What Age Can a Child Be Assessed for Dyslexia?
Updated: Oct 28
If you are wondering what age a child can be assessed for dyslexia, check the criteria for the particular assessment service and discuss your child’s circumstances with the assessor.
Age matters, but it is also useful to explain the difficulties, educational history and support already tried. You do not need to wait for an assessment before raising concerns with school.
Is there one minimum age for every dyslexia assessment?
Assessment services have their own age criteria. For example, the British Dyslexia Association states that its diagnostic assessment service assesses from age eight. This describes that service’s minimum age; it should not be read as a legal rule that every child must wait until the same birthday.
When making an enquiry, give the child’s date of birth and describe why you are considering assessment now. Ask whether the assessor works with that age group and whether the proposed assessment is suitable. A screening appointment and a full diagnostic assessment are different services and can have different age ranges.
What ages does Mark assess?
Face-to-face diagnostic assessment: ages 8–21 in Bournemouth, at a suitable client home or in a hired Bournemouth library room.
Online diagnostic assessment: ages 11–21 across the UK, through a live appointment with Mark.
Online TOD-S screening: ages 8–21. This is a shorter screening appointment, not a diagnostic assessment.
For an 8–10-year-old, Mark’s diagnostic option is therefore face-to-face in Bournemouth. From ages 11–21, the online service may also be an option, subject to suitability. These are Mark’s service boundaries, rather than universal limits for all assessors.
What if my child is younger than eight?
Discuss your concerns with the teacher or special educational needs coordinator (SENCo). Ask about the difficulties being noticed, the support available and how progress will be reviewed. The British Dyslexia Association explains that schools can provide support without waiting for a formal diagnosis.
Mark does not offer diagnostic assessment or screening below age eight. If you are looking for help for a younger child, ask the school or a suitably qualified professional about an age-appropriate next step. You can still keep useful examples of reading, spelling or written-work concerns and the support tried.
Should we wait until secondary school?
Secondary school is not the starting age for every assessment service. Mark’s Bournemouth diagnostic service starts at eight, while his online diagnostic service starts at eleven. If your child is already within the relevant age range, an introductory discussion can help you consider the next step without committing to an appointment.
Explain what you hope an assessment would clarify. Useful questions might concern persistent spelling difficulties, slow reading or written work that is unusually demanding. Share school information and previous screening or assessment findings, if available.
Does screening provide a diagnosis at a younger age?
No. Mark’s £50 online screener is available from age eight, but it does not provide a diagnosis. It can help explore possible dyslexia risk and guide discussion about further assessment. It does not replace the £400 diagnostic service or remove its age and suitability criteria.
Discuss the options before booking
Mark offers a free 15-minute introductory call. Share the young person’s age, location and main concerns. Full diagnostic assessments cost £400, including a personalised report within seven working days and feedback. For Bournemouth appointments, travel and agreed library room hire are included.