How prepared are you? Get the most out of your assessment

In order to get the most benefit from your assessment it is important to be prepared so that you know what to expect which should enable you to give of your best.  Many people are anxious about their assessment which is not surprising as for some it can offer an explanation for difficulties that they have experienced for a long time.   In many cases this understanding brings relief and offers a way to move forward.  The more prepared you are the less you will find to worry about.

What you can do to help yourself

In order to be able to give of your best during the assessment you should try to get a good night’s sleep, it is preferable not to go out partying the night before people generally find it more difficult to concentrate and maintain focus if they are tired or under the weather.  Try to arrive in plenty of time for your appointment so that you have time to relax and do not go into the assessment feeling flustered.

What to expect from the assessor

You are likely to receive a background history form to complete before your assessment.  The purpose of this is so that the assessor can gain a better understanding of your situation, what you enjoy, what you find more difficult and whether you have developed any coping strategies.  Try to answer all the questions but if you are not sure about the answers to one or two then don’t worry.  When you get to your appointment the assessor should go through the form with you, this is not to try and catch you out, but to ensure that we understand your current situation.  This is part of the process that ensures that you can be given a personal service.

Having welcomed you the assessor should introduce him or herself and give you an outline of what to expect from the assessment with some indication of how long it is likely to take.  The tests and tasks that you will be asked to undertake are standardised which means that there is a limit to the amount of interaction that is allowed once the test items have started.  However, you should be given clear instructions before you start and in many cases there are sample items to ensure that you understand what is required.  If you are not sure what you are meant to be doing then do ask for clarity, whenever possible this will be given.  If you need to take a break either to draw breath or to visit the loo this is best timed between tests rather than midway through a task.

At the end of the assessment process you should expect to be given a verbal summary of the results and clarification of what has been identified as your strengths and what areas are currently vulnerable.  These should be related to the difficulties that you are experiencing and there should be discussion as to possible ways forward for you either at work or at university.  The assessor should give you an indication of when you can expect to receive a copy of your report and of what you should do with it once it arrives.

Are you looking for an assessment?

About Dyslexia specializes in cognitive assessments for a range of specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia.    Why not get in touch to find out how we can help you?  Call About Dyslexia on 01992 589 159 or email enquiries@about-dyslexlia.co.uk to discuss your needs.

To find out how we can help you,

Call: 01992 589 159
Mob: 07802 750 178

Email: enquiries@about-dyslexia.co.uk

to discuss your needs.