A. Absolutely! Some parents prefer to have a chat beforehand to ensure they’re making the right decision, while others are happy to meet on the day. Either approach is completely fine – whatever works best for you.

A. Dyslexia is a neurological difference and can have significant educational implications. It usually runs in families and is a life-long condition. The first symptom noticed is usually a literacy difficulty. However, features of dyslexia also include memory and information processing skills and these will be considered when assessing for dyslexia. A specialist dyslexia assessor will ask for information about a range of factors from educational history to vision, hearing and speech and language history to inform the assessment. A checklist or screening test will not take these factors into account. Many schools will be able to offer a screener if required.

A. Dyslexia is often identified during primary school, but some people develop such strong coping strategies that their difficulties might not show up until later – perhaps in secondary school, university, or even the workplace, when those strategies no longer work as well. Getting help early can make a big difference, boosting confidence and self-esteem while ensuring the right support is put in place.

If your child is struggling with language or literacy, it’s a good idea to speak to their school’s SENCO as soon as possible to explore support options. I offer dyslexia assessments for children aged 8 and up, so if your child is finding literacy difficult despite the help they’re getting in school, feel free to reach out to learn more about how an assessment could help.

There is some helpful guidance on the BDA website that give signs to look out for in the early years, primary and secondary school age. There is also a checklist that you can complete yourself to see what signs your child may exhibit.

The assessment involves analysing various tests alongside background history and observations to reach an informed conclusion. While some verbal feedback can be shared on the day, the diagnostic decision will follow in the next week when I can either give you a phone call or email (based on your preference) with the decision. I will then give a detailed follow-up report within four weeks of the assessment.

No, I believe this conversation is best led by parents, as you know your child best. The diagnosis, if given, will be clearly outlined in the report. If you’d like support explaining dyslexia to your child, we can discuss this during the follow-up phone call or digital meeting. If you feel more time is needed, a consultation session can be arranged, which you can book here.

A. A non-refundable deposit of £345 (50% of the total fee) is required at the time of booking through the online portal. Once the deposit is received, I will provide background questionnaires for parents, carers, the child, and the educational establishment to complete. These must be returned before the assessment date to ensure all necessary information is gathered. Please note that if the forms are not completed and returned in time, the assessment cannot proceed, and it will need to be rescheduled. As my schedule is often booked well in advance, the new date may be several months later. To avoid delays, I kindly ask that all forms are submitted promptly.

The remaining 50% (£345) is due on the day of the assessment and can be paid either in cash or via the online portal. Please note that the report writing process will not begin until the full payment has been received.

A. The school’s SENCo ultimately decides on exam arrangements, but a formal dyslexia report can guide them. It will outline the specific tests the school should conduct to gather evidence for submission to the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ).

A. Yes, I have enhanced DBS clearance. My certificate is available upon request and can also be viewed online—just let me know if you’d like the details.

A. Yes, if your child is diagnosed with dyslexia, they can apply for the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) when attending college or university. While some individuals may not view dyslexia as a disability, it qualifies as a specific learning difficulty eligible for support. Depending on the outcome, DSA may fund additional resources such as specialist equipment, study skills support, or other aids to enhance learning.

A. Currently, I do not assess individuals over 18, but I hope to offer this service in the future.

A. No, I specialise in dyslexia diagnosis. However, I am knowledgeable about conditions that commonly co-occur with dyslexia from my work as a SENDCo, academic studies, and personal experience. If needed, I can recommend other specialists such as occupational therapists, clinical psychologists, or ophthalmologists for further support.

A. I assess children and young people aged 8 to 18. For children under 8, it can be challenging to determine whether difficulties are due to dyslexia or natural variations in development. In these cases, targeted school support or tutoring may be more appropriate to see if the gap in attainment can be closed.

A. Yes, I offer consultation packages to discuss your child’s report and plan next steps. You can find details and book here.

A. Some schools may provide dyslexia screenings or assessments, but resources are often limited. Many schools prioritize interventions over diagnosis, as they can support students without requiring a formal diagnosis. However, wait times for school-funded assessments can be long, which leads some parents to opt for private assessments.

A. A diagnosis is only made if the evidence aligns with the current Delphi definition of dyslexia. If there isn’t enough evidence, you will still receive a comprehensive report detailing your child’s strengths, challenges, and actionable recommendations for support at home and school, along with potential referrals. The report will provide valuable insights, even if dyslexia is not diagnosed.

A. Not at this time. All assessments are conducted face-to-face.

A. Please see my terms and conditions available here.

A. I bring a unique combination of expertise as a trained dyslexia assessor, an experienced SENDCo, and a classroom teacher. I have successfully tutored students with dyslexia and have firsthand experience as a parent of children with additional needs. This well-rounded perspective helps me understand dyslexia’s challenges from every angle and provide meaningful, practical support to forge a positive pathway for your child.