The term ‘Specific Learning Difficulty’ (SpLD) is a term that refers to a difference or difficulty with particular aspects of learning. 

The most common SpLDs are dyslexia, dyspraxia/DCD, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyscalculia and dysgraphia. A person could have one of these or they can co-exist.

Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) exist on a continuum from mild to moderate through to severe. There are common patterns of behaviour and ability, but there will be a range of different patterns of effects for each individual. No two people with a specific learning difficulty will exhibit exactly the same difficulties although they may often have similarities. For example, an individual with dyslexia may have difficulties with working memory and spelling in particular whilst another may find that whilst they have no difficulties with working memory, their phonological awareness is impacted and this affects their reading and spelling ability.

For students requiring access to DSA (disabled students' allowance), a full diagnostic assessment is needed. More information regarding DSA can be found here.

Everyone has a cognitive profile. In order to identify strengths and weaknesses and ultimately identify whether there are traits of an SpLD present, a full cognitive assessment is needed. 

All assessments take place in either Bishop's Stortford in a pre-prepared assessment room. School assessments can be booked on-site upon request.

As a trained assessor I can offer the following assessments:

• Full Diagnostic Assessment - £450

This assessment takes place in a face-to-face situation. It is comprehensive and covers reading, spelling, writing, handwriting, underlying visual and verbal cognitive ability, phonological awareness, auditory and visual processing speed, working memory and, if required, mathematics. It enables an individual to gather a complete understanding of their cognitive profile and any strengths and weaknesses that may be present. The report includes a conclusion which will indicate any possible SpLD traits that have been identified as well as recommendations for schools, colleges or workplaces to aid in future learning and development. A full diagnostic assessment usually takes around two to three hours depending on the student and his or her needs. This can be split across two sessions if needed. I then spend a further five hours or more after assessments have been completed marking, scoring and writing a detailed report of approximately 20 pages. 

• Remote Full Diagnostic Assessment - £450

This assessment takes place remotely via video platform. It is comprehensive and covers reading, spelling, writing, handwriting, underlying visual and verbal cognitive ability, phonological awareness, processing speed and working memory. It enables an individual to gather a complete understanding of their cognitive profile and any strengths and weaknesses that may be present. The report includes a conclusion which will indicate any possible SpLD traits that have been identified as well as recommendations for schools, colleges or workplaces to aid in future learning and development. A full diagnostic assessment usually takes around two to three hours depending on the student and his or her needs. This can be split across two sessions if needed. I then spend a further five hours or more after assessments have been completed marking, scoring and writing a detailed report of approximately 20-30 pages.

• Literacy Battery - £100

The literacy battery will take approximately an hour and includes single word reading, comprehension, spelling, handwriting speed and formation and writing composition.  I'll spend a minimum of two hours marking, scoring and writing a report after the assessments have been completed.

• Phonological Memory Battery - £180

The phonological memory battery will take approximately two hours and covers phonological processing, visual processing and working memory. I'll spend a minimum of two hours marking, scoring and writing a report after the assessments have been completed.

• Individual Assessments - £100 per hour

I am happy to complete specific assessments should you only need information on a particular area. Please feel free to contact me to discuss this.

• ADHD Interview (suitable for over 18's only) - £125 / £50 when booked in addition to a full diagnostic assessment

This interview takes place in a face-to-face or online setting at the discretion of the client. It is a detailed discussion looking at any indicators of ADHD presenting either with or without hyperactivity both in childhood and as an adult. An ADHD interview usually takes around thirty-forty-five minutes to complete depending on the individual and his or her needs. I then spend a minimum of a further hour after the interview, marking, scoring and writing a detailed report. 

Please note: a diagnosis of ADHD is valid for academic or workplace purposes but is not a medical diagnosis. Whilst it is sufficient to gain support in academic or workplace settings, in order to gain medication, an individual would need to have a further diagnosis by a medical practitioner.

• DCD Interview (suitable for over 18's only) - £125 / £50 when booked in addition to a full diagnostic assessment

This interview takes place in a face-to-face or online setting at the discretion of the client. It is a detailed discussion looking at any indicators of Developmental Coordination Disorder (also known as dyspraxia) both in childhood and as an adult. A DCD interview usually takes around thirty-forty-five minutes to complete depending on the individual and his or her needs. I then spend a minimum of a further hour after the interview, marking, scoring and writing a detailed report.