How do I know if my child might have dyslexia?
Parents often notice that their child is working very hard but still finding reading, spelling or writing more difficult than their peers.
You might notice that your child:
• reads slowly or avoids reading
• struggles to remember spellings
• finds writing difficult
• becomes frustrated with homework
• seems capable but progress feels slower than expected
These signs do not always mean dyslexia, but they can indicate that a specialist dyslexia assessment may be helpful in understanding how your child learns.
What age can children be assessed for dyslexia?
Dyslexia assessments are usually most reliable from around age 8 onwards, once children have had enough experience with reading and writing for patterns of difficulty to become clearer. Educational assessments can take place at any age.
Assessments are available for primary and secondary school aged pupils.
What happens during the assessment?
The assessment usually lasts around 3 hours, including short breaks.
During the session your child will complete a range of activities exploring different aspects of learning, including:
• reading
• spelling
• phonological processing
• memory
• processing speed
• underlying learning skills
The assessment is carefully paced and designed to feel calm and supportive so children feel relaxed and able to show their true abilities.
Where does the assessment take place?
Assessments take place in a calm and comfortable assessment space in Garston (L19), Liverpool. The environment is designed to help children feel relaxed and able to concentrate.
In some cases, assessments may also take place in school or at home (with permission), although additional travel costs may apply.
Clarity Path Dyslexia provides private dyslexia assessments for families across Liverpool and surrounding areas.
Will my child receive a dyslexia diagnosis?
If the assessment findings meet the recognised diagnostic criteria, the report will clearly state that dyslexia is identified.
If dyslexia is not identified, the report will still provide a detailed understanding of your child’s learning profile, including strengths, areas of difficulty and recommendations to support learning.
Are your assessments recognised?
Yes. Assessments follow SASC guidelines and professional standards for diagnostic dyslexia assessment. Reports are recognised by schools, local authorities and exam boards, and may be used as evidence for:
• exam access arrangements
• additional support within school
• further specialist support where appropriate.
How soon will I receive the report?
Reports are typically completed within 3–4 weeks following the assessment.
The report provides a detailed explanation of the results along with clear recommendations for supporting your child both at home and in school.
What does the report include?
The diagnostic report includes:
• a detailed explanation of assessment results
• a clear statement about whether dyslexia is identified
• a profile of your child’s strengths and difficulties
• practical recommendations for school and home
• information that may support exam access arrangements in the future.
Do you diagnose ADHD or autism?
No. The assessment focuses specifically on identifying dyslexia and related learning difficulties.
However, if patterns within the assessment suggest that other needs may be present, this will be explained within the report and appropriate next steps may be suggested.
Can the assessment support an EHCP or school support?
Yes. The report provides clear evidence about your child’s learning profile and can help schools understand how best to support them.
Many families share the report with their child’s school to inform additional support or future planning.
How do I book an assessment?
If you would like to arrange an assessment or discuss whether it would be helpful for your child, you are very welcome to get in touch.
📧 claritypathdyslexia@gmail.com
📞 07897 950330
Still have questions?
If you are unsure whether a dyslexia assessment would be helpful for your child, please feel free to get in touch for a quick informal conversation.
I am always happy to answer questions before you decide whether to book.
How much does a dyslexia assessment cost?
If you would like to discuss assessment fees or availability, please feel free to get in touch.