Dyslexia Assessment Exeter Devon with Kay

Kay Sharman-Davies - Specialist Teacher Assessor

I am a caring person who chooses to help those who want to know why sometimes tasks are a problem for them.  I am a Patoss registered Specialist Teacher Assessor with an APC providing diagnostic assessments. I have many years experience of working in the education sector. I have specialist knowledge of working with primary aged children and working with neurodiverse teenagers and adults. I have worked in the UK and Internationally in mainstream and private educational settings.

Firstly I consider what individuals want from an assessment and try to meet their needs. I carry out assessments to diagnose dyslexia to make positive changes to individuals' lives, for Exam Access Arrangements, Disabled Students' Allowance and to identify strengths of the individual to assist their learning.

Prior to the assessment 

I will have a friendly chat to gather some background information and request questionnaires are completed.

During the assessment

I will ensure there is no pressure placed on the individual. All I ask is individuals try their best. I will carry out a series of tests to explore aspects of underlying ability such as:

• Reading, writing and spelling
• Handwriting and fine motor skills
• Underlying learning skills: phonological awareness, speed of processing and memory, speech and language and auditory processing.

The assessment usually takes approximately three hours. However this depends on how the person is on the day. There is no pressure on the individual so it maybe a second visit is required.

After the assessment

• I will make a diagnosis and provide a report within two weeks.
•  I will assess performance on a range of items which will enable me to highlight the person’s individual style of learning or working. 
• I will identify if there is a clear discrepancy between general level of ability and reading and writing attainment. 
• I will consider strengths, weaknesses and other factors which may be affecting learning to identify what does/does not work for the individual. 
• I will identify whether any Reasonable Adjustments will need to be made in order for individuals to fully access the curriculum, exams and their place of work.
• Individuals will receive a report that outlines strengths and weaknesses, with recommendations of what could be done to improve the areas the individual is having difficulties with.  

A Diagnostic Assessment for Dyslexia is the only way that dyslexia can be formally identified.  

The advantage of a formal diagnosis is that dyslexia is covered by the Equality Act 2010, this means that education institutions and the workplace have a duty to take this into account and therefore make reasonable adjustments to accommodate your difficulties.

To claim DSA (Disability Student Allowance) you must have a diagnostic assessment.  

You will receive a high quality report with recommendations on how you can be best supported in work, in an educational setting and at home.

An assessment will help you understand your strengths and why you may be experiencing difficulties in your learning or day-to-day life.

 Dyslexia affects each individual differently, however, there are some signs that you can look out for which may indicate dyslexia.

• Forgetful with words or unable to recognise words that are familiar to you
• Stronger oral skills than written work
• Poor comprehension skills· Disorganised
• Confusing words
• Confusing right and left
•  Clear difficulties processing information
• Much stronger knowledge than you are able to express in written form  

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