Dyslexia Assessment Process and Fees
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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Book your assessment online, or contact us if you prefer by phone or email.
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You will be sent the assessment questionnaire and a checklist. For remote assessments, you will also receive a remote agreement.
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For a face-to-face assessment, bring the forms to your/ your child's assessment. For children, the school part can be given to us AFTER assessment as not all schools complete it by the time of the assessment. Bring paperwork to the assessment (for example, screenings, medical assessment reports, other diagnoses, school reports, if relevant). Remote assessment paperwork should be sent to denise@coast-education.co.uk (If you need to send it by photograph, the number is 0752100 5842).
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Make sure the person being assessed has had a vision test within the last two years.
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In your home questionnaire, there is a visual processing section. If your questionnaire responses indicate it might be necessary, you are advised to book an optometry appointment (if unsure, ask us). It is important to get possible visual processing difficulties addressed before an assessment, if possible. Visual processing does not relate directly to the type of vision assessed by an optician.
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After assessment, your report will be written up (usually about 30-35 pages) and then audited by a professionally qualified colleague for verification. The time-scale for your report will be stated on your invoice (this varies slightly depending upon the time of year but can be between 14-45 days). The full diagnostic assessment, carried out face-to-face or virtually, is valid post-16 and can be used for University (see SFE) and Access to Work applications (see Gov.uk)
EXTRA INFORMATION
Your Assessor and qualification verification
All diagnostic assessments are carried out by Denise A. Hawkes, who is highly experienced. She holds an Assessment Practising Certificate from Patoss. This means that a Full Diagnostic Assessment Diagnosis, if given, can be used at any age, and does not have to be repeated post-16. Denise has an up-to-date enhanced DBS which can be checked online at request, is fully insured and a registered data controller. All clients are provided with a letter for school (for absence as an 'allowable educational activity'). As Denise has an Assessment Practicing Certificate, assessments can be submitted to educational establishments. You can check
Denise's Assessment Practising Certificate on the SASC website by typing in 'Denise Hawkes,' on the assessor page.
Assessment Information
Face-to-Face OR Virtual Full Diagnostic Dyslexia Assessment (ages 7-15 inclusive) (FORMAL DIAGNOSIS)
This is a full diagnostic assessment. It takes approximately three hours, sometimes slightly longer for more complex profiles. You may be asked to complete ADHD or dyspraxia screening questionnaires if, after assessment, this seems appropriate. You can request these before the assessment if you have concerns about ADHD or dyspraxia. You can then use this evidence (which is included in the assessment report) for follow-ups if necessary (for example, via GP). If scores and evidence show that an EHCP should be applied for, this will be stated.
The comprehensive report contains a diagnosis and extensive recommendations for home and school. All tests are standardised so results can be compared to peers. The Assessment fee is £555.
A diagnostic assessment measures three areas:
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ability (IQ) (verbal and non-verbal)
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cognitive functions which are linked to dyslexia (such as phonological processing, working memory)
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word reading, text reading, spelling, writing, comprehension.
Face-to-Face or Virtual full Diagnostic Dyslexia Assessment for 16+. (FORMAL DIAGNOSIS)
This is similar to a 7-15 assessment (see above) but adapted for adult students. It is suitable for Disabled Students' Allowance submission to Student Finance England or the DWP Access to Work scheme. The assessment Fee is £636.
The Dyslexia Screening Assessment VIRTUAL ONLY (VIA ZOOM)
A screening assessment takes one and a half hours and gives a good indication as to whether dyslexia is likely to be present. An adult needs to be available to work with a younger child. If the results suggest that further assessment would be highly likely to result in a diagnosis, you can then choose whether or not to proceed to a Full Assessment. Please note that a screening assessment does not give a formal diagnosis. The screening fee is £99.
The Dyscalculia Screening Assessment VIRTUAL ONLY (VIA ZOOM)
A screening assessment takes one and a half hours and gives a good indication as to whether dyscalculia is likely to be present. An adult needs to be available to work with a younger child. The screening tests for cognitive differences linked to dyscalculia, as well as exploring working memory and maths skills.
Please note that a screening assessment does not give a formal diagnosis. The screening fee is £99.
Access Arrangements Form 8. (This is added to a full dyslexia assessment upon request).
This is for students in Years 9 or 10. You MUST speak to your child's school before requesting this. They MUST complete part of Form 8 before the assessment takes place if you wish any appropriate qualifying results to be submitted for Access Arrangements (exam concessions). They must also agree to accept the assessor as an external assessor. Please tell the school that your assessor holds a Patoss APC (Current) and carries out assessments for schools. The assessor's qualifications, DBS and ID will be sent to the school direct, for them to hold on file for JCQ inspection. Form 8 Fee £45
Letters
Letters for employers, schools, DVLA or educational establishments are available upon request (which relate to
an assessment you have had with us). Letter fee £75.
To book, please visit the online booking page.
If you require paper copies of questionnaires, contact