If you, or your child, are experiencing literacy difficulties and finding that these affect study and daily life, a diagnostic dyslexia assessment might prove beneficial. An assessment explores the way the brain processes different types of information to help you understand individual strengths and weaknesses, and tailored recommendations are provided to help you move forward. A full diagnostic assessment can also provide valuable evidence and guidance for an individual applying for the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), Access to Work and reasonable adjustments in education and the workplace.
I also assess for dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder - DCD) in individuals aged 16 years and above and identify characteristics of Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder in those 17 and over. This is for educational purposes only so students can access the resources needed to support their study and/or employment (e.g. DSA, reasonable adjustments). Note: a full diagnostic SpLD assessment is required by SASC for both conditions as part of this process; if characteristics of AD(H)D are identified in a young person under 18 years, a letter will be provided to give their GP for referral to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
Starting further or higher education can be both an exciting and daunting experience, and learning can be very different to high school. Increased autonomy, academic writing and research are just some of the hurdles new students face. And if you experience a Specific Learning Difficulty, these hurdles might feel even higher to you. An Accredited Tutor with the British Dyslexia Association, I have considerable experience working with FE and HE learners with not only dyslexia but dyspraxia/DCD, AD(H)D, autism spectrum conditions, OCD, anxiety and other neurological conditions that impact learning.
"Having never experienced a formal assessment of this nature, I had absolutely no idea what to expect from the process, and as a result, I found the prospect very daunting. From the initial communication, through to the assessment itself and follow-up report, Lisa was really brilliant and completely put me at ease. Professional, friendly and respectful, Lisa expertly guided me through the process by demonstrating patience, knowledge and understanding throughout."
"Lisa’s flexible, friendly and professional approach when assessing our young daughter for dyslexia made it a positive experience for all of us. Lisa was quick to address our daughter's anxieties along the way quickly and collaboratively which allowed her a sense of agency in the entire process. As a sporty child, Lisa showed creativity in her approach recognising our daughter engaged better with “practical” sessions where there was an element of fun and challenge. The report received following the assessment was comprehensive and our questions promptly answered. Nothing was too much trouble for Lisa through the entire process but especially in helping us understand our options around future support. Thank you, Lisa!"
"It was a very comfortable environment, which was important to me to ease my anxiety. It was a very straightforward process. Lisa was easy to talk to and understood my issues very well."
"Lisa made every effort to ensure the assessment process was as convenient as possible for both my son and myself. The assessment itself was very thorough, and a highly extensive report was given afterwards. Lisa was extremely professional and I would highly recommend her to anyone struggling with understanding their issues."
"Lisa has been the most kind, supportive and patient person to guide me through my university education-based experience. Not only has she aided in my grades becoming worth a first-class degree, but she aided in my personal and professional development. She has listened to my every academic worry, guiding me through every stressful moment by encouraging me to work harder and be more diligent with my work. Without her support I may not be in the amazing position I am today, so I wanted to thank Theorise and Lisa for being hugely helpful towards my academic experience and launching me into my professional career!"
After a decade teaching French and Spanish to secondary school pupils, I transitioned to supporting FE/HE students experiencing Specific Learning Difficulties as a Study Skills Tutor with Theorise Ltd. Keen to understand neurodiversity in greater depth (and to give me something to do as my children rapidly gain their independence), I went back to university to train as a specialist dyslexia assessor. I now work from my garden office providing remote specialist study skills support, and in-person assessment for Specific Learning Difficulties.
The assessment process takes a detailed background history using an online questionnaire prior to the assessment day and explores an individual’s underlying and cognitive (mental) abilities as well as their reading, writing and spelling skills over approximately three-five hours on the assessment day. Do not worry, it is not all reading and writing but lots of different activities, and the day itself normally goes quite quickly. It is important to understand that while not every assessment results in a diagnosis of dyslexia, the assessment report will still discuss the findings, provide tailored recommendations and potentially suggest onward referral.
Assessments for dyslexia cost £525, which must be paid at least two weeks before the assessment date. For dyspraxia/DCD and AD(H)D, SASC requires a full assessment to also take place due to the high occurrence of co-occurring difficulties, so this will take longer, and prices are as follows: dyspraxia £625; AD(H)D £675.
Bookings can be made by email to edinburghdyslexia@gmail.com and are confirmed once payment has been received by bank transfer. Note: if your university is funding your assessment, please wait until you have received confirmation in writing that they will be reimbursing you before you proceed with the booking.
I am able to “identify characteristics” of AD(H)D, which is for educational purposes, so students can access the resources needed to support their study (e.g. DSA, reasonable adjustments). If you are considering medication, your first step should be contacting your GP.
Yes. Please just get in touch with me and ask.
It is essential that you have had an eye test in the last six months.
You will need to complete the pre assessment questionnaire at least one week before the assessment day. Please provide as much detail as possible as this background information helps me to decide what we should do on the assessment day and informs the decision-making process. Some of the questions cover your mother’s pregnancy with you and your early development, so you may need guidance from family in answering; however, please do not worry if this is not possible.
I work from home in my garden office in Comiston, Edinburgh. The office is easily accessible from the number 5, 11, 15 and 16 Lothian Buses routes and Houstons 101 and 102. There is also plenty of on-street parking. Note: You will need to be able to go up and down steps to access the office.
If you need to use the bathroom on the assessment day, I can take you into our house to use our downstairs bathroom.
I know it makes some people feel more comfortable if they know what their surroundings will be like in advance, so please email me if you would like photos of the office before the assessment day.
As the assessment can take three to five hours, it would be advisable to bring some snacks or a packed lunch that you can have when we have a break. Water, tea and coffee will be available, but feel free to bring your own.
Also, if you normally wear glasses or use a coloured overlay, it is essential that you bring this too. An assessment cannot go ahead if you need these for your normal way of working but do not have them on the assessment day.
It is important that there are no distractions during the assessment, so it will only be me and the individual I am assessing in the office. If you would feel more comfortable having someone with you to help get you settled before the assessment begins, this is okay. Alternatively, we can have a Teams meeting in advance so we can meet informally. Unfortunately, I do not have a waiting room where anyone else can wait.
A draft version of your report will be emailed to you within 15 working days. You will then be able to look over the content and make any necessary comments before the final version is sent to you.
All clients are offered a phone/video call to discuss the content of their report.
Please see this factsheet produced by Dyslexia Scotland.
Yes.
Yes - please ask if you would like to see my certificate.
Payment details:
Full payment must be received by bank transfer before a booking can be processed.
Cancellation policy:
All changes and cancellations must be made by email to edinburghdyslexia@gmail.com.
Cancellation charges apply as follows:
More than 2 weeks before the assessment - 50% of fee due.
Less than 2 weeks before the assessment - 100% of fee due.
If you do not turn up for the assessment, you will be charged the full fee.
Note: in the event of severe weather or any other emergency that means the assessment cannot take place from my perspective, I will endeavour to provide a minimum of 24 hours' notice and reschedule the assessment. It is essential that the client provides an emergency contact number at which they can be reached. After the assessment day: you will have the opportunity to view the report before it is finalised. You will also be offered a telephone conversation to discuss and support your understanding of the content of the report.
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