About
My name is Anna and I am a registered dyslexia assessor registered with the BDA (British Dyslexia Association) based in Bedfordshire. I completed my English degree, and my teaching qualifications at Greenwich University, London. I completed initial dyslexia qualifications at London South Bank University before embarking on my MA in Language, Literacy and Dyslexia at University of Birmingham where I obtained my APC and AMBDA qualification, enabling me to support and assess learners with dyslexia. I offer specialist dyslexia assessments for children between 8 -16 years of age. You, or your child, may feel they are struggling with their reading and writing skills, or a teacher may suggest your child is not progressing as well as they might be. You may like to know exactly where their difficulties lie and the ways they can be supported. A dyslexia assessment will offer a diagnosis and provide recommendations to teachers and learners to enable them to learn and achieve in order to reach their full potential.
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is not a reflection of intelligence. Some of the most famous and influential minds in the world have a dyslexia diagnosis. These include Einstein, Picasso, Noel Gallagher, Tom Cruise, Richard Branson, Lewis Hamilton, Stephen Hawking, Holly Willoughby, Tom Holland, Jennifer Aniston – the list is endless!
The British Dyslexia Association has adopted the Rose (2009) definition of dyslexia. 'Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling.
· Characteristic features of dyslexia are difficulties in phonological awareness, verbal memory and verbal processing speed.
· Dyslexia occurs across the range of intellectual abilities.
· It is best thought of as a continuum, not a distinct category, and there are no clear cut-off points.
· Co-occurring difficulties may be seen in aspects of language, motor coordination, mental calculation, concentration and personal organisation, but these are not, by themselves, markers of dyslexia.
A good indication of the severity and persistence of dyslexic difficulties can be gained by examining how the individual responds or has responded to well-founded intervention.’
In addition to these characteristics, the British Dyslexia Association acknowledges the visual and auditory processing difficulties that some individuals with dyslexia can experience, and points out that dyslexic readers can show a combination of abilities and difficulties that affect the learning process. Some also have strengths in other areas, such as design, problem solving, creative skills, interactive skills and oral skills
Assessment process
Questionnaires will be sent out to the individual or their parents/guardians or a conversation will take place to gather background information. This is purely to put their learning difficulties into context. It is an opportunity to gain insight into difficulties encountered throughout their learning journey and any support received.
An appointment will be set, this typically lasts 3 hours but it can be completed at two separate times. At the appointment, the person being assessed will be asked to complete a variety of tests. The styles of these vary enormously and some do involve reading and writing. Please do not worry if this is a difficulty as the whole point of the assessment is to highlight the areas in which those difficulties exist. Other tests involve more kinaesthetic or visual tasks. This is not something the person should be concerned about - most people enjoy the experience and the 1:1 time given to them. The assessment can be completed at a time and place to suit such as a home environment or in school if they permit (an additional travelling charge may apply.)
Following the tests, the results will be analysed and a report written. This will outline areas for development and strengths will be identified to inform teachers how to plan effective interventions if a profile of dyslexia is found. It will also offer recommendations that can be used for exam access requirements. The report will be password protected and emailed to you usually within three weeks of the assessment being carried out. The report and all the results of the test will be kept completely confidential, although the school/college/university/employer should be given a copy.
FAQs
How much does a dyslexia assessment cost?
The price is available on request and is tailored to the persons needs. I offer competative rates in line with organisations specialising in dyslexia assessments.
I have seen it for half the price
It is important to ensure that if a comparison is made between quotes the price is for a full assessment. For it to be a lifelong assessment the assessor must have AMBDA and a valid APC certificate registered with an accreditated organisation.
why should I have a dyslexia assessment?
If someone is experiencing literacy difficulties a dyslexia assessment can really help as it may explain why it is difficult to achieve academically. A diagnosis gives a clear picture of the person’s strengths and weaknesses and individual cognitive profile. It allows for appropriate intervention tailored to suit a person’s identified needs. It can also be used by the school to support an application for reasonable adjustments in exams. However, the JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) will carry out an individula assessment to base their decision. In the future, a dyslexia assessment carried out by a qualified assessor with a valid APC certificate will support the application for DLA (Disability Living Allowance) if they enter Higher Education.
How can I pay for it?
payment can be made via cash or balance transfer.
Do you require a deposit?
In order to secure a booking, a deposit of £60 is requested. This will secure the date. This deposit is non-refundable in the event of cancellation. The balance should be paid…Failure to do so could result in loss of deposit and cancellation of the assessment.
What is the cancellation policy?
All changes and cancellations must be made in writing to…
The following cancellation charges apply:
Cancellation/reschedule within 14 days of the booked assessment – 50% of the fee.
Cancellation within 48hours of a booked assessment – 100% of the fee.
Cancellation by assessor:
If I have to cancel the assessment due to unforeseen circumstances I will give as much notice as possible. The assessment will be rescheduled at the earliest opportunity.
If you are interested in finding out more and how the process works or how you/your child could benefit from an assessment, please complete the contact form below.
