Personalised dyslexia screening to help understand your child's learning difficulties

Is your child finding reading, spelling or writing more difficult than expected? Perhaps they are working hard at school but continue to struggle, or you have noticed difficulties that you would like to explore further.

At Clarity Path Dyslexia, I offer personalised dyslexia screening assessments designed to identify possible indicators of dyslexia and provide families with a clearer understanding of their child's learning needs.

Unlike screening services that use the same set of activities for every child, each screening is individually planned. I select the most appropriate assessment tests and specialist test kits based on your child's age, educational history and particular areas of difficulty. Screening can be a useful first step for families who have concerns about dyslexia but are unsure whether a full diagnostic assessment is needed.

Specialist Dyslexia Screening with Real Classroom Experience

I'm Sarah, a Level 7 qualified specialist dyslexia assessor, qualified teacher and experienced SENCo with over 15 years' experience working in education. I hold a current Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) and am a professional member of PATOSS.

Having worked with children with a wide range of learning needs, I understand how difficulties with reading, spelling and writing can affect academic progress, confidence and enjoyment of learning. My experience as a teacher and SENCo means I understand both the assessment process and the practical challenges children can experience in the classroom.

I believe that screening should provide more than a simple indication of whether dyslexia might be present. It should help parents and schools better understand a child's difficulties and identify sensible next steps.

What Is Dyslexia Screening?

Dyslexia screening is a focused assessment designed to explore whether a child is showing characteristics commonly associated with dyslexia. It can help identify areas of difficulty involving literacy and related learning processes, providing useful information about whether further specialist assessment may be beneficial. Screening is different from a full diagnostic dyslexia assessment.

A dyslexia screening does not provide a formal diagnosis of dyslexia. It identifies possible indicators and provides guidance about whether further investigation may be appropriate.

The findings can also help parents and schools identify areas where additional teaching or support may be helpful.

When Might Dyslexia Screening Be Helpful?

You may wish to consider dyslexia screening if your child:

• Finds reading slow, difficult or tiring
• Struggles to remember spellings despite regular practice
• Has difficulty sounding out unfamiliar words
• Guesses words when reading rather than decoding them
• Makes frequent spelling errors in written work
• Finds it difficult to remember sequences or instructions
• Takes longer than expected to complete literacy activities
• Avoids reading or writing because they find these tasks challenging
• Is making limited progress despite additional teaching or support
• Has a family history of dyslexia

Not every child who experiences these difficulties will have dyslexia. Screening provides an opportunity to explore the nature of these challenges and consider whether a more comprehensive diagnostic assessment may be appropriate.

A Personalised Approach to Dyslexia Screening

Every child learns differently, which is why I do not believe in using the same screening tests for every child. At Clarity Path Dyslexia, each screening is planned individually, using carefully selected standardised assessments and specialist test kits appropriate to the child's age and presenting needs.

Before the screening, I gather relevant information about your child's development, educational experiences and current learning difficulties. This allows me to select the assessment activities that are likely to provide the most useful information. For example, a child who struggles primarily with spelling may require a different combination of assessment activities from a child whose main difficulty is slow or inaccurate reading.

The assessment is therefore tailored to the individual rather than following a fixed screening package. My aim is to provide meaningful information that helps explain the difficulties your child is experiencing and guides decisions about further support or assessment.

What Does a Dyslexia Screening Include?

The exact areas explored will depend on your child's individual needs and the concerns identified beforehand.

Screening may include:

• Reading accuracy and fluency: Exploring how accurately your child reads words and how efficiently they recognise familiar and unfamiliar words.
• Spelling: Looking at spelling accuracy and patterns of difficulty that may provide information about your child's literacy development.
• Phonological processing: Exploring how your child recognises and works with the sounds in spoken words. These skills are particularly important for learning to read and spell.
• Phonological memory: Considering how effectively your child remembers sound-based information over short periods of time.
• Rapid naming: Exploring how quickly and accurately your child can retrieve and name familiar information, such as letters or numbers.
• Working memory: Looking at how your child holds and uses information while completing activities.
• Processing speed: Considering how efficiently your child completes selected tasks.

Not every child will complete activities in all these areas. The selection of assessments will depend on their age, learning history, presenting difficulties and the specific questions the screening is intended to explore. The results are considered alongside background information and observations rather than interpreted in isolation.

Where Do Dyslexia Screenings Take Place?

In-Person Dyslexia Screening in Liverpool - Screening assessments can take place at my assessment location in Garston (L19), South Liverpool. The environment is calm and supportive, allowing your child to work individually with me without the usual distractions of a busy classroom. I take time to help children feel comfortable and explain the activities in a friendly, reassuring way.

Dyslexia Screening in Schools - Screenings can also be arranged at your child's school, subject to the school's agreement and the availability of a suitable quiet room. This may be particularly helpful for children who feel more comfortable in a familiar environment.

Online Dyslexia Screening - Remote screening may also be available where this is appropriate for the individual child.Before arranging an online screening, I will consider your child's age, individual needs, the assessment activities required and whether suitable technology and assessment conditions are available. Not all screening tests are suitable for remote administration, so the assessment format will be discussed before booking.

The Dyslexia Screening Process

Step 1 – Initial Enquiry

You can contact me to discuss your concerns about your child's reading, spelling or writing. I will explain the difference between dyslexia screening and a full diagnostic assessment and help you consider which option may be most appropriate.

Step 2 – Gathering Background Information

Before the screening, I will gather relevant information about your child's educational history, current difficulties and any support they have received.This helps me understand the reasons for your concerns and decide which areas of learning would be most useful to explore.

Step 3 – Selecting the Assessment Tests

Using the information gathered, I will select an individual combination of assessment tests and specialist test kits. The choice of tests will depend on your child's age, learning needs and the particular difficulties being investigated. This personalised approach ensures that the screening is focused on gathering information relevant to your child rather than completing a fixed set of activities.

Step 4 – The Screening Appointment

Your child will work directly with me, completing a range of carefully selected activities. The screening is conducted in a calm, positive and supportive manner, with activities explained clearly and breaks offered where appropriate. The duration of the appointment will depend on the combination of assessments selected for your child. This will be discussed before booking. Throughout the screening, I observe how your child approaches tasks, the strategies they use and any areas they find particularly challenging.

Step 5 – Screening Findings and Recommendations

Following the screening, I will review the assessment results alongside the background information gathered. You will receive a written summary explaining the findings, any indicators associated with dyslexia and the recommended next steps.

Depending on the findings, this may include:

• Identifying particular areas of literacy difficulty
• Highlighting indicators that may be associated with dyslexia
• Recommending appropriate support at home or school
• Suggesting further monitoring or targeted teaching
• Advising whether a full diagnostic dyslexia assessment may be beneficial

The screening findings are not a diagnosis and cannot definitively confirm or exclude dyslexia.

What Will I Receive Following the Screening?

You will receive a written screening summary that explains the findings in clear, accessible language. The summary will outline the areas explored, the results of the selected assessments and any patterns of difficulty identified. It will also provide recommendations about appropriate next steps. My aim is to ensure that parents understand what the findings mean and how they may help inform decisions about their child's learning.

Dyslexia Screening or Full Diagnostic Assessment – Which Is Right for My Child?

Both services can provide useful information, but they have different purposes.

Dyslexia Screening - Screening is a focused assessment designed to identify possible indicators of dyslexia. It may be suitable when concerns are emerging, when parents would like to explore particular areas of difficulty or when they are unsure whether a full diagnostic assessment is necessary. Screening does not provide a formal diagnosis.

Full Diagnostic Dyslexia Assessment

A full diagnostic assessment provides a more comprehensive investigation of literacy skills, underlying learning processes and educational history. It involves a detailed analysis of the evidence to establish whether the child meets the recognised criteria for dyslexia. Where appropriate, a formal diagnosis can be made, alongside a comprehensive report and individualised recommendations. If your child has experienced significant or persistent literacy difficulties, particularly despite additional teaching or intervention, a full diagnostic assessment may be the more appropriate option.

I am always happy to discuss your concerns before you decide which service to book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a dyslexia screening diagnose dyslexia?

No. Dyslexia screening identifies possible indicators of dyslexia but does not provide a formal diagnosis. A full diagnostic assessment is required to establish whether there is sufficient evidence to support a diagnosis.

Are all children given the same screening tests?

No. Every screening is personalised. I select the most appropriate assessment tests and specialist test kits based on your child's age, educational history and presenting difficulties. This allows the screening to focus on the areas most relevant to your child's learning needs.

How long does a dyslexia screening take?

The duration varies depending on the assessments selected for your child. As each screening is individually planned, I will explain the expected length of the appointment before booking.

Can my child have a dyslexia screening at school?

Yes. Screening can take place at your child's school with the school's agreement and access to a suitable quiet room.

Can dyslexia screening take place online?

Potentially, yes. Online screening may be available depending on your child's individual needs and the suitability of the assessment tests required.

What happens if the screening identifies signs of dyslexia?

The screening summary will explain the findings and recommend appropriate next steps. Where there are indicators associated with dyslexia, I may recommend a full diagnostic assessment to investigate these further.

What if the screening does not identify clear indicators of dyslexia?

The findings may still provide useful information about your child's learning. Screening cannot definitively rule out dyslexia, so any continuing concerns should be considered alongside your child's educational history, progress and response to support.

Will the screening help my child's school?

The findings may help identify areas of difficulty and inform discussions about additional teaching or support. However, a screening summary does not replace a comprehensive diagnostic report.

Does my child need a school referral?

No. Parents can contact me directly to arrange a private screening. Information from school can be helpful in understanding your child's learning difficulties, but a formal school referral is not required.

Arrange a Personalised Dyslexia Screening

If you are concerned about your child's reading, spelling or writing and would like to explore these difficulties further, please get in touch. I offer individually planned dyslexia screening assessments in Liverpool, with school-based and online options available where appropriate.

I am happy to discuss your concerns and help you decide whether screening or a full diagnostic assessment would be the most useful next step for your child.

Telephone or WhatsApp: 07897 950330

Email: claritypathdyslexia@gmail.com

Website: www.claritypathdyslexia.co.uk