Hull Dyslexia Assessments

Our aim is to make getting a dyslexia assessment and understanding the outcome, as straightforward as possible. We choose to promote Dyslexia as a ‘difference’ rather than a deficit or a disability and we try to empower those identified with a Specific Learning Difference. 

We work hard to make your dyslexia assessment a positive experience with a lasting impact, and we use the assessment process to empower people to achieve their full potential, identifying strengths and strategies to help overcome weaknesses.

Conducting a diagnostic assessment is a big responsibility and not one that we take lightly at Hull Dyslexia. A diagnosis of a Specific Learning Difference (SpLD) can answer so many questions and pave the way for someone to reach their full potential.

• We provide diagnostic Dyslexia assessments in Hull for adults and children alike
• We offer initial assessments for Visual Stress
• We can offer guidance on other SpLDs such as Dyspraxia and Dyscalculia
• We are based in East Hull and provide assessments at our specialist centre.
• We offer morning, afternoon, evening and weekend appointments in term time and during school holidays
• We also provide assessment services to schools
• Our training services will be coming soon

What is Dyslexia?

Ten percent of the population are thought to be Dyslexic (that’s approximately three children in every classroom!)

We are constantly learning more about Dyslexia through research.  We used to think of it as a difficulty with reading and/or writing but now realise that it’s much more than that.

Dyslexia is, primarily, a difference in the way processes and handles information. Dyslexia is a neurological difference. People with Dyslexia may find it more difficult than someone without Dyslexia to process, store and retrieve certain types of information and this then may impact on their acquisition and development of literacy-based skills. 

People with Dyslexia may also have difficulties with: organisation, sequencing, planning, telling the time, following instructions, dates/days/months, maths and numbers, motor skills and coordination, telling left from right, directions, concentration, and focus, pronouncing words and summarising to name a few. It’s important to note that everyone is different and has their own unique set of strengths and weaknesses.  People with Dyslexia may have skills and strengths in other areas such as visual, practical and creative subjects. The key is to promote and use these strengths

What Dyslexia is not:

• Due to a lack of effort
• A visual problem
• Outgrown or cured
• Seeing letters backward
• Rare
• Related to intelligence

Visual Stress:

• Is NOT the same as Dyslexia
• It can co-occur with Dyslexia, but you can have Visual Stress and not be Dyslexic
• Distortion caused by black print on a white background
• Words may swirl, move or blur
• People may just see the patterns the spaces between words make
• Using a coloured overlay/reading ruler/glasses may alleviate Visual Stress

Dyslexia and Self-Esteem:

Dyslexia can have a lasting impact on self-esteem and confidence.  The longer Dyslexia is undiagnosed the greater this impact can be. People may be left wondering ‘why can’t I do it?’, ‘what is wrong with me?’ and ‘why can everyone else do it?’

There are several things we can do to maintain confidence and self-esteem:

Early Diagnosis: the longer someone is struggling the greater the impact on their confidence and self-esteem.  Be aware of any indicators of Dyslexia and seek advice if they persist.  Trust your instinct if you believe your child may be Dyslexic.

Focus on Strengths: Work on improving weaknesses, such as reading, writing and spelling but never lose focus on their strengths

Be Positive: Praise children’s efforts, however small, as well as their commitment, resilience and perseverance,

Celebrate all Successes: Encourage children to explore their passions such as sports and creative subjects. 

As Albert Einstein, who was Dyslexic, said, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

More information about dyslexia can be found at the British Dyslexia Association website