Diagnostic Assessment
A diagnostic assessment will provide a detailed picture of how an individual processes information, identifying both strengths and challenges and so providing a way forwards, whether for an employee in the workplace or a student in education.
More information
If you think you might have dyslexia or another form of SpLD/ Neurodiversity and you would like to know for certain, or if you would simply like to know more about how you process information, a diagnostic assessment will give you the answers. Alternatively you might need a new assessment if your previous one was a long time ago, or if you are in a new situation, for example, you are entering university, or if you will be taking professional examinations at work.
By coming to us, you are assured of a quality assessment and report. All our assessors are highly qualified, experienced and skilled as well as being friendly and encouraging to work with.
Our diagnostic assessments will identify whether there is evidence for dyslexia, dyspraxia (or Developmental Coordination Disorder – DCD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or other type of neurodivergent profile.
What does an assessment involve?
The diagnostic assessment provides detailed information about the individual’s particular profile, identifying personal strengths as well as the challenges. It looks at general cognitive abilities (for example, verbal skills, memory, perception and various types of processing, as well as literacy skills. The assessment will also consider whether any other factors are affecting learning and performance, for example, emotional or environmental factors.
We would gather background information on developmental, educational and/or occupational history via a straightforward questionnaire in advance of the appointment. A detailed report, with recommendations is provided. The assessment report is written in a clear and accessible way so it can be easily understood.
Find out more about your assessment
See above for the description of a diagnostic assessment.
Over many years we have specialised in assessing and working with adults in employment. The assessment report will include recommendations for the workplace as well as specific recommendations for those taking professional examinations, as appropriate.
A Workplace Needs Assessment would normally follow a diagnostic assessment and it would consider how dyslexic or other difficulties are affecting performance in a specific job in order to explore the particular workplace adjustments needed for the individual employee in the light of his/her particular job responsibilities. It will also identify training needs and ways in which an employer can give help and support. Information would be gathered in advance from the employee and the employer.
If you already have a diagnostic assessment report, let us know and we can move straight to the Workplace Needs Assessment.
In more detail, the workplace needs assessment report will include recommendations for of the following:
- A specialist skills coaching programme which covers the aspects of literacy which are directly related to the job in question – for example, research skills, writing emails or reports, reading technical manuals. Other work skills will also be covered, e.g., dealing with job interviews or work reviews, contributing to meetings, understanding instructions, time management, organisational skills.
- A detailed list of IT /Assistive technology recommendations and how they would provide appropriate support. Specific guidance on the training needed for items of software or equipment.
- Detailed guidance for the employer about how they can provide support for the employee as well as what they can do to support the programme, e.g., allowing time off work for training, providing a quiet workspace, etc.
Our needs assessment reports are comprehensive and written in a clear jargon-free style. They are in a format which allows them to be used in applications for Access to Work funding for training and equipment.
See above for the description of a diagnostic assessment.
For students at College and University, our assessment reports include recommendations for specific assessment / examination adjustments, as well as for approaches to academic work appropriate for this higher level of study.
For a student in Higher Education, or about to enter Higher Education, our assessment reports can be used to apply for the Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA). All our assessors have current practising certificates through their professional bodies and are licensed to carry out such assessments. Our assessment reports follow all the guidelines of the SpLD Assessments Standards Committee (SASC – www.sasc.org.uk), the body which sets the best practice guidelines for diagnostic assessment in the UK.
The DSA funding provides additional financial help for students in Higher Education who have dyslexia or related specific learning difficulties. It can provide the funding for individual specialist study skills tuition as well as the purchase of specialist software and equipment. See ‘Study Skills Tuition for Students’.
Further details about the DSA are available on the ‘directgov’ website. A booklet called ‘Bridging the Gap’, a guide to the Disabled Students’ Allowance, can be downloaded from the website.
See above for the description of a diagnostic assessment.
For those at school / college, again we include specific recommendations for examination adjustments as appropriate for the level of study for the pupil / student. For those taking examinations under the Joint Council of Qualifications (JCQ) regulations, for example, GCSE or A levels, we would normally need to receive information from the School / College in advance of the assessment. Parents should contact the Dyslexia Assessment & Consultancy office and we will explain the process.
PhD student, DM“I had my consultation with Katherine this morning, and have really enjoyed going through the report you prepared. It’s very clear and informative and has offered some very useful resources and strategies. Thank-you firstly for such a welcoming and enjoyable assessment, and secondly for making the results of my assessment so clear. I’m really looking forward to putting your recommendations in place. Thanks again.”