About Dyslexia
What is a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD)
15% of the population has an SpLD, a hidden disability (British Dyslexia Association, 2019); defined by The British Dyslexia Association (2019) as:
"an umbrella term used to cover a range of frequently co-occurring difficulties, more commonly: Dyslexia, Dyspraxia / DCD, Dyscalculia and ADD / ADHD".
The most common SpLD Dyslexia. 10% of the UK population are thought to be dyslexic (British Dyslexia Association, 2019). The British Dyslexia Association approved the following definition of dyslexia, found within the influential Rose Report (2009):
"marked and persistent weaknesses may be identified in working memory, speed of processing, sequencing skills, auditory and / or visual perception, spoken language and motor skills".
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a learning difference which primarily affects reading and writing skills. However, it does not only affect these skills.
Dyslexia is actually about information processing. Dyslexic people may have difficulty processing and remembering information they see and hear, which can affect learning and the acquisition of literacy skills. Dyslexia can also impact on other areas such as organisational skills.
It is important to remember that there are positives to thinking differently. Many dyslexic people show strengths in areas such as reasoning and in visual and creative fields (British Dyslexia Association, 2019).
How is dyslexia diagnosed?
There are several tools available that can be used to help give an indication of possible dyslexic difficulties. These screening tests and checklists can be a great help in order to ensure support is put in place quickly, but they can't provide a diagnosis.
Dyslexia can only be formally diagnosed through a Diagnostic Assessment carried out by a certified assessor (British Dyslexia Association, 2019).
All our assessors are certified and hold an Accredited Practising Certificate (APC) with either the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) or PATOSS
Our Empowered Individuals
We have helped many people with our services
Having an assessment for an SpLD was nerve-racking, but the process was easy and straightforward which made it instantly less daunting than first expected. I had no idea beforehand about what the assessment would actually be, but for me personally, I preferred it as I would’ve overthought the process. Cherry was brilliant and a pleasure to meet with. She understood my needs and was able to put into words things that I’ve come across throughout my life and explain why they may have happened. I didn’t feel like she was patronising, and I was instantly at ease in her presence. Thanks again Cherry!!
The assessor was absolutely wonderful; she made me feel comfortable although l was still very anxious throughout the process.
Everything was explained at each stage, a very lovely lady; thank you ever so much. In supporting me to my new chapter, the journey of becoming a better version of me.
Cherry supported my son through university; my son has co-occurring impacting autism, along with health concerns. The education system did it's best for my son, he left special school without any qualifications. My son gained access to university through diploma points; Cherry and her colleagues learnt to understand how my son worked and how to adapt his learning, rather than expect him to conform. My son left university with an HND in Business Information Technology - all his own efforts, alongside appropriate scaffolding from Cherry and Co.
