Is My Child Dyslexic? How an Assessment Can Help You Find Out

Dyslexia is one of the most common specific learning difficulties and affects how the brain processes written and spoken language. It is vital to emphasise that it is not linked to intelligence. Children with dyslexia are often full of curiosity, creativity and strong problem-solving skills. However, they can find everyday literacy tasks harder than their peers.

Because dyslexia varies from child to child, families are sometimes unsure whether their child is simply finding reading tricky or if there is an underlying difference that needs support. 

This is where a high quality dyslexia assessment can make all the difference.

Common Signs to Look For

Parents often notice the same early signs. These can include:

• Difficulty learning the sounds associated with letters

• Struggling to blend letters into words.

• Confusing similar looking words when reading.

• Problems remembering sequences like days of the week or the alphabet.

• Persistent difficulties with spelling

• Slower than average reading or writing speed

• Needing to re-read a piece of text to understand it.

These signs can continue into secondary school and beyond if the right support is not in place. Some young people compensate with coping strategies, so the signs can be easy to miss. An assessment helps gives you a clear understanding of your child’s strengths and challenges.

Why a Dyslexia Assessment Matters

A full diagnostic assessment gives families a complete picture of how their child learns. It explains not only whether dyslexia is present, but also why certain tasks feel harder than others. 

For many young people, finally having an explanation brings relief. It validates their experiences and helps them see that their difficulties are not due to lack of effort.

A detailed assessment also opens the door to practical support. Teachers, tutors and parents gain clear guidance on what to focus on and how to help the child build confidence and progress.

Expert Assessments with Lexety Education

Lexety Education offers expert dyslexia assessments for children and adults. Assessments are carried out by Chrissy Hyatt, an experienced specialist teacher, dyslexia assessor, and member of several respected professional bodies including the British Dyslexia Association, Dyslexia Guild, and PATOSS.

Chrissy holds an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC), Accredited Teacher Status through the British Dyslexia Association, and a Level 7 Specialist Teacher qualification. Her background includes roles in primary teaching, specialist literacy support, and postgraduate study in special educational needs and psychology. She can therefore ensure that families receive both a thorough assessment and practical, realistic recommendations.

With Lexety Education, you can choose to have testing online or in person in Truro, Cornwall, depending on what suits your child best.

What the Assessment Involves

A comprehensive dyslexia assessment at Lexety Education typically takes around three hours. Chrissy uses a blend of standardised tests designed to understand different areas of learning. These include:

• Underlying cognitive ability

• Working memory

• Phonological awareness

• Processing speed

• Reading accuracy and fluency

• Writing skills

• Spelling

Once testing is complete, parents receive a detailed report of around 25 to 30 pages within two to three weeks. This report provides a clear diagnosis, a breakdown of test results, and tailored recommendations for school, college, or home learning. The aim is to give families and teachers practical strategies that can be used straight away.

Many parents find the clarity of the report life changing. As one parent of a 14-year-old shared, "C seems happier and more relaxed now she has this diagnosis as if her struggles make sense and there is a reason for it all."

Support Beyond Dyslexia

Although dyslexia assessments are at the heart of Lexety Education, Chrissy also offers ADHD assessments for university students and DCD/dyspraxia assessments for adults. These conditions can exist alongside dyslexia or appear separately, and a professional assessment provides the same benefits: clarity, confidence, and direction.

Students who suspect ADHD often seek assessment when coursework becomes overwhelming or concentration affects university performance. Adults seeking dyspraxia/DCD assessment may want to understand challenges with organisation, coordination, or planning. Chrissy’s training and diagnostic approach ensures each assessment is handled with care and accuracy.

Why Choose a Qualified Assessor

In the UK, dyslexia assessments can only be carried out by professionals with recognised qualifications and registration. 

Chrissy’s Assessment Practising Certificate confirms high standards in testing, interpretation and reporting. Her memberships with the British Dyslexia Association and other specialist organisations reflect her commitment to ongoing professional development.

For families, this means you can trust that your child’s assessment meets national standards and is accepted by schools, universities, and workplace support services. Chrissy also holds an enhanced DBS check, giving parents additional peace of mind.

Get in Touch

To learn more about dyslexia testing, ADHD assessment for students, or dyspraxia assessment for adults, contact Chrissy at Lexety Education. Alternatively, simply visit our FAQs page for more details. A clearer path can start with a single conversation, and Chrissy is ready to help you take that step with confidence.