Support for Adults (16+)

Is dyslexia hereditary?

Dyslexia often runs in families, and studies show a strong hereditary component, although not all cases are inherited.  Dyslexia affects the performance of the neurological system (specifically the parts of the brain responsible for learning to read).

Dyslexia – NHS

How much does an assessment cost?

Costs for assessments vary depending on where you live, who is doing the assessment and what type of assessment is being done. The cost is usually several hundreds of pounds and can vary from about £400 to £700.

An assessment carried out by an Educational Psychologist would probably cost more.

The Wiltshire Dyslexia Association does not provide assessments, however you can visit our Tutors & Assessors section to find contact details for an assessor.

Is there any funding available for assessments?

Usually there isn’t any direct funding for diagnostic assessments. Generally, assessments must be paid for by the individual, parent, or employer.

As dyslexia and dyscalculia are not medical conditions, a diagnostic assessment is not covered by the NHS.  Details at Dyslexia – NHS

Sometimes organisations such as the British Dyslexia Association, or Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity, offer discounts or bursaries to help with assessment costs.

For children and young people, Local Authorities may fund an assessment if it is part of an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process.  However, this is not guaranteed and often depends on the severity of need and local policy.

For students in higher education, the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) can fund support after a diagnosis, but not the initial assessment itself.  However, some universities offer financial help toward the cost of a diagnostic assessment for eligible students.

Local charities can occasionally offer financial support.

Am I eligible for a Disabled Student Allowance?

To be eligible for the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) you must have undertaken a diagnostic dyslexia assessment by an Educational Psychologist registered with the Health Care Practitioner Council (HCPC), or a Specialist Assessor with a current Assessment Practising Certificate (APC).

Some college and universities provide this as a free or subsidised service – though with Government budget restraints this is getting less likely.

The Disabled Student Allowance will provide funding for specialist tuition, software and equipment to help with studies.

How can dyslexia be identified?

The British Dyslexia Association provides a free Adult Checklist – BDA
Another is available from the International Dyslexia Association – Dyslexia Screener for Adults
This website includes a quiz:  Made By Dyslexia

There are many computer-based tests for adults available online. These are easy to access and a lower cost way of identifying the likelihood that someone is dyslexic, may need reasonable adjustments, or may benefit from a full diagnostic assessment.

Some employers will accept a screening test as evidence of dyslexia to implement simple reasonable adjustments in the workplace.

Adults do not need evidence from a diagnostic assessment to apply for support through the Government’s Access to Work scheme – useful video at Dyslexia and employment legislation | Helen Arkell.

Online screening tests are accepted by DVLA for access to reasonable adjustments in the driving theory test.

Examples:
Neurodivergent Tests | Neurodivergent Screening | Do-IT Profiler (doitprofiler.com)
Dyslexia Test for Adults online – QS Dyslexia Tests

Screening tests cannot be used to apply for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA).  A full diagnostic assessment from a suitably qualified assessor will be needed:  Higher Education – British Dyslexia Association (bdadyslexia.org.uk)

Dyslexia can only be formally identified through a diagnostic assessment carried out by a certified person such as an Educational Psychologist specialising in Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) registered with the Health Care Practitioners Council (HCPC), or a Specialist Assessor with an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC).

Screeners versus diagnostic assessment

Screening tests cannot usually be used for exam access arrangements in professional exams. Check with the professional body for their rules and criteria for exam access arrangements – ask what level of evidence is required.

Assessments can take time so it’s important to put additional support in place as soon as a need is identified, rather than waiting for a formal diagnosis.