Where Can I Get a Dyslexia Assessment in Kent? A Parent’s Guide to Professional Support

If you’re searching for ‘dyslexia assessment in Kent’, it’s usually because something doesn’t quite add up for your child. They may be bright and capable, yet reading, writing or spelling feels far harder than it should. Homework might be triggering frustration, tears or avoidance, and confidence may be starting to dip.

A professional dyslexia assessment can bring clarity, reassurance and a clear way forward. This guide explains where you can get a dyslexia assessment in Kent, what to look for, and how to choose the right support for your family.

What Is a Dyslexia Assessment?

A dyslexia assessment is a detailed evaluation carried out by a specialist assessor. It looks beyond surface-level attainment to understand how your child processes language and information.

A full assessment typically explores:

• reading accuracy, speed and comprehension

• spelling patterns

• phonological processing

• working memory and processing speed

• underlying cognitive strengths

• how these areas impact learning in the classroom

This level of assessment explains why your child is struggling and provides clear, practical recommendations to support them at school and at home.

Why a Professional Assessment Matters

Many parents come to me after trying:

• school screeners

• online dyslexia quizzes

• informal assessments

While these can highlight concerns, they do not diagnose dyslexia and often miss children who mask difficulties or have higher verbal ability.

A professional dyslexia assessment:

✔ provides evidence-based clarity

✔ is recognised by schools and educational settings

✔ supports exam access arrangements where appropriate

✔ reduces anxiety and self-blame

✔ gives you language to advocate for your child

For many families, it is the turning point.

Where Can You Get a Dyslexia Assessment in Kent?

There are several routes available in Kent:

1. Local Specialist Dyslexia Assessors

Across Kent, specialist assessors work in areas such as:

• Canterbury

• Ashford

• Maidstone

• Tunbridge Wells

• Sevenoaks

• Folkestone

• Sittingbourne

• Rochester

These assessors typically work one-to-one and provide detailed written reports. You can find them through professional directories, SENCo recommendations, or local parent networks.

2. Educational Psychology Services

Some educational psychologists in Kent offer dyslexia assessments as part of wider learning evaluations. These services may be accessed privately and often include comprehensive reports suitable for school use.

3. Remote Dyslexia Assessments

Remote assessments are increasingly popular and can be just as thorough as face-to-face assessments when carried out by an experienced specialist.

They are particularly helpful if:

• your child feels anxious in unfamiliar environments

• travel is difficult

• local waiting lists are long

Local Specialist Support: Laura Gowers, Founder of This is Dyslexia

If you’re looking for a trusted dyslexia assessor in Kent, Laura Gowers is the founder of This is Dyslexia and offers specialist dyslexia assessments for children and adults, both face-to-face in Kent and remotely across the UK.

Laura brings over twenty-three years of experience in education, including senior leadership and SENCo roles, alongside advanced specialist training in dyslexia assessment.

Families often choose Laura because she offers:

• Level 7 specialist dyslexia assessment qualifications

• extensive experience supporting children in schools

• clear, parent-friendly explanations

• a calm, compassionate assessment approach

• reports written in accessible language

• detailed, practical recommendations for schools and families

• follow-up guidance to help parents understand next steps

Her approach focuses not just on diagnosis, but on understanding the whole child and supporting wellbeing as well as learning.

You can find out more about Laura’s assessment services at:

👉https://www.thisisdyslexia.co.uk/dyslexia-assessments

What to Look for When Choosing an Assessor

When booking a dyslexia assessment in Kent, check that the assessor:

✔ holds recognised specialist dyslexia qualifications

✔ has experience assessing children of your child’s age

✔ provides a full written diagnostic report

✔ understands UK educational criteria

✔ offers practical, usable recommendations

✔ takes a strengths-based approach

A good assessor will be happy to answer your questions and help you feel confident in your decision.

What Happens After the Assessment?

Following a professional dyslexia assessment, you should receive:

• a comprehensive written report

• clear explanations of strengths and difficulties

• tailored strategies for school and home

• guidance on next steps, including school support

This report becomes a powerful tool for advocacy and understanding.

If you’re wondering where to get a dyslexia assessment in Kent, know that you have options and that high-quality, compassionate support is available.

A diagnosis is not a label.

It is clarity.

And clarity changes everything.

If you’d like to explore dyslexia assessments with Laura Gowers, founder of This is Dyslexia, you can visit:

👉https://www.thisisdyslexia.co.uk/dyslexia-assessments

You don’t have to navigate this alone.