Question 1

What is an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC)?

Accepted Answer

An APC is the gold standard for dyslexia assessors, and illustrates a commitment to ongoing

training as a dyslexia assessor. Assessments that have been conducted by an assessor with an

APC may be used for DSA (Disabled Students Allowance) purposes.

Question 2

How much does a dyslexia assessment cost?

Accepted Answer

The assessment costs £590.

This is inclusive of gathering the background information, a

comprehensive assessment, and an in-depth report.  The assessment will include confirmation

of the diagnostic outcome. Please note that not all assessments will result in a dyslexia

diagnosis.

Question 3

Where will the assessment take place?

Accepted Answer

The dyslexia assessment can take place either at my home in Gerrards Cross, or your child's school (with your school's agreement).

Areas I cover include:  Buckinghamshire,  Gerrards Cross. Chalfont. St. Peter. Chalfont. St. Giles. Amersham. Marlow, Beaconsfield.

Question 4

What does the assessment involve?

Accepted Answer

First of all, I will gather background information from the family or carer of the child,  and the child's school. This will help me form a holistic view of the child.

On the day of the assessment, I will conduct tests that help me form a view of the child's. The areas tested will vary from child to child, but will generally some or all of these areas:

Language and Reasoning 
(receptive language and listening comprehension, expressive language, phonological awareness, reasoning)

Reading
(Single word reading, speeded decoding, prose reading, reading comprehension)

Spelling and writing
(spelling skills, transcription skills i.e. handwriting, copying, typing (legibility, speed, accuracy), written expression - quality and composition).

Speed of processing and retrieval
(rapid automatised or symbolic naming, visual motor-speed, orthographic processing)

Memory 
(verbal working memory, phonological short-term memory, visual working memory)

I then combine the results of the tests with the background information to write a

comprehensive report that contains the child's strengths and weaknesses, recommendations

for the school and at home, as well as confirmation of a diagnosis (if there is one).  The report

may also include referrals to other specialists.

As I hold an Assessment Practising Certificate, the report may also be used for Disabled

Students Allowance (DSA) purposes.

Question 5

What are the benefits of a dyslexia assessment?

Accepted Answer

A dyslexia assessment can:

- help the child and their family understand why the child is not reaching their full potential at

school.

- provide a formal diagnosis of dyslexia  (where applicable).

- provide a comprehensive report of the child's strengths and weaknesses, along with

personalised recommendations detailing how to support the child.

-  be used as evidence for Disabled Students Allowance in Further Education.

Question 6

What is the definition of dyslexia?

Accepted Answer

A new definition of dyslexia was published in 2025, after several years of research.

The Delphi definition of dyslexia

Nature
The nature and developmental trajectory of dyslexia depends on multiple genetic and environmental influences.

Manifestation
Dyslexia is a set of processing difficulties that affect the acquisition of reading and spelling. The most commonly observed cognitive impairment in dyslexia is a difficulty in phonological processing (i.e. in phonological awareness, phonological processing speed or phonological memory). However, phonological difficulties do not fully explain the variability that is observed. Working memory, processing speed, and orthographic skills can contribute to the impact of dyslexia.

Impact
In dyslexia, some or all aspects of literacy attainment are weak in relation to age, standard teaching  and instruction, and level of other attainments. Across languages and age groups, difficulties in reading fluency and spelling are a key marker of dyslexia.

Variance and co-occurrence
Dyslexic difficulties exist on a continuum and can be experienced to various degrees of severity. Dyslexia can affect the acquisition of other skills, such as mathematics, reading comprehension or learning another language. Dyslexia frequently co-occurs with one or more other developmental difficulties, including developmental language disorder, dyscalculia, ADHD, and developmental coordination disorder.

Reference:
Toward a consensus on dyslexia: findings from a Delphi Study. Carroll, J., Holden, C., Kirby, P., Snowling, M.J., & Thompson, P.A. (2025) Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.

Question 7

If I suspect my child has dyslexia, should I wait until they get a formal dyslexia diagnosis until I get my child support?

Accepted Answer

No.  If your child is having difficulties with reading and spelling, then you should seek support for them as soon as possible.  Early intervention is key, and you do not need to wait for a diagnosis before your child gets support.

Question 8

What age children do Bucks Dyslexia assess?

Accepted Answer

Bucks Dyslexia carry out dyslexia assessments for children aged 8-15 years of age. 8 years of age is considered the minimum age for a child to receive a reliable diagnosis of dyslexia.

Question 9

What is the youngest age I should get my child assessed?

Accepted Answer

Age 8 onwards is a good age to get your child assessed.  You will have information from your child’s early years development such as any difficulties they had writing their name, and their ability to sequence the alphabet using letters. You will also know if they had any difficulties remembering nursery rhythms. When the child is  8 years old, you will have a more solid view of your child’s reading and writing skills, primarily noting difficulties with reading and writing skills.

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