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Both Specialist Teachers (who are AMÂìÒϵ¼º½qualified and hold an Assessment Practising Certificate, APC) and Psychologists are able to assess for dyslexia; in practice there is very little difference between the two.

There may be some instances where an Educational Psychologist needs to be engaged instead of a Specialist Teacher, for example where an individual has more complex or multiple needs or where it is felt that they may have co-occurring difficulties (where an individual has other Specific Learning Difficulties alongside their dyslexia). In such cases the additional tests used by psychologists may be able to tease out these subtle differences in an individual's overall profile.

Specialist teachers usually have more experience working, and often teaching, in an educational setting.

Both Specialist Teachers and Psychologists can diagnose dyslexia and can make recommendations about how the individual can best be supported.

Where an assessment is being used to support disciplinary/dismissal/tribunal activities we would recommend a Psychologist carries out the assessment. Also if your child is likely to need an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in the future.