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How do I find out if I’m dyslexic? Though some people ask about ‘diagnosing’ dyslexia, we prefer to say ‘assessing’ or ‘identifying’ dyslexia. Contact the Dyslexia Scotland Helpline to speak with an adviser about how to find out if you are dyslexic.
Getting a child assessed for dyslexia
Visit our page on assessing dyslexia in children and young people.
Getting assessed for dyslexia in adulthood
This quick guide takes you through the process of dyslexia assessments for adults. If you’d like to discuss getting assessed, contact our Helpline.
Frequently asked questions about dyslexia
How can I find out if I am dyslexic?
Dyslexia Scotland has a list of recommended assessors, located in different areas of Scotland, who can carry out assessments for dyslexia. Contact our Helpline to request the list.
How much does a dyslexia assessment cost?
An assessment of dyslexia by a trained professional can cost anywhere from £300+.
For adults, or young people aged 16-18 years not in education, there are no free dyslexia assessment services available in Scotland at the moment. Currently, the only available option is to pay for a private assessment.
Help with cost of assessments for adults
Dyslexia Scotland operates a dyslexia assessment service allowing us to offer a few adults a free assessment. You can apply to access the service, using this adult assessment eligibility form. Please note, we cannot guarantee everyone who applies will be offered an assessment. The service is very limited. Contact our Helpline to find out whether you might be eligible.
Farmers and crofters
Are you a Scottish farmer or crofter and have never been assessed? A free assessment can be discussed with Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI).
Civil engineers
The Ben Fund can offer an grant which can be used to pay for a local provider of dyslexia assessments. This is available to members and their dependents of the Institute of Civil Engineers. For more information click the following link: Discover our full range of services, including financial assistance and neurodiversity assessment grants.
Mechanical engineers
If you are a member of IMECHE (Institute of Mechanical Engineers), then the Support Network can offer subsidised support for a dyslexia assessment for you and/or your family. Please visit their website to find out more: https://www.imeche.org/support-network/how-we-help/dyslexia-support
Other help available
You can also search for grants through the Turn2Us grant search.
What is involved in a dyslexia assessment?
An assessment of dyslexia can last anywhere between 2 – 6 hours and can happen over a couple of sessions. Prior to the actual assessment a person’s educational and development history will be explored through interviews and/or questionnaires. The assessor will meet with you (remotely or in-person) to carry out a range of standardised assessments and to observe how you manage and tackle tasks. This process helps an assessor understand your abilities and attainment in literacy skills.
Dyslexia screening tools and checklists
There are no free routes for a dyslexia assessment but these screeners and checklists can give you an indication of whether you might be dyslexic.
Why is a dyslexia assessment better than a screening tool?
A screening tool will only suggest that you might have dyslexia.
An assessment for dyslexia can help you find out:
- Why you experience challenges in certain areas of your learning and/or work.
- What your individual strengths are.
- What support you might need in further and higher education.
- What you might need for support in the workplace – dyslexia is considered a disability under the law, so you might be entitled to ask for reasonable adjustments.
- How your manager, tutor or others can support you.
- How you think and learn.
Dyslexia assessments for students in Further or Higher Education
In the first instance, we would recommend that you speak with your University or College Student services/Disability Service. The Team there should be able to give you advice about how they can support you and/or if they can help with an assessment.