What’s the Difference Between a Dyslexia Screening and a Full Assessment?

Learn the difference between a dyslexia screening and a full diagnostic assessment. Find out which option is right for your child in Mallorca.

Parents often ask whether their child needs a screening or a full diagnostic assessment. Here’s the difference:

Dyslexia Screening

• A screening is a first-step tool.

• It highlights whether your child shows indicators of dyslexia.

• Screenings are quicker and more affordable.

• They provide a “yes/no/maybe” result: is further testing recommended?

• They do not give a formal diagnosis.

• They can be used as the basis for a one-to-one literacy intervention.

Full Diagnostic Assessment

• A full assessment is carried out by a specialist with an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC).

• It explores your child’s strengths and weaknesses in reading, spelling, writing, memory, and processing.

• The outcome is a detailed report with recommendations for home and school.

• A full assessment can be used for exam access arrangements and official recognition of dyslexia.

Which should you choose?
If you’re not sure whether your child is dyslexic, start with screening. Following this you may wish to have one-to-one support lessons to help your child in the classroom and give them some strategies for success. If your child already shows clear difficulties, a full assessment gives you the answers and strategies you need. Support lessons are often recommended following the report, depending on the difficulties that are highlighted.