This Dyslexia Awareness Week, we’re asking whether the cost of assessment is leaving people without answers.
How many people are living with dyslexia without knowing it?
When people discover they have dyslexia it can be life changing. A diagnosis can help people to better understand themselves, how they learn and what support may be available to them. It can provide answers to years of challenges around reading, writing, processing information or learning in traditional ways.
A diagnosis is more than an explanation; it’s the gateway to additional help. In education, workplaces and some funding schemes, evidence of a dyslexia assessment may be required before reasonable adjustments or specialist support can be put in place.
But accessing an assessment isn't always straightforward. Dyslexia is classed as a learning difficulty rather than a medical condition. Assessments are not available through the NHS, so most people need to pay for an assessment privately. This can be a significant barrier for many.
The British Dyslexia Association currently lists assessment fees of hundreds of pounds, depending on the type of assessment and professional involved. Although funding can sometimes be available, in most cases the cost must be met by the individual or parents.
We don't have a reliable figure for the number of undiagnosed people in the UK. But we do know that dyslexia is common, affecting around one in ten people, and that many people reach adulthood without a formal diagnosis.
When assessment costs create a barrier, some people may never receive the diagnosis they need and may never access the support which could make such a difference. As a result, they spend years developing their own coping strategies without the understanding or assistance that could help them reach their full potential.
Without a diagnosis, many people may not fully understand why certain aspects of learning, education or working life feel more difficult than they should. Many never recognise dyslexia as the reason certain things have always felt harder. Others may acknowledge the signs but simply can't afford to find out.
By offering an inclusive audiobook library, Calibre Audio helps people stay connected to stories, learning and everyday life in a way that works for them.
This Dyslexia Awareness Week, we're asking an important question: should understanding how you process information depend on your financial circumstances?
We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to understand how they work and learn, so they can access the support they need and enjoy reading in a way that works for them. The cost of assessment should not be the barrier that stands in the way.