Diagnostic Assessment Report

The question is a valid one. The first thing a person must ask themselves before they decide to undergo an assessment is “what is the reason for seeking an assessment?”

The answer is different for many people:

It can be a simple matter of needing formal evidence of their difficulty. The evidence is a requirement for many formal exam concessions ranging from extra time, the use of a scribe or reader, use of a computer in exams or for an exam paper to be marked for content only and not be penalised for spelling and grammar.

For a student in Higher Education a full diagnostic assessment is necessary to enable them to apply for Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). This application may lead to the student receiving resources to support them throughout their university life.

An employee within a company may feel a formal diagnosis is necessary to ensure their employer provides them with the necessary support they need to be able to carry out the requirements of the role to their full potential.

A person who feels they have always had difficulties with reading, writing and spelling may find that they feel the time is right for them to address these feelings of confusion and frustration that they have had for many years.

The assessment will include a general ability assessment, spelling, reading, writing, phonemic tasks and memory tasks. The results of the assessment will also identify the preferred learning style. The tests used have been carefully selected and are recommended by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES).

Following the assessment, a full diagnostic report will be produced. This will provide the results of the tests giving standardised scores which are a requirement for examination concessions. The report is also produced in the necessary format required by Student Finance England for the application for Disabled Student Allowance (DSA).