Assessments

To understand which assessment might be right for you click the tabs below to explore the different types.

Educational Psychologist

This is a good option to identify dyslexia and specific learning difficulties. It is a comprehensive and in depth assessment and will provide a cognitive (how the brain works) profile of the individual’s learning style.

What is involved?

First we send you a questionnaire, which gives important background information to the EP
We also send a questionnaire for you to take to school if the assessment is for a child
A brief initial chat with the EP
2-2 ½ hours of varied activities that look at different skills linked to learning and basic skills
A brief discussion about the results
A full written confidential report with recommendations is sent after approximately 3 weeks

The results give a profile of learning strengths and weaknesses. A diagnosis of dyslexia is often based upon the EP’s experience and low scores in those areas generally affected by dyslexia.

All Psychologists are independent, HCPC registered, fully qualified and experienced professionals.

Specialist Teacher Assessment

Available for children 7-15 yrs – These assessments are also very comprehensive, but are not quite as as in depth as a psychologist’s assessment in areas of cognitive ability. They can however diagnose dyslexia and make recommendations for support through a full written report.

Specialist teachers carrying out assessments are fully qualified, registered and experienced professionals.

What is involved?

First we send you a questionnaire, which gives important background information to the teacher
A brief initial chat with the specialist teacher
2 hours of activities that look at skills linked to learning and areas of literacy
A brief discussion about the results at the end
A written confidential report with recommendations is sent after approximately 3 weeks

Consultations

A 40 minute consultation can also be considered. This gives parents an opportunity to discuss their child’s difficulties, or adults to discuss their issues, to ask advice and suggestions for remediation. An hour consultation with brief diagnostic assessments and standardised reading and spelling tests can also be presented if required, with a short summary report of the findings. However, for a thorough and accurate diagnosis a full cognitive assessment should be carried out. (See Educational Psychologist or Specialist Teacher assessments above).

Occupational Therapy (OT)

An independent visiting occupational therapist will give an initial assessment. This will be written up into a programme of intervention. Follow up treatments can then be arranged.Occupational therapy addresses difficulties with balance and co-ordination.

Difficulties can range from large (gross) movements like riding a bicycle to small (fine) movements like illegible handwriting. It is often helpful for addressing co-ordination problems associated with dyspraxia / Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD).

Speech and Language Therapy (SALT)

An independent visiting speech and language therapist will give an initial assessment. This will be written up into a programme of intervention.

Follow up treatments can then be arranged.Treatments can also be given in BDC teaching sessions, following the programme devised by the speech therapist.

How to book an assessment

To book please contact us initially to find out current availability. At times, we will be operating a waiting list system.

Once you have an appointment booked in, we will then send you the assessment pack. A 50% deposit is required to confirm the appointment.

What We Do Home
Lessons
Assessments
About Us
Our Brochure & Fees
Bristol Dyslexia Trust