Online or Face-to-Face Dyslexia Assessment: How to Choose
Updated: Oct 28
Choosing an online or face-to-face dyslexia assessment is a practical decision to discuss with your assessor. Consider the young person’s age, the available setting, equipment and individual needs. The best arrangement is one in which they can participate comfortably and the assessor can carry out an appropriate assessment.
Start with age and location
At Dyslexia Tests Online, Mark Trewby offers online diagnostic assessments across the UK for ages 11–21. Face-to-face diagnostic assessments are available in Bournemouth for ages 8–21. These are the age ranges for Mark’s services; other providers may set different limits.
For an 8–10-year-old, Mark’s diagnostic option is therefore face-to-face in Bournemouth. For an 11–21-year-old, either format may be worth discussing, depending on location and suitability. The separate online screening service is available for ages 8–21 and is not a diagnostic assessment.
What is involved in the online option?
An online appointment is a live, one-to-one assessment with Mark through a video link. It is not an automated test or a questionnaire completed alone. You need a suitable laptop or desktop computer, camera, microphone, reliable internet connection and a quiet, private working space.
For school-age candidates, an adult should be available nearby for practical arrangements. Discuss the adult’s role beforehand and follow Mark’s instructions during the appointment. Technical help must not become help with answers.
What is involved in the Bournemouth face-to-face option?
Appointments take place at a suitable client home in Bournemouth or in a hired room at a Bournemouth library. The venue is agreed before booking arrangements are finalised. Mark does not offer a permanent walk-in clinic.
For a home appointment, consider whether a quiet room and suitable working surface will be available without interruptions. For a library appointment, confirm the room and arrival arrangements with Mark. Bournemouth travel and agreed room hire are included in the £400 fee.
Questions to discuss before choosing
Can the young person settle and communicate comfortably in the proposed setting?
Is there a quiet, private room for the appointment?
For online assessment, is the equipment suitable and the connection reliable?
Are there communication, sensory, attention or other needs that should be discussed in advance?
Would travelling or arranging a suitable home setting create practical difficulties?
If a report is needed for a particular purpose, have you checked the receiving organisation’s requirements?
Do not assume that one format is automatically suitable for everyone. Explain any concerns before booking so Mark can consider the arrangements and whether his service is appropriate.
Does the price or report turnaround differ?
Both of Mark’s diagnostic options cost £400. The fee includes the assessment, personalised written report, recommendations and feedback. The assessment appointment normally takes approximately three hours, and the report is provided within seven working days.
Choose the setting on suitability and practical arrangements, rather than expecting the online option to be a cheaper version of the service. Before booking, make sure you understand what is included and how the findings will be discussed.
Prepare once the format is agreed
Follow the instructions sent for your own appointment. Gather the requested background information, explain the appointment calmly and check the setting and equipment. There is no need to practise specific test questions.
Still unsure which option to choose?
Request a free 15-minute introductory call. Tell Mark the young person’s age, location and main difficulties, and whether you are considering an online appointment or meeting in Bournemouth. There is no obligation to book.