What to look for in a good dyslexia assessment

A high-quality dyslexia assessment report is more than just a diagnosis—it’s a roadmap that helps individuals, families, and educators understand how to best support the learner.  But if you’re a parent, how do you know what to look for? 

Firstly, a good report should be clearly written, accessible and jargon free!  It should be able to be read by non-specialists. 

It should put the learner at the centre of the whole report.  It should clearly contain their ‘voice’ and use this, plus comments from teachers and the assessor, to paint a complete picture of the individual.  Think of it as a ‘jigsaw’ puzzle, fitting together the pieces and explaining why someone finds something hard or explaining why it is a strength. If an assessor finds a difficulty, what does that mean in the classroom for the learner? 

First, a good report begins with background information. This includes developmental history, educational background, and any relevant medical or family information. Understanding the learner’s experiences provides context for the results and ensures that recommendations are tailored to their specific needs. 

Next, the report should clearly describe the tests used and why they were chosen. These typically cover areas such as phonological awareness, working memory, processing speed, reading accuracy, fluency, comprehension, spelling, and writing. Transparent explanations help you understand what each test measures and how it relates to reading and language skills. 

The results section should be detailed but accessible. You should look for clear explanations of scores, strengths, and weaknesses. Good reports translate technical data into meaningful insights, often including visual summaries or charts to make patterns easier to grasp. 

Most importantly, a strong dyslexia report includes practical recommendations. These should go beyond general advice, offering specific, actionable strategies for school, work, and home. For example, they might suggest structured literacy interventions, classroom accommodations, or assistive technology tools that align with the individual’s profile. Or they might point you towards a specific resource that is useful.  

Finally, the report should conclude with a summary that highlights key findings in plain language. You should come away with a clear understanding of whether dyslexia has been identified, how it manifests for the individual, and what steps can be taken to support progress. 

In short, a good dyslexia assessment report is thorough, clear, and empowering—it helps turn understanding into action.