What's the difference between a dyslexia screening and an assessment?

When I work with students, I often hear from parents that they have had a dyslexia screening, or they tell me they are ‘dyslexic’ when in fact they have only received a screening test.  So what’s the difference and why does it matter?

When a child begins to struggle with reading, writing, or spelling, parents often hear two terms: school screening and full dyslexia assessment. Although they sound similar, they serve very different purposes. School screenings are brief, school-based checks used to identify students who may be at risk for reading difficulties. These screenings are typically given to all students at certain ages and focus on foundational skills such as phonological awareness, letter-sound recognition, rapid naming, and early decoding. They are quick and cost-free.  Importantly, a screening does not diagnose dyslexia. Instead, it helps teachers determine who might benefit from extra practice, early intervention, or monitoring.

In contrast, a full dyslexia assessment is a detailed, individualized evaluation conducted by a trained specialist—often a school psychologist, educational psychologist, or dyslexia assessor. This assessment can take several hours and includes measures of reading accuracy, fluency, comprehension, spelling, phonological processing, working memory, and sometimes broader cognitive skills. The goal is to understand the root causes of the child’s challenges and determine whether they meet the criteria for dyslexia or another learning difference.

A comprehensive assessment results in a formal diagnosis, along with tailored recommendations for teaching, adjustments, and support—both in school and at home. It provides clarity and a roadmap for effective intervention.  Depending on the age of the age of the young person, it may also provide suggestions for support at university or in the workplace.

In short: school screenings flag potential concerns; full assessments give answers and direction. When a child continues to struggle after school support or if parents want a definitive understanding of their child’s learning profile, a full dyslexia assessment is the next important step.