Do I need a referral from a G.P. to see you for an assessment?
No. You can make direct contact with me to request an assessment. You can do this by calling me on 0863917453 for a chat or if you prefer sending me an email at assessme.ie@gmail.com
I will then forward a detailed Background Information form to be completed to gain an overall understanding of the types of difficulties you may have experienced. Teacher reports may also form part of this stage. This information helps identify what areas you would most benefit from having assessed.
I also take referrals through schools.
If you are unsure whether an assessment may be required, please contact me to discuss.
Do you see adults?
Yes. In fact, most of my experience is with adolescents and adults. Interestingly, as neurodiversity, like dyslexia, tends to run in families, often after diagnosing a child, a parent may return wishing to be assessed themselves.
What does the assessment cost?
The cost varies, depending on the type of assessment required. Full psychological assessments for the diagnosis of specific learning difficulties / dyslexia, range from €800. Please email me with your queries.
How soon will we be seen?
I’ll try to see you as soon as possible after enquiring as I understand the emotional side behind seeking an assessment. Usually, you will be accommodated within a month, but this may always be possible.
How long does an assessment take?
The in-person/online assessment usually takes 3-4 hours but can sometimes extend beyond this.
What happens in the assessment?
During the assessment, you will partake in a range of psychometric tests looking at various areas to build up a complete profile of your strengths and weaknesses. The following are the areas investigated: cognitive/ability, working memory, phonological memory, phonological awareness, processing speed, phonological processing; as well as tests designed to analyse your reading, writing, spelling, comprehension and so on. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have during this process.
Will a report be provided?
Yes. A comprehensive report with recommendations will be provided following assessment. This is included in the fee.
Sometimes the report can take up to 4 weeks to complete as additional follow-up after the assessment appointment may be required (e.g. liaising with other professionals, gathering further information, etc.).
What will my report look like?
This comprehensive assessment process will result in a lengthy report detailing a complete profile that can be used as evidence to access services in schools and colleges.
Will there be feedback on the assessment outcome?
Of course. I always provide feedback on the assessment outcome and recommendations for next steps. I will talk to you about my recommendations plan and approach to ensure it is right for you.
Sometimes I can provide feedback on the same day as the assessment, but in other circumstances feedback will be scheduled for a different day.
Feedback is sometimes given in-person, and sometimes via phone or online video platforms.
Where will the assessment take place?
My home office is based near Innishannon-Bandon. I also offer some assessments online.
What about onward referrals?
If deemed appropriate based on my assessment, I can advise and support you in making onward referrals, whether this is to obtain further assessment or to pursue intervention pathways. Information will only be shared with other service providers with your full consent.
What do you not offer?
I do not diagnose ASD or ADHD or give any other mental health diagnoses. However, I can screen for these and support onward referrals as appropriate.
I do not offer therapy or counselling services.
Cancellation policy
If you change your mind and wish to cancel the assessment altogether, the paid deposit is non-refundable.
However, if you need to change the date of assessment, the deposit is transferrable, once you give a minimum of 24 hours’ notice.
What is the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE Scheme)?
The Disability Access Route to Education is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education. If you are eligible for DARE, you will be considered for reduced points places if needed and these offers will be made in the CAO round 1.
What is the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD)?
The Fund for Students with Disabilities (which is not means tested) is available to undergraduates and postgraduates with disabilities studying in full time publicly funded courses which rank at level 5 or higher on the national qualifications framework. It’s designed to cover many of the educational support requirements which students with disabilities may require to compete on a level playing field with their peers, for example note takers, assistive technology, personal assistants, learning support and more.
You may be entitled to support under the FSD even if you did not access college through the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE scheme). The FSD covers the following supports:
- Assistive technology equipment and software
- Non-medical helpers (for example, personal assistants or notetakers)
- Academic or learning support
Am I dyslexic? Is my child dyslexic?
These are familiar questions I hear almost every day. It’s not a question that usually arises without good underlying reason. The more we, as a society, learn about neurodiversity, the more individual self-awareness increases and this is a good thing. If there has been a query in primary or in secondary school, my advice would be not to ignore it hoping it goes away. To put your mind at ease, it’s worth an email or phone call at least.
How do I go about making an appointment with you?
Contact me on: 086 3917453 where we can chat about your concerns. Or if you prefer email: assessme.ie@gmail.com and I’ll aim to get back to you within 24 hours.