- Which assessment do I need if I would like a formal diagnosis?
You will need a full Diagnostic Assessment Report (DAR). Screening, the general assessment and access arrangements will not give a diagnosis. For those aged 16+, the DAR may also be used to qualify for the Disabled Student’s Allowance. In addition to dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD may also be diagnosed for educational purposes.
- Is it possible to practise for the assessment beforehand?
No preparation is needed other than having had an eye test within the last twelve months. If you wear glasses, you will need to wear them for the assessment itself.
- If I am given a diagnosis, do I need to declare this?
Diagnostic Assessment Reports are formal documents, which may be shared with family, school, university and employers but you do not have to share it or your diagnosis, if you do not wish to do so.
- Why do I need to ask for feedback from my school or college?
This is so the background information can be triangulated. You may not necessarily present the same way at school as you do in other situations, which may be significant.
- What types of tests are used?
- Underlying visual and verbal ability
- Working memory
- Phonological memory
- Phonological awareness
- Processing speed
- Site word efficiency
- Word reading
- Reading comprehension
- Spelling
- Writing