Frequently asked questions
Contents
- What is the difference between a psychologist assessment and a specialist teacher assessment?
- Can I be assessed if English isn’t my first language?
- Why do I need to ensure the person being assessed has had an eyesight test before the assessment?
- If my child has dyslexia, will they automatically get extra time or other adjustments in exams?
- If I have a full diagnostic assessment for dyslexia and my child is found to have dyslexia, what can I expect from the school in terms of support?
- Can Diagnostic Assessment Reports be used in a court of law?
- How are children supported in school if they do not have an EHCP but need additional support?
- What is an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and who is given one?
- Who are your assessors?
- Arranging your own assessment?
- Why do you not assess under the age of 8?
What is the difference between a psychologist assessment and a specialist teacher assessment?
Both specialist teachers (who are AMBDA qualified and hold an Assessment Practising Certificate, APC) and psychologists are able to assess for dyslexia; in practice there is very little difference between the two.
There may be some instances where a psychologist needs to be engaged instead of a specialist teacher, for example where an individual has more complex or multiple needs or where it is felt that they may have co-occurring difficulties (where an individual has other Specific Learning Difficulties alongside their dyslexia). In such cases the additional tests used by psychologists may be able to tease out these subtle differences in an individual's overall profile.
Specialist teachers usually have more experience working, and often teaching, in an educational setting.
Both specialist teachers and psychologists can diagnose dyslexia and can make recommendations about how the individual can best be supported.