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 have dyslexia.

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 arrange an assessment, contact our Helpline.

A quick guide to getting a dyslexia assessment as an adult

Frequently asked questions about dyslexia

How can I find out if I am dyslexic?

There are some ways to check if you have characteristics of dyslexia. 

Dyslexia Scotland has a list of recommended assessors who can carry out assessments for dyslexia in Scotland. 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.  

Dyslexia Scotland holds a list of recommended assessors located in different areas of Scotland. Contact our Helpline to obtain a copy. 

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. It can involve a series of tasks which help the assessor understand your abilities and attainment in literacy skills. 

See a sample dyslexia assessment report

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This video explains what is involved in a dyslexia assessment

 

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.

Dyslexia screeners

Pico Quick Screen

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Do-IT Personal Profiler

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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: 

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Contact the Helpline

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Dyslexia leaflets

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Routes to adult assessment – a flow chart

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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.

A girl leans face into a wall, her eyes closed, a book between her head and the wall. Blue and green letters fly randomly around her.