Assessment costs, preparation and reports
Costs, preparation, online appointments, reports and booking: understand what to expect from a DTC assessment.
Open a question to read the answer. General guidance helps you explore your options; it cannot diagnose an individual.
Which assessment do I need?
Start with what is difficult, rather than choosing a label. DTC’s children’s route covers literacy, maths, handwriting and wider attention or communication concerns. A consultation helps clarify suitability and the information needed before booking.
Link to this questionIs poor handwriting the same as dyslexia?
Handwriting, spelling and getting ideas onto paper are different concerns that can overlap. Tell DTC which tasks are difficult. Its children’s page includes handwriting assessments from age eight and explains how to discuss the right route. Handwriting alone does not establish dyslexia.
Link to this questionCan I use Bupa for a dyslexia assessment?
DTC provides dyslexia, dyscalculia and handwriting assessments for Bupa customers with an active policy and appropriate pre-authorisation. Check your cover with Bupa first, then use DTC’s dedicated Bupa onboarding route. Bupa assessment reports are usually provided approximately 2 weeks after the assessment. Cover is not automatic.
Link to this questionI have a Bupa authorisation code. What next?
Use DTC’s Bupa onboarding page to complete the dedicated form and questionnaires, then arrange a consultation to confirm suitability and booking. For help, contact bupa@dyslexiatestcentre.co.uk or 0331 630 0583. Do not enter your policy number or code into this guide.
Link to this questionI feel nervous about the assessment. What can I expect?
DTC starts by listening. In their CX Champions blog interview, Helen and Jeanette explain that people may arrive anxious or unsure whether their concerns will be taken seriously. Clear explanations help you understand the options, prepare and make sense of the outcome.
Tell the team what worries you before your appointment. The aim is to help you understand your strengths, difficulties and possible next steps. You can read their explanation or watch the interview below.
Link to this questionCan I get my assessment report sooner?
DTC offers a rapid dyslexia assessment service when you need your report sooner. Contact the team with your deadline to discuss availability and the additional fee before booking.
Link to this questionWhat happens from booking to receiving my report?
Start with a consultation so DTC understands your needs. Complete the questionnaires, attend your assessment, discuss the results and receive your report.
Link to this questionHow do I prepare for my assessment?
Complete your questionnaires. Prepare a laptop, reliable internet, a quiet desk, paper and pens. Wear any glasses needed and check your appointment’s eye-test requirements.
Link to this questionDo I need an eye test before the assessment?
DTC’s FAQ asks for an eye test within two years for adults or one year for children. Confirm the instructions for your appointment.
Link to this questionIs a screener the same as an assessment?
No. Screening is a starting point; a diagnostic assessment explores detailed evidence and cognitive skills. A screener cannot provide or rule out a diagnosis.
Link to this questionWhat is the difference between a diagnostic and a needs assessment?
Diagnostic assessment investigates a specific learning difficulty. A needs assessment explores learning and support needs, including after an ADHD or autism diagnosis. DTC can explain the suitable route.
Link to this questionWhat happens to my assessment information?
Your assessment information is handled under DTC’s privacy policy and the terms explained during booking. Read the current policy for how records are stored, shared and retained, or contact the team with a specific question.
Link to this questionWhat will I gain from a diagnostic assessment?
The aim is to understand learning strengths and difficulties and provide recommendations for support. DTC’s dyslexia assessment considers literacy, memory and processing, alongside background information.
Link to this questionWhat can I ask about an assessment?
You can ask the DTC team what an assessment involves, who it is suitable for, what information is needed and the current price. The right route depends on your circumstances; this guide cannot assess you or choose a diagnosis.
Link to this questionWhat is aftercare?
DTC’s aftercare pathway is for people who already have a diagnosis. It is separate from screening before diagnosis. Contact the team to ask about current support options. This guide cannot interpret your report or give personalised clinical recommendations.
Link to this questionHow much does it cost?
Ask DTC for the current fee, availability and what is included in the assessment you are considering. The team can explain the options before you book.
Link to this questionHow is dyslexia assessed in an adult?
DTC describes background questionnaires and tasks covering literacy, reasoning, memory and processing. The assessment explores learning strengths as well as difficulties.
Link to this questionHow long does a dyslexia assessment take?
The DTC website describes approximately three hours, with breaks accommodated. The team can confirm the timing for the appointment you are considering.
Link to this questionAt what age can DTC assess for dyslexia?
DTC’s current homepage usually recommends dyslexia and handwriting assessments from age eight. For younger children, discuss individual suitability, early support and timing with the team. Support does not need to wait for a diagnosis.
Link to this questionWhat is included in a diagnostic report?
DTC describes background information, findings, test results, learning strengths and difficulties, and recommendations for relevant learning settings. The content depends on the assessment.
Link to this questionWhen will I receive my report?
Standard DTC assessment reports usually take 3–4 weeks after the assessment. Bupa assessment reports usually take approximately 2 weeks after the assessment. If you have a deadline, ask about the rapid dyslexia assessment service, availability and additional fee before booking. For assessments through our clinical partner, confirm the report timescale when arranging your appointment.
Link to this questionCan an assessment take place online?
DTC describes remote assessments by video. The website lists a suitable laptop, reliable internet and a quiet space among the requirements. The team confirms suitability and arrangements for each service.
Link to this questionCan I use a phone or tablet for an assessment?
The website preparation information specifies a large laptop rather than a phone or tablet. DTC can confirm the exact equipment requirements for your appointment.
Link to this questionWhat preparation information does DTC provide?
The website mentions questionnaires, equipment, a quiet workspace and relevant vision information. Your appointment instructions should confirm what is required; this guide does not assess health needs.
Link to this questionAre breaks available during an assessment?
The DTC FAQ says breaks can be accommodated. Accessibility or scheduling needs can be discussed with the team before the appointment.
Link to this questionWhat is an APC?
An Assessment Practising Certificate relates to specialist assessment practice and continuing professional development. DTC’s FAQ explains the qualification and points to the SASC assessor register. Current assessor credentials can be confirmed with the team.
Link to this questionWho receives the assessment report?
DTC’s FAQ describes confidential delivery to the client through its portal. Sharing arrangements with a school, university or workplace can be clarified with the team. Please do not paste reports into this guide.
Link to this questionCan I cancel or rearrange an appointment?
DTC’s website describes cancellation charges that depend on notice. The terms for your booking and any rearrangement need confirmation with the team; this guide cannot cancel appointments.
Link to this questionDoes a diagnosis automatically provide extra exam time?
A diagnostic report does not automatically secure exam arrangements. The school, college or examination provider must confirm the applicable process and evidence requirements.
Link to this questionWhat is a learning needs assessment?
DTC describes an assessment focused on how someone learns and the support they may need. Its website discusses this route for people who already have an ADHD or autism diagnosis. It is different from establishing a new diagnosis.
Link to this questionWhat does a DTC dyscalculia assessment explore?
The website lists mathematical skills alongside areas such as memory, processing, literacy and maths anxiety. Its report describes learning strengths, difficulties and relevant recommendations.
Link to this questionWhat does a handwriting assessment explore?
DTC’s page lists handwriting analysis and areas such as fine motor skills, visual perception, coordination and memory. The team can explain which assessment is suitable to discuss.
Link to this questionCan adults be assessed for dyslexia?
Yes. Adult diagnostic assessment is available. It can help describe strengths and difficulties, including those that were not identified at school.
Link to this questionWhat is the difference between screening and diagnosis?
Screening gives an indication of possible difficulties. A diagnostic assessment involves a qualified assessor considering detailed evidence; the two are not interchangeable.
Link to this questionCan a report describe strengths as well as difficulties?
Yes. A diagnostic assessment report can describe strengths alongside difficulties and explain the person’s learning profile.
Link to this questionCould I have dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia, also called developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD), can affect movement, balance and spatial awareness. You might have long-standing difficulties with tasks such as handwriting, using small objects or learning physical skills. Planning and organisation can also be difficult. These experiences alone do not confirm dyspraxia.
Keep examples of how difficulties affect everyday life, work or study and discuss them with your GP. If your movement has changed or is getting worse, seek medical advice rather than assuming it is dyspraxia.
DTC offers an online adult dyspraxia assessment route for people aged 18 and over. Contact the team to discuss suitability and what the assessment covers. For someone under 18, ask for guidance on an appropriate route.
Link to this questionTalk through your next step
You don’t need to choose an assessment alone. Tell DTC what you would like help understanding.
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