Diagnosing dyslexia

[Rose2006]

I'm looking for help. How do I go about arranging a dyslexia test? Specifically for dyscalculia - the type of dyslexia associated with numbers.

There was is very few sources of information for dyscalculia, and the ones that exist make no reference to diagnosis or testing options

Any help appreciated

I think it is quite hard to get a specific test for dyscalculia as I tried for one of my students. If you go to the directory for registered psychologists you can hopefully make contact with somebody qualified in your area: www.bps.org.uk/bpslegacy/dcp?frmAction=showUser&Mem_MemberKey=1441

Thank you

Anyone who is qualified to assess dyslexia will also spot dyscalculia if they carry out the right sub-tests during the assessment process.

It's not something you should worry about because if someone is dyslexic, dyscalculia is really a sub-condition of that. Think of dyslexia as being an umbrella term for difficulties which affect either literacy, numeracy, or both to a degree. Many people with dyslexia struggle with numbers too, so we don't tend to differentiate too much between them.

As pp said the BPS is a good starting place but you could also contact Dyslexia Action, the BDA and PATOSS which is a professional association for teachers and assessors of SpLD (including psychologists.)

If you go on the British Dyslexia Association or PATOSS websites, you will be able to find details of a local assessor. It is cheaper to use an independent assessor rather than a BDA Assessor and they will have the same qualifications. The majority of assessor do not carry out specific dyscalculia assessments. I assess for Dyslexia and will make recommendations regarding related maths difficulties, but do not specifically assess for dyscalculia.

This might give you some more information

www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexic/dyscalculia

I agree.

Thank you @keithisgone I've had a look at this website, but couldn't find any links for assessors. I'll have another look, thanks

In your opinion, does a person with dyscalculia have to exhibit signs of dyslexia too (i.e. Problems with literacy)

The BDA does not show assessors on their website. On the left hand side menu there is an option of how to get an assessment which gives general info. Some local dyslexia associations have a list of local assessors, so if there is a BDA support group in your area, you can contact them.

The BDA joined forces with Dyslexia Action some years ago and DA offer assessments at their centres, but these can be more pricey than finding that person yourself.

You can find centres for assessment on the DA website.
They are few and far between - major cities.

Your best course of action is PATOSS where you register and put in your postcode to find an assessor who may be a qual teacher or a psychologist. You can also use the BPS link to do the same.

The fee will be around £400-£500 perhaps slightly less if it's a teacher rather than an ed psych.

You have to register first, but this should help you find a local assessor

www.patoss-dyslexia.org/SupportAdvice/TutorAssessorIndex/

In your opinion, does a person with dyscalculia have to exhibit signs of dyslexia too (i.e. Problems with literacy)

Not always. But the underlying issues with memory and organisational skills are the same. So you usually find there is an element of both but not always.

If someone is just 'no good at maths' it doesn't mean they have dyscalculia. Who is the assessment for- a child or an adult?

You can find centres for assessment on the DA website.
They are few and far between - major cities.

Even fewer now Polly as they went into administration:(

Aston University Dyslexia and Development Unit are specialists in diagnosis etc.

My DD went there to be diagnosed. They were very thorough and provided a full report of their findings and recommendations.

I should say though that it was a long time ago but I believe you can still self refer.