Screening and Assessment
If you suspect a problem – take action. If dyslexia is identified and appropriate interventions put into place, the individual can be enabled to achieve their potential.
Screening
There are various screening tests, such as the DAST (Dyslexia Adult Screening Test), which can be carried out to identify strengths and weaknesses. A screening test cannot diagnose dyslexia itself but will point you in the right direction for support and will ascertain whether a full diagnostic assessment is advisable. Adult literacy organisations sometimes offer these screening tests. Students at third level may be able to get a screening test done by the Disability Support Service in the college.
Psycho-Educational Assessment
The diagnostic assessment is called a psycho-educational assessment. It is done by an educational psychologist and is the only way to get a definitive diagnosis of dyslexia. The assessment includes testing of cognitive abilities as well as literacy skills (and sometimes numeracy skills if maths difficulties are reported). The psychologist also needs to get relevant background information from the individual, schools, colleges or any other relevant sources. A diagnosis is made based on a combination of the history reported and the performance on the tests.
The assessment session varies in length, but on average it takes between 3 and 3½ hours. A detailed written report is supplied normally a few weeks after the assessment, which contains relevant history, test results, conclusions and most importantly recommendations for addressing any areas of difficulty which emerged.
An assessment report can be useful in many ways. It will help you and others to understand about your own particular strengths and weaknesses and it should include recommendations about how you can improve your skills. It can also be used to access support in college or work or in examinations, e.g. extra time. Knowledge empowers and knowing about a condition is the first step towards managing it.
As an adult you have to arrange for your own assessment. There is no state provision, even for people who are unemployed or who have a medical card.
The Dyslexia Association of Ireland arranges psycho-educational assessments at our Dublin Office. The fee for a psycho-educational assessment is normally €400. In very exceptional circumstances, a reduced rate may be available for people on social welfare or very low income. A subsidy of up to €200 towards the assessment fee may be granted in such exceptional circumstances. Applications for a reduced rate assessment must be submitted to DAI at least 2 weeks in advance of your assessment date. Late applications cannot be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to save up some money each week towards the assessment while they wait for an appointment. DAI is a charity, and we are only able to offer these limited subsidies due to fundraising and donations. Please contact us for further information, or if you would like to place your name on our assessment waiting list. Unfortunately, our waiting list is quite long; currently 6-12 months.
There are also many independent private educational psychologists, throughout the country. These psychologists tend to have shorter waiting lists than the Dyslexia Association but are usually more expensive. A list of registered psychologists can be obtained from the Psychological Society of Ireland’s website (www.psihq.ie). Students at third level should contact their college’s Disability Support Service who may be able to organise an assessment for you.
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