What happens in a Dyslexia Assessment? A Parent's Guide

Many parents contact me feeling unsure about dyslexia assessments. They often worry about what the assessment will involve, how their child will feel, and whether the experience might be stressful or overwhelming.

If you are considering a dyslexia assessment for your child, this guide explains what typically happens, what children usually experience, and what you can expect as a parent- in a calm, clear and reassuring way.

Why parents consider a dyslexia assessment

Parents seek dyslexia assessments for many different reasons. Some notice ongoing difficulties with reading, spelling or writing. Others are concerned because school has raised questions, or because their child is working much harder than their peers, but not making the progress they would expect.

Common reasons include:

• Slow or laboured reading

• Persistent spelling difficulties

• Writing that feels tiring or overwhelming

• A child who is underachieving

• Frustration, avoidance or loss of confidence around learning

Often, parents sense that something isn’t quite clicking, even if their child is trying very hard.

Is a dyslexia assessment a test?

This is one of the biggest worries parents have- and the answer is no.

A dyslexia assessment is not a test and it does not feel like school. There is no pass or fail, and no pressure to get things right’.

The purpose of the assessment is to understand how your child learns, processes information and approaches different tasks. Activities are presented in a calm, supportive way and are carefully chosen to build a clear picture of your child’s learning profile, not to judge their ability or effort.

What happens during a dyslexia assessment?

Each assessment is tailored to the individual child, but the overall approach is gentle and child-centred.

Time is taken to help your child feel comfortable and at ease. Activities are explained clearly, breaks are offered when needed, and the pace is adjusted to suit your child. Many children are surprised by how relaxed the sessions feel.

The focus is always on understanding their strengths as well as areas of difficulty, and on creating an environment where your child feels supported and listened to.

Will my child find it stressful?

Most children do not find the assessment stressful. My priority is always to help children feel relaxed and reassured from the outset.

Due to the sessions not being ‘test-like’ and not resembling school lessons, children are not under pressure to perform. Many actually enjoy having the opportunity to work one-to-one in a calm setting, and often leave feeling more confident and understood.

What happens after the assessment?

After the assessment, parents receive a clear written report that explains the findings in an accessible, supportive way. This report is delivered within 3 weeks of the assessment taking place.

The report focuses on helping parents and schools understand how the child learns best, and includes practical recommendations that can be used to support learning moving forward.

Time is also spent talking through the results on an online consultation so that parents feel confident about what the findings mean and what next steps may be helpful.

For many families, this clarity is a huge relief.

A personalised letter is also written to the child, highlighting their strengths and offering strategies moving forward, written in a child friendly way. The aim of this is to boost confidence, and to help them realise that dyslexia is their superpower.

Is an assessment always the right next step?

Not always- and that’s okay.

Sometimes a conversation is enough to help parents decide whether an assessment is appropriate now, later, or whether another form of support may be more suitable at this stage. A short, no-pressure discussion can often bring reassurance and direction, even if an assessment isn’t immediately needed.

Final thoughts

If you’re feeling unsure, worried, or simply want to understand your child’s learning profile better, you’re not alone. Seeking clarity is a positive step, and a dyslexia assessment can often provide the understanding and reassurance that families are looking for.

If you’d like to talk things through, a free call can help you explore your options and decide what feels right for your child.

Book a free call to discuss your concerns and next steps.