Assessment Service
The Dyslexia Association of Ireland (DAI) has a team of psychologists who provide assessments for both dyslexia and dyscalculia at our national office in Dublin city centre. Our assessment team consists of educational psychologists and assistant educational psychologists, all supervised by our Senior Educational Psychologist.
DAI works with children, young people and adults.
We currently offer dyslexia assessments both online and in-person, and we offer dyscalculia assessments in person.
DAI takes a contextualised approach to assessment and takes account of relevant background information from family, schools, colleges, employers or any other relevant sources.
The assessment takes approximately 2-3 hours for children/young people, and 1-2 hours for adults. Following the assessment, the psychologist gives a brief verbal report of findings. A written report with results and recommendations is then sent to you within four weeks. For more information see our Dyslexia Assessment Policy and our Dyscalculia Assessment Policy.
Arranging An Assessment at the Dyslexia Association
This is very easy. Simply complete the relevant forms below and return them to us. We can’t add someone to the waiting list until we receive all the referral forms. Please email completed forms to assessments@dyslexia.ie or post them to us (the address is on the forms).
Children need to be at least six years old and have had at least 18 months of education (e.g. Christmas of Senior Infants) to be assessed.
Please note – given the possible impact of school closures on a child’s early literacy development over the last two academic years, we advise parents that in some cases it may be best to wait until January of 1st Class before considering an assessment. Given the current waiting list, you are still welcome to submit application forms during your child’s Senior Infant year, and you will be contacted by the team regarding the date of your assessment. We will review each referral on a case-by-case basis and be in touch with parents if further information is needed.
As of spring 2023, our waiting list is currently 10+ months for an online assessment and 12+ months for an in person assessment.
Referral Forms for Primary School
Referral Forms for Secondary School Young People
Referral Forms for Adults
Fees and Finance
The fee for a child/young person assessment is €550.00, which includes one year’s complimentary membership of the DAI. The fee for an adult dyslexia assessment is €300.00; and the fee for an adult dyscalculia assessment is €550. (Adult dyslexia assessments are quicker and less complex, hence the reduced fee.)
All assessments include one year’s complimentary membership of the DAI.
A reduced fee rate may be available for people on social welfare or low incomes. An application form for fee support can be downloaded here, or the form can be requested via email from assessments@dyslexia.ie. The completed fee support form should be submitted with your other referral paperwork (assessment forms). Late applications for funding cannot be accepted, but please don’t hesitate to seek assistance if you or your family are experiencing financial disadvantage.
Tax relief on the assessment fee may be claimed as a health expense (psychological assessment is a qualifying expense). See the Revenue website for further information. Please note that the Med 1 Form is no longer available. Health expenses are claimed through your Income Tax (IT) return (online). If you are PAYE taxpayer, you also have the option to claim relief in real-time during the year.
If you would like to see a short video that explains the process check out the two videos below. The first one explains the process of coming to DAI for an assessment of a child or young people. The second video explains the process of coming to DAI for an adult assessment.
Coming for an Assessment (Children and Young People)
Coming for an Adult Assessment
Other Providers of Assessments
School-going children may be tested by the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS). Please ask your school principal if this is possible. This is a free service.
There are also many private/independent educational psychologists throughout the country. A list of these can be accessed through the Psychological Society of Ireland. Choose your educational psychologist carefully to ensure that they have the appropriate qualifications and are trained in the area of dyslexia/dyscalculia. Charges vary between €550 and €1,000+.
There are also some specialist teachers trained in assessment. Dyslexia Specialists Ireland maintains a list of such teachers who have AMBDA/APC international qualifications which recognise the holder’s ability to undertake the assessment of dyslexia.
When seeking a private assessment do check the qualifications of the individual. In Ireland, this would mean that the assessor should be either a qualified psychologist (preferably an Educational Psychologist at Masters or Doctorate level) or a qualified dyslexia assessor (a specialist teacher with a Masters in SLD/Dyslexia).
There is no free state provision for adults, even for people who are unemployed or who have a medical card. They will need to access a private educational psychologist. Students in further or higher education should contact their college’s Disability Support Service who may be able to organise an assessment.
