Is a diagnostic assessment a good idea if a child is struggling to read?

Is a diagnostic assessment a good idea if a child is struggling to read? 

Is your child or student struggling to grasp the fundamental concepts of reading in their school hours? Perhaps you have noticed friction when it comes to practising phonics or writing activities, or your child’s teacher has expressed concern around their progress. Your child or student may be displaying clear dyslexia symptoms, or you could suspect they are masking particular symptoms of dyslexia. It may be time to bring in a diagnostic dyslexia assessment, to see if they could be struggling with a specific learning difficulty. 

While the thought of a formal dyslexia assessment may be daunting, getting adequate support and help is vital for building confidence, and overcoming learning hurdles. In this blog we’re sharing the ins and outs of what you could learn from a diagnostic dyslexia test, how this can help children meet their potential, and the key information you should aim to gather from the results. 

What you can learn from a diagnostic dyslexia assessment

If you are a parent, you may feel a little anxious about the prospect of a dyslexia assessment for your child - but please don’t! A diagnostic assessment is empowering and provides a clearer picture of your child’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as their unique cognitive profile, and is  a vital part of helping a struggling reader at home. A dyslexia assessment will give families and schools a clear understanding of how a child’s mind works when it comes to reading and writing, and how best to help them with the precise intervention they need to thrive. It may be that a learner needs specific interventions in a particular area of reading, or more generalised regular practice. An assessor might advise the use of a particular package for practice at home and school, specific learning resources like colourful overlays, using dyslexia friendly fonts in written communication, or a Forbrain Headset to help them achieve their potential.  

How a dyslexia test can help a child

We know that a dyslexia assessment can diagnose dyslexia - but what does having this knowledge actually mean for the child, and their wellbeing? In our experience, the main outcome of receiving a diagnosis of a specific learning difficulty is relief. If a child has been struggling enough for a teacher or parent to think an assessment is necessary, receiving a clear cut answer for their struggles typically gives children a better understanding of why they have struggled so much in comparison to their peers. Think confidence rather than confusion! 

How to make the most of the information gathered from a dyslexia assessment

Once a child has completed a dyslexia assessment with a trained provider, you will receive a variety of information summarising their strengths, weaknesses and overall profile. There is no ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ in an assessment, but rather an in depth view of how your child’s mind works. To make the most of the information you receive, look out for the following:

·      Explanations of their reading, spelling and writing skills

·      Identification of if there is a clear discrepancy between their general level of ability and current attainment

·      Any underlying factors for low attainment, such as anxiety or attention difficulties

·      Proposed ideas for reasonable adjustments needed, such as extra time, in exams or changes to curricula 

·      Concrete, practical recommendations for support at school and home and strategies to help a struggling reader 

If you are a teacher or practitioner, these will inform intervention choices. If you are a parent, your child’s school should support you in a clear package of support for your child’s learning. 

We hope this article offers some insight into how a dyslexia assessment can help your child achieve their potential. For further information on assessments, head to our sister website, Dyslexia Decoded.