New Assessing Dyslexia toolkit

We’re pleased to announce the launch of a new toolkit for early years workers and teachers. Funded by the Scottish Government, this online toolkit will help teachers to identify literacy difficulties and dyslexia early.

The 'Assessing Dyslexia' toolkit was formally launched by our President, Sir Jackie Stewart, and Mike Russell, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Learning at Edinburgh University on 1st June.

It can be viewed at the following link: http://www.frameowrkforinclusion.org/AssessingDyslexia

Check our out news item on this website at:
http://www.dyslexiascotland.org.uk/news/official-launch-of-the-online-assessment-toolkit-on-1st-June

Dyslexia Scotland Assessments

Dr. Gavin Reid, Chartered Educational Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society will be carrying out full psychological assessments in the Dyslexia Scotland offices in Stirling.  He carried out 14 assessments during his February visit, 12 assessments in May/June and  bookings are now being taken for his visit on  20th - 24th September.   

Dyslexia Scotland is coordinating and organising the assessment schedule.  Dyslexia Scotland members will get special discounts on the fees for these assessments.  If you would like to book an assessment with Gavin Reid, obtain a copy of a list of Educational Psychologists based in Scotland or more information, get in touch.

What’s involved in getting assessed?

Before any psychological or teacher assessment is carried out Dyslexia Scotland would suggest that the person being assessed has had a current eye and hearing check.

This is because it is important to know about any visual and/or hearing issues which could affect the way a psychological or teacher carries out an assessment.  If hearing or visual difficulties go undetected, and an assessment is carried out out, it may result in the assessment being inaccurate.

Read more about the effects of visual stress in our Dyslexia and visual issues pdf

An interview should also take place before any assessment (or some psychologists/teachers ask for a questionnaire to be completed), so the assessor can understand you or your child's history.

The assessment itself includes tests of vocabulary, reasoning and memory skills. Reading, writing and spelling should also be assessed using language-based tests.

The idea of an assessment is to help you or your child understand your specific strengths, and what level of support you or your child need.

Through school

Speak to your child's school about arranging an assessment – it is free, but there may be a bit of wait. 

Start by asking your child’s teacher if they’ve noticed any difficulties and raise your concerns about your child's progress.  It could be that they are already aware of of your child's struggles and have already begun to provide support but not yet carried out an assessment. 

You could request to the school that an assessment take place but do remember to put this request in writing.

If you feel that your concerns are not being listened to by the school, you can request an assessment directly to your local education department.   Again, it is recommended that you make this request in writing.

Our team is here to help you explore your options, including Mediation and Dispute Resolution. Call the helpline or get in touch.

Through further education

Students who require up-to-date assessments for further or higher education should speak to their college or university’s disability advisors about your options.

In many instances a student may have to pay to obtain an up-to-date assessment, depending on the level of study and the policies of the institution.

For the purposes of the Disabled Students' Allowance assessments can now be carried out by a suitably qualified teacher who holds a practising certificate(as issued by PATOSS).

Options for adults

If you are employed or actively seeking work you can speak to the Disability Employment Advisor at your local Job Centre Plus.

An assessment can sometimes be arranged through an occupational psychologist. They may also be able to advise you about training and other options to to help you with current and future careers.

Whether you are in or out of employment you can  access the Educational Psychologist list as explained in the section below.

Private assessments

This is a route available to both children and adults.  Dyslexia Scotland holds a list of Chartered Educational Psychologists able to carry out private assessments.

There are fees involved and the list provided gives an idea of what these might be. Your employer may contribute towards the costs for an assessment.