A trained psychologist will give you a series of tests specially designed to measure your skills and weaknesses in different areas. If a very specific pattern of results emerges from these tests, then the psychologist will conclude that you have dyslexia or 'specific learning difficulties'. If this pattern does not emerge, then the psychologist will look for other reasons for your reading and writing difficulties.
All our psychologists are trained to use these tests, and are supervised by Chartered Psychologists who are dyslexia specialists.
Yes. At the end of your test period — usually around 2 hours — the psychologist will discuss all your results with you and tell you what they mean. Sometimes, one of our two Chartered Psychologists will join this discussion.
These are your results and are all about you. You have every right to understand what they mean and how they will affect you.
The tests are not hard — in fact many people are surprised at how much fun they have during the assessment! You will be nervous — most people are. This is especially true for dyslexics who may have many bad memories of tests at school. This is not a test to 'pass' or 'fail'. It is not like a driving test. It is more like a health check where a doctor needs to find out why you are having a problem so the best help can be given.
No. It is easy to worry that no one is as bad as you, but reading and writing problems are very, very common and extremely varied. Remember that around one person in ten is dyslexic. This means that on a bus full of people, around six or more of the passengers are likely to be dyslexic! Did you know that there are more dyslexic people in the world than there are people in the whole of China?
We see many perfectly normal, intelligent people who cannot read or write or spell at all. Others are good at one thing - such as reading - but cannot spell. There are many variations.
Absolutely not. All our psychologists are warm, kind and understanding. Some of them are dyslexic themselves, or have dyslexic children. All of them will take into account that you might feel worried or anxious, and will put you at your ease.
The tests are designed to measure your abilities and intelligence. We give closed, psychometric tests that can only be used by highly trained psychologists and cannot be accessed by the general public (e.g. the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale), as well as tests developed for use by teachers (e.g. the Wide Range Achievement Test, Word Chains and Test of Word Reading Efficiency).
These tests are specifically developed for use with adults. They will give you an idea of the strengths and weaknesses in your thinking, as well as an accurate assessment of your reading (e.g. understanding and accuracy), spelling (e.g. what types of spelling mistakes you make) and writing (e.g. speed or physical problems in writing)
Yes.
A short while after your assessment, you will receive an detailed report of the test results, what they mean and any recommendations for further help.
This written report is very important if you need formal evidence of your dyslexia in order to claim for allowances under the Disability Discrimination Act, or to gain concessions at school, university, college or at work.
There are many reactions to this information, but the main one is usually a mixture of relief and happy excitement because there is finally an explanation for all those years of struggle and failure. Some people also feel angry, and others feel bewildered and sad.
It is a good idea to have some type of counselling after diagnosis. Discovering that you are dyslexic can be quite a shock. At East Court, we offer a specialist counselling service with a counsellor who understands how you feel. She can also advise you on many practical problems such as your rights under the Disability Discrimination Act, and how to get help while studying, or at your place of work. Most good, qualified counsellors and therapists will also be able to help.
If you are found to be dyslexic, then you really need specialist help in learning to read and write. Many undiagnosed dyslexics have managed to find a way to read, but most find writing and spelling very difficult. East Court can arrange or recommend teaching for you. Alternatively, the Dyslexia Institute and the British Dyslexia Association can help to find you a teacher in your area. The important thing is that your teacher understands how to teach someone with dyslexia. It is not a simple literacy problem, and ordinary teaching may be unhelpful.
Yes. Contact Rosemary Scott on 01843 592077. She will help you in any way she can.