This report can be used to apply for:
Assessments may be carried out:
Choose whichever environment the learner feels most comfortable in.
Always check that your assessor is:
Ensure the assessment is recognised by:
✔ Transparent About Costs & Availability
Prices vary, but you should always receive:
Where to Find a Dyslexia Assessor
Reliable places to search include:
Online Dyslexia Screening (Before a Full Assessment)
Online screeners cannot diagnose dyslexia, but they can help you decide whether a full assessment is recommended.
Useful screens include:
Next Steps
If you are looking for support now, you can explore:
🔵 Dyslexia Test – Find an Educational Psychologist
🔵 Dyslexia Assessment – Find a Specialist Tutor
🔵 Online Dyslexia Screenings
🔵 Dysgraphia & Dyspraxia Assessments
🔵 ADHD Assessments
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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