1.1 Screening

A screening can be a quicker method of identification and is usually offered for free, often taking less than an hour and generally giving a good indication of dyslexic traits if they are present. A screening may involve a questionnaire and an interview to collect qualitative information, along with some quick tests of reading, writing, working memory and speed of processing. Qualitative information gathered from a discussion with an individual is always very important and can pick up any co-occurring difficulties too.

There are many different types of screening test. These can be carried out by a qualified specialist support tutor, but they do not need to be done by an assessor or educational psychologist. The screening could also be carried out with an online screener, where an individual will work through a series of tests on a computer which usually produces a mild, moderate, or strong indication of dyslexia. The BDA advises that if the screening test’s results show moderate to high probability of dyslexia, this ideally should be followed up by a Diagnostic Assessment. Let’s now explore this assessment.