The Dyslexia Screening Service
This information is also available as Factsheet 9 in PDF format (74 kb).
What are the signs of possible dyslexia?
Dyslexia differs in degree and type from person to person. You may have some of the following:
- higher oral ability than written ability
- difficulty with structuring and sequencing written work
- difficulty in finishing exams on time
- unexpected and persistent difficulty with spelling
- slow reading speed
- the need to spend more time on your studies than others
- difficulty in taking notes in lectures
- problems with deadlines and organisation
I think I'm dyslexic. What should I do?
If you suspect that you may be dyslexic, or have been encouraged to find out if you’re dyslexic by your Department, your friends or your family, you should contact Disability Services’s Secretarial Assistants to make an appointment to see the Dyslexia Screener. The Disability Services’s contact details are on the back of this leaflet.
Does the screening service only cover dyslexia?
No, if other Specific Learning Differences (SpLDs), such as dyspraxia and AD(H)D are indicated, then you will be referred on appropriately for further assessment.
On which days can I have a screening?
Appointments for screening can be made on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Students are not charged for this service.
What happens in a dyslexia/dyspraxia screening?
Screening is carried out through a structured discussion in which you will be asked about developmental issues and your difficulties/strengths in relation to academic study. You will be sent a checklist to fill in and bring with you to your appointment.The aim of the screening is to explore your profile for indicators of dyslexia and/or other SpLDs. The interview includes areas such as reasons for the referral, medical, educational and family background and previous and current learning experiences. You will be able to ask any questions you may have and review any possible next steps. You will be able to opt out of the process at any time, should you wish to do so.
Sometimes you could be asked to come back for a second appointment, at which the Dyslexia Adult Screening Test (DAST) (Fawcett and Nicholson, 1998) or other screening tests will be carried out.
I’ve been told I might have Irlen Syndrome. What’s that?
Screening for Irlen Syndrome or Visual Stress may be incorporated into the screening for dyslexia.
People who have Irlen Syndrome/Visual Stress see the page differently, because it causes print to appear distorted. It is not an optical problem, so it is not picked up during routine eye tests. It makes reading difficult, particularly in relation to comprehending and retaining what is read and it can make the reader feel excessively tired. People without dyslexia can have this condition.
For further information about Irlen Syndrome contact Disability Services.
What happens after the screening?
After the screening there will be a discussion about whether or not it would be advisable to have a full assessment for dyslexia, what steps need to be taken in order to do this and what is involved in a full dyslexia assessment.
Assessments for dyslexia cost between £340 and £350 in Bristol. Eligible UK students will be able to apply for a means-tested assessment through the Access to Learning Fund to cover the cost of the assessment. Applications for the same amount can be made to the University’s Disability Resource Allocation Fund on behalf of non-UK students. Further details will be given at the screening, including how to arrange an assessment at a local centre.
The Dyslexia Screener
The Dyslexia Screener is Annie Wills. Annie is an associate member of the British Dyslexia Association and holds a practising assessors certificate. She has many years’ experience of teaching in further and higher education and has developed a particular interest in working with students with dyslexia/dyspraxia. She is also a study skills tutor and a screener for the Irlen Institute.
How can I make an appointment for a dyslexia/dyspraxia screening?
Please contact Disability Services to book an appointment.
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