​Dyslexia Testing - To Assess or Not to Assess?

Have you ever wondered, 'How can I get dyslexia tested?' or 'Is there dyslexia testing near me?'

While dyslexia testing and assessments offer valuable insights, it's crucial to understand that testing alone isn't the ultimate solution. Dyslexia is a complex learning difference that demands comprehensive support beyond testing. Testing typically identifies challenges in reading, spelling, and phonological processing, but real progress comes from subsequent interventions, strategies, and educational support.

​At Jumpstarting™ Learning Skills, we champion a holistic approach to dyslexia support, particularly from a visual learning perspective. Our focus centers on empowering individuals with dyslexia through tailored strategies, training, and resources, fostering their ability to overcome challenges and excel academically.

This checklist is a great place to start if you are unsure whether to have your child assessed or not....

​Arguments FOR assessment:

• ​​Gives you and your child an explanation for their academic difficulties, particularly if know they are intelligent and talented in other areas such as art, music, sports etc.
• You may feel a great sense of relief when you realise your child is not ‘stupid’, ‘lazy’ or ‘unmotivated’.
• It can open up access to support e.g learning support, specialist teacher (this will depend on individual schools and local or national government policy.)
• Your child might be entitled to get: assistive technology such as a computer and software, extra time in exams, breaks during exams, reader and/or scribe in class or exams, etc.
• Your child might be offered a reduced time table and exemptions from subjects such as foreign languages. 

Arguments AGAINST assessment:​

• ​Your child may begin to identify with the label – might use it as an excuse, “I can’t do that because I’m dyslexic”, preventing them from attempting certain tasks.
• Your child may become too reliant on the support in school. This can become a crutch, encourage dependency and it may be harder to develop into an independent learner.
• If your child’s school does not offer the assessment free of charge, it can be expensive to go to a private assessor.
• In the UK and Ireland, dyslexia is seen as a ‘high incident’ issue and often an assessment does not automatically mean additional support as the school is expected to already be dealing with it.
• An expectation that inherent in the diagnosis are solutions. The label alone does not offer a way forward...

​What We Say….

​The primary challenge arises when support persistently emphasises phonics instruction, especially if it happens to be your child's weakest area. This is precisely where The Jumpstarting™ Process comes into play. While learning the sounds of the language is important, it can be an exceptionally lengthy process for those facing substantial difficulties. Meanwhile, your child's academic progress may lag, and their cognitive development may be hindered due to their inability to read and write fluently.

Having the knowledge and tools to effectively assist your child at home on a daily basis can have a profound impact. It not only empowers parents but also enables timely intervention to ensure your child continues to advance academically.