Dyslexia Testing for Children

It is sometimes helpful to have your child thoroughly assessed for dyslexic tendencies to see which learning needs they may or may not have. Students facing public examinations (KS2, GCSEs or A levels) will need Access Arrangements (AA).

The Durham Dyslexia Centre can provide assessments for primary or secondary school children and adults.

The assessment procedure looks at four areas:

• The underlying ability of the child or student, both verbal and non verbal.
• The educational attainment of the child or student in reading, writing, spelling and, if appropriate,   number.
• The child or student will be given diagnostic tests which investigate short term memory, phonological perception, visual perception and speed of processing.
• A history of the child or student's development including progress at home, in school, and any significant medical conditions will be taken.

Assessment sounds a very daunting process but most children from the age of about six and a half do not find it upsetting. It consists of playing a dozen or so "games" which are stimulating and enjoyable. When the assessment has been carried out, a learning plan can be developed to meet the individual's learning needs.

Dyslexia Testing for Adults

Adults with specific learning difficulties are protected by the Disability Discrimination Act. (The act specifically recognises dyslexia as being a disability). Employers with more than 20 staff must make "reasonable adjustments" so that disabled employees are not disadvantaged. The "reasonable adjustment" that has to be made will vary depending on the need of the individual but an example of the sort of help the employer is required to give would be assistance for a member of a care team in a care home when completing the daily records of the residents.