Dyslexia identified
A formal diagnostic report suitable for exam access arrangements, DSA applications and workplace adjustments.
Assessment
Dyslexia & SpLD Assessments
A full diagnostic assessment of dyslexia and specific learning difficulties, carried out by a Level 7 PATOSS qualified assessor holding an Assessment Practising Certificate. Reports are APC registered and accepted from school through university and beyond.
Overview
Who this is for
- Children and young people aged 8 and over whose reading, spelling or writing does not match their ability
- Students needing evidence for exam access arrangements or Disabled Students' Allowance
- Adults who have always found reading, writing or processing written information harder than expected
- People already identified as autistic or ADHD who suspect literacy differences too
Why someone might seek this
None of the following confirms anything on its own. They are simply the experiences people most often describe when they contact us.
- Reading is accurate but very slow, or accurate but exhausting
- Spelling remains inconsistent despite years of teaching and effort
- Written work does not reflect what the person can explain out loud
- Instructions given in writing are frequently missed or misread
- Copying, note-taking and timed written tasks cause disproportionate stress
In short
What is a dyslexia assessment?
A dyslexia assessment is a full diagnostic assessment carried out by a specialist assessor holding an Assessment Practising Certificate. It measures underlying cognitive abilities alongside attainment in reading, spelling, writing speed and phonological processing, then explains any significant discrepancies. At Sensational Minds the assessment is completed online over 3 to 4 hours, or face to face in Colchester on dates offered every 8 weeks. It is carried out by a Level 7 PATOSS qualified, APC registered assessor, and produces a report that can be used to request exam access arrangements, Disabled Students' Allowance or workplace adjustments from school through to university and beyond.
What information is gathered
- Completed pre-assessment forms, and school forms for children
- Background history of education, literacy development and any previous support
- Standardised measures of underlying ability and cognitive processing
- Attainment testing in reading accuracy, reading speed, comprehension, spelling and writing
- Phonological processing, working memory and processing speed measures
- Confirmation of an eye test within the last year
How decisions are made
The assessor follows SASC guidelines from the British Dyslexia Association, analysing the profile of underlying ability against attainment and processing measures. They look for the pattern of unexpected difficulty that characterises a specific learning difficulty and rule out other explanations such as limited teaching opportunity or uncorrected vision.
What you can expect
- A free screening conversation before you commit
- A 3 to 4 hour assessment completed online, with breaks whenever they are needed
- Face to face appointments in Colchester available every 8 weeks, booked on a first come first served basis
- A full written report within 4 to 6 weeks with practical recommendations
- A feedback conversation to talk through what the findings mean day to day
The process
Your assessment journey
5 clear stages, each explained before it happens. You will never wonder what the next contact is about.
Outcomes
Outcomes and next steps
Maths or writing difficulties highlighted
The assessment can identify maths or writing difficulties that sit within a dyslexia or SpLD profile. We do not offer standalone dyscalculia or dysgraphia assessments and will signpost where needed.
Criteria not met
A clear explanation of the profile we did find, with targeted strategies and suggestions for another pathway where relevant.
Practical strategies
Specific recommendations for home, classroom, university and workplace, written in plain English.
Additional support
Educational Psychologist support, if you need it
If your dyslexia or SpLD profile is complex, or you would value a cognitive or educational psychology perspective, we work with a trusted educational psychologist at Swithenbank Psychology Ltd. They can contribute to our assessment process where it would add value to your case. This is optional and client led, not required for a standard dyslexia or SpLD assessment. The cost of the educational psychologist's involvement is in addition to the cost of your assessment with Sensational Minds and is agreed separately. For more information, or to request this, please contact us.
Answers
Dyslexia & SpLD Assessments: your questions answered
Written to be genuinely useful, and short enough to read at the end of a long day.
How much does a dyslexia assessment cost?
£650, including the assessment session, the full diagnostic report and a feedback conversation.
Who carries out the assessment?
A Level 7 PATOSS qualified assessor holding an Assessment Practising Certificate.
Can the report be used for exam access arrangements or DSA?
Yes. The report is a full diagnostic assessment written to be usable by schools, colleges, universities and Disabled Students' Allowance assessors.
What age can someone be assessed?
We assess from age 8 upwards. The tests used are selected to suit the person's age and stage.
Do we need a referral?
No referral is required for a dyslexia assessment. Start with our free screening enquiry and we will confirm it is the right pathway.
Can dyslexia be assessed alongside autism or ADHD?
Yes. Many people have more than one profile, and we can sequence assessments so each informs the other rather than duplicating work.
Is the assessment online or in person?
Most assessments are completed online over 3 to 4 hours. Face to face appointments in Colchester run every 8 weeks and are limited, so book early.
What do I need to do before the assessment?
Complete the pre-assessment forms, arrange any school forms if relevant, and confirm an eye test within the last year. For the online session, make sure you have a quiet, private space, a reliable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone, and a piece of paper and a pencil. For children, a parent or carer must be present in the background.
What if maths or writing difficulties are found?
The report can include recommendations for maths or writing difficulties where they sit within a dyslexia or SpLD profile. We do not offer separate dyscalculia or dysgraphia assessments.
Can an educational psychologist contribute to my assessment?
Yes. We work with a trusted educational psychologist at Swithenbank Psychology Ltd who can contribute to our assessment process where it would add value, for example for a complex SpLD profile. This is optional and client led, not required for a standard assessment. Their involvement is an additional cost agreed separately from your assessment fee. For more information, please contact us.
What people say
"Receiving our son's autism diagnosis has made such a positive difference. It has given us a much deeper understanding of him, the way he experiences the world and why certain things can be challenging for him. Instead of feeling unsure or worried, we now feel empowered to support him in the right ways so he can thrive and be fully understood. What also meant so much to us was that the care didn't stop once the diagnosis was given."
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book a no-obligation consultation, or send us a question and we will reply within one working day.