Many parents first notice a mismatch between how bright their child is and how tricky reading, spelling or writing seem to be. Some of the most common signs of dyslexia include: - Struggles with reading; slow, effortful reading; skipping or mixing up words; difficulty sounding out new or unfamiliar words. - Difficulties with spelling; inconsistent spelling, even of words they use often. - Slow or effortful writing; taking much longer than peers to write things down. - A gap between ideas and written work; your child knows what they want to say but struggles to get their thoughts onto paper. - Avoidance; frustration, reluctance or anxiety around reading, books or homework. - Memory for sequences; difficulty remembering the alphabet, days of the week, or multi‑step instructions.

A key sign is a noticeable gap between your child’s ability and how challenging reading, spelling and writing feel. To know for certain, your child needs a full dyslexia assessment carried out by a qualified dyslexia assessor. This provides clarity, identifies strengths and challenges, and gives you a clear, joined‑up plan for support at home and school.

A full diagnostic dyslexia assessment at Speech Boom typically takes two to three hours. We use a range of standardised tests to explore: - Reading accuracy and fluency - Spelling and writing - Phonological awareness - Working memory - Processing speed - Underlying language skills (where relevant)

The assessment is carried out in a calm, sensitive and child‑centred way. With Rachel’s 20 years of therapy experience, she is skilled at helping children feel comfortable and confident throughout the process.

Before the assessment, we gather background information from you and your child’s school. After the assessment, we combine this with the test results to create a detailed, SASC‑compliant report. We then arrange a follow‑up call to talk through the findings and discuss the next steps.

Not all children who struggle with reading, spelling or writing have dyslexia. If your child does not meet the criteria for a dyslexia diagnosis, you will still receive: - A comprehensive overview of their literacy profile - Clear insight into their strengths and areas needing support - Practical recommendations for targeted interventions and strategies - Guidance on whether further specialist input may be helpful

Because Rachel is also a Speech and Language Therapist, she can carry out a language assessment if needed. This ensures you get a complete picture of your child’s learning profile — not just a yes/no answer.

A full diagnostic dyslexia assessment can be carried out from age 8 onwards, following SASC guidelines. At Speech Boom, we also offer dyslexia screening from age 7 — this does not give a formal diagnosis, but it identifies early indicators and lets us put support in place before difficulties become entrenched.

Yes. A report written by a qualified dyslexia assessor holding an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) is a professional clinical document. Schools and SENCOs are expected to consider the recommendations and implement appropriate support.

Private, gold‑standard dyslexia assessments in Surrey typically cost around £790. At Speech Boom, our full diagnostic assessment costs £750, which includes: - Pre‑assessment information gathering - The full assessment session - A detailed written report

We also offer a free 15‑minute consultation, so you can talk through your child’s situation before committing.

Start by asking the school’s SENCO what support is already in place and whether any internal screening has been carried out.

If the school has concerns but no formal assessment has taken place, a private diagnostic assessment is often the fastest way to get clear answers and trigger the right support.

A diagnostic report provides schools with clear, actionable information to guide support planning — and gives parents the evidence they need to ensure those plans are implemented effectively.

Yes — and at Speech Boom we are particularly experienced in assessing children where dyslexia and autism overlap.

Dyslexia and autism co‑occur in many children, and the combination can present in complex ways that a standard dyslexia assessment may not fully capture. Because our team includes both a dyslexia specialist and speech and language therapists with autism expertise, we can assess the full picture and provide a report that reflects all of your child’s learning needs.

Exam Access Arrangements (EAAs) are adjustments that help ensure your child can access exams fairly and demonstrate what they know without being disadvantaged by dyslexia, ADHD, or language needs.

Common arrangements include: - Extra time - A reader or reading software - A scribe or speech‑to‑text - Rest breaks - Use of a laptop - Modified papers Schools must follow JCQ guidelines when deciding eligibility.

To apply for EAAs, schools need:

1. Evidence of need — usually from standardised assessments of reading, writing, spelling, or processing.

2. Evidence of normal way of working — showing your child regularly needs this support in class.

At Speech Boom, Rachel can carry out the standardised assessments required to support a school’s application. We are also happy to liaise directly with your child’s school or SENCO to ensure the process is smooth and compliant.

No — a dyslexia diagnosis does not automatically guarantee extra time. Under JCQ rules, schools must show: - Evidence of need (from standardised assessments) - Evidence of normal way of working (your child regularly needs this support in class)

A diagnosis strengthens the case, but it must be supported by school‑based evidence.

At Speech Boom, we provide the standardised testing required and can liaise with your child’s school to ensure the evidence is clear and complete.

If your child has a diagnosis from us or from another provider, we can begin specialist dyslexia tuition straight away. Sessions are tailored to your child’s specific profile — not a generic programme — and are delivered by Rachel, who combines dyslexia expertise with speech and language therapy knowledge.

This means children with both literacy and language needs receive joined‑up support in one place.

Yes. A diagnostic dyslexia assessment can contribute valuable evidence for an EHCP application.

At Speech Boom, we provide assessments that highlight: - Literacy difficulties - Language needs - Processing challenges - Functional impact on learning

We can also write the speech and language section of an EHCP if your child has co‑occurring communication needs.

We are happy to liaise with schools and SENCOs to ensure our findings are clearly understood and used effectively in the EHCP process.

We aim to send your completed written report within two to three weeks of the assessment.

You will receive a draft to review before it is finalised, and we arrange a follow‑up call to go through the findings in plain English.

If you need the report urgently — for example, for an EHCP deadline or exam access arrangement window — please tell us at the time of booking and we will do our best to accommodate you.