Identification and timescales

Scottish legislation provides an entitlement for families and learners themselves over 12 years of age to request an assessment of dyslexia. This process should start within 10 weeks of the written request. However, the specific timescale it should take to carry out a holistic/collaborative identification of dyslexia is not set in legislation or policy. Neither do the family or learner have an entitlement for specific types or names of dyslexia assessments or tests to be used.

The Addressing Dyslexia Toolkit highlights the difficulties which can arise if the assessment/identification process is a long one and places a very high value on effective communication during this time to support and maintain positive relationships with all involved during this process. The holistic and collaborative process of identification which is recommended within the 3 -18 curriculum is undoubtedly a longer experience and process compared to an independent assessment. It should be appreciated that the differences between the two assessment processes and the timescales can cause families a great deal of confusion and frustration. It is therefore important to ensure the process and methods used by the school to gather information for an identification of dyslexia is done so in a timely and efficient way.