How to Book a Dyslexia Assessment UK: What Every Parent Needs to Know First

If you’re here, chances are something in your gut is whispering: “Something isn’t adding up, but I can’t put my finger on it.”

Maybe your child is bright, curious, full of ideas yet reading feels like wading through mud.

Maybe homework time has turned into tears, avoidance or that heartbreaking phrase no parent ever wants to hear: “I’m just stupid.”

Let me begin with this:

You are not overreacting.

You are not one of those parents.

And you are most certainly not alone.

I’ve sat with hundreds of families at that exact crossroads. I’ve seen the worry, the doubt, the hope and the relief when things finally start to make sense. So let’s slow this down, breathe, and walk through this together.

A dyslexia assessment isn’t simply a test.

It’s a doorway to understanding your child’s brain and unlocking the confidence that’s been waiting underneath the struggle.

How do you know it might be Dyslexia?

Most parents don’t come in saying, “I think my child has dyslexia.”

They come in saying, “Something feels off and I can’t shake it.”

Common signs parents notice

You might recognise some of these:

• Struggles with reading but can talk for England

• Amazing imagination but difficulty spelling even simple words

• Writes slowly compared with peers

• Mixes up letter order or sounds

• Finds it hard to remember instructions or new vocabulary

And then there’s the emotional clues.

The emotional whispers parents often spot first

• Frustration that doesn’t match the task

• Avoiding reading aloud like it’s lava

• Becoming the class clown or shrinking into the back of the room

• Homework battles that drain everyone

I’ve seen children who can explain the solar system better than most adults — yet freeze at the sight of a reading book.

That gap between ability and performance? It’s one of dyslexia’s most powerful tells.

And that instinct you feel? It’s not paranoia — it’s parenting.

Why early Dyslexia assessment matters (More than you know)

People sometimes tell parents to wait and see.

But here’s the truth few say out loud:

Time doesn’t solve dyslexia.

Support does.

I remember assessing a child who’d been called “lazy” more times than anyone could count. He left the session saying, “So my brain’s not broken. It’s just a bit different?”

That right there, that moment of relief, is why early clarity matters.

An assessment gives:

• Relief - An understanding that it’s not me

• A plan - Detailed recommendations and strategies not guesswork

• The language to advocate in school

• Confidence — More powerful than any worksheet

An assessment isn’t a label.

It’s a light switched on in a room your child has been stumbling through in the dark.

What should a good Dyslexia assessment include?

Every assessment is not created equal and you deserve the best for your child.

Your assessor should explore:

• Reading accuracy, fluency and understanding

• Spelling patterns

• Phonological awareness (how sounds are processed)

• Working memory and processing speed

• Strengths — creativity, logic, problem-solving, verbal skills

We don’t just look at what a child struggles with.

We look at how brilliantly they think too.

And afterwards, you should receive:

• A detailed report, clearly written

• A firm conclusion — not vague suggestions

• Tailored strategies and recommendations

• A follow-up to talk things through

If you’re paying privately, you’re not paying for paper — you’re paying for clarity, expertise and a roadmap.

Questions to ask before you book

Here’s your quick checklist — print it, screenshot it, keep it close:

• Is the assessor Level 7 trained and qualified to diagnose?

• Does the assessor have an APC?

• Do you offer feedback afterwards?

• How soon will we receive the report?

• Do you offer guidance for next steps?

• Do you work with children my child’s age?

Trust your instincts here too.

If someone makes you feel rushed, confused or dismissed — move on.

Assessment is not a box-tick moment.

It’s a partnership.

What happens on the day?

No cold rooms, no clipboards of doom, no pressure. A great assessment feels more like:

A gentle puzzle-solving morning with someone cheering you on.

We laugh, we chat, we take breaks.

Children often say it felt like a mixture of games and challenges and that they feel proud afterwards.

And yes, we celebrate little victories —

like reading a tricky word or keeping going when it felt tough.

I once had a child say,

“I thought it would feel like a test, but it felt like someone wanted to help me.”

That is the goal. Always.

What Happens Next?

1. You get a full report

Clear, thorough and parent-friendly.

No confusing jargon or mysterious acronyms.

2. We talk through everything

You deserve to feel confident in the results — not overwhelmed.

3. We map out support

• School strategies

• Home support ideas

• Recommendations for reading, spelling, technology, mindset support

An assessment without action is a diagnosis half-done. You get both.

Common parent worries (and their truths)

You’re not doing this because you fear your child can’t succeed.

You’re doing this because you know they can and deserve every chance.

How to talk to your child about the Dyslexia assessment

Keep it light, warm and empowering:

“Everyone learns differently. We’re doing this to find out how your brain works best, so school feels easier.”

No surprise tests. No pressure.

Let them know this is about support, not judgement.

And yes, plan a treat afterwards.

Not as a reward, but as a celebration of courage.

Final word: you are doing the right thing

If no one has said this to you yet today, allow me:

You’re a brilliant parent.

Choosing to seek answers takes courage and love.

You’re advocating, questioning, noticing and your child is lucky to have you.

A dyslexia assessment isn’t an end point.

It’s a beginning.

A beginning of:

• Understanding

• Confidence

• Tailored support

• A child who knows their brain is powerful — not broken

I’ve seen what happens when children get clarity.

They lift their heads a little higher.

Their shoulders drop.

They start believing again.

And that?

That is magic.

Ready for the next step?

If you’d like a warm, child-centred assessment with clear guidance and ongoing support, you’re welcome to explore my assessment options.

Your child’s story isn’t defined by struggle.

It’s defined by potential and we’re here to help it shine.

Email info@thisisdyslexia.co.uk and let's explore if a dyslexia assessment is right for you.