What is the diagnostic assessment process like?

The assessment process starts with a booking. You will be asked to complete a booking form which will be emailed to you, and to secure the appointment with a deposit of £50. At this point I will check with you whether your child or young person has had a recent sight test, and I will send you a Visual Difficulties Questionnaire to complete and return (an essential pre-assessment process).

The next step is collection of pre-assessment background information. I will send you and your child/young person’s school pre-assessment questionnaires to complete. These are usually electronic, but paper copies can be supplied if requested. These can be completed independently or via online/telephone interview with me if preferred. These must be completed and returned two weeks prior to the assessment, at the latest. This is an essential step, which informs my selection of assessment tests, as well as playing an important role in the diagnostic process. Assessment cannot take place until these forms have been returned.

The assessment. This can take place at my house, at your house or at the child/young person’s place of education if prior agreement is secured. It will last around 3 hours, including rest breaks. The assessment normally consists of one session. However, it is possible for it to be over 2 sessions by prior arrangement, as long as the sessions are within a few days of each other.  Please note that the remaining payment should be made on the day of assessment or within 24 hours of the assessment taking place.

Prior to booking an assessment, I strongly recommend that you consult with your child/young person’s class teacher(s) or the SENCo (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) about your concerns. An assessment is most beneficial to a child/young person when the school is aware and involved in the process.

Your school may already be providing extra support for your child, as a diagnostic assessment is not needed in order for extra support to be put in place. However, dyslexia can only be formally identified through a Diagnostic Assessment.

What My Clients say:

My communication through the process, and the clarity of my reports have both been rated ‘excellent’ by my clients in 100% of feedback forms

“I felt comfortable and relaxed throughout the assessment.” student, aged 17

“We found the process easy to access, it was conducted within a good timeline and gave an accurate outcome of how we and school can give support in the future” a parent

“I would certainly recommend Juliet to friends & family.” a parent

“I would wholeheartedly recommend Juliet to anyone wishing to have an assessment for Dyslexia, not only is she very professional and thorough, she is such a lovely person to work with.” JB, a parent

“R.. was very comfortable and relaxed working with Juliet. She was very helpful and supportive during the whole assessment process.” parent of a Year 9 student

After the assessment. I will score the assessments and analyse all the evidence I have gained. I will then send a full and comprehensive written report within 15 working days of the assessment. This will be emailed directly to the person who commissioned the assessment. It will detail the child/young person’s learning profile, their strengths and needs, and confirm whether they have dyslexia. Personalised recommendations for support will also be given, for home and school/college. If the findings indicate the need, I may also recommend referral onwards to other professionals.

Follow-up Discussion. I can meet with you at my house, yours, or the school if they wish to be involved in a follow-up discussion of the results and recommendations. Any questions you may have can be answered at this time.