Private Dyslexia Assessments in Preston

Expert Dyslexia Assessments for Children and Young Adults

If you’re concerned that your child is struggling with reading, spelling or writing, you’re not alone. Many parents contact Manchester Dyslexia Assessment Centre (MDAC) because they know something isn’t quite right but are unsure whether dyslexia could be the reason. Perhaps your child is articulate and curious but finds reading exhausting. Maybe homework takes far longer than it should, spelling never seems to improve, or their confidence has begun to suffer. Some children work incredibly hard simply to keep pace with their classmates, while others become frustrated because they cannot demonstrate what they know on paper. A professional dyslexia assessment provides answers. At MDAC, we provide comprehensive private dyslexia assessments in Preston for children, teenagers and young adults across Preston, South Ribble and the wider Lancashire area. Every assessment is carried out personally by Adriana, an experienced former Headteacher, SENCO and specialist dyslexia assessor with more than 15 years’ experience supporting learners with specific learning difficulties. Our assessments don’t replace the support offered by schools or Lancashire’s SEND services. Instead, they provide independent specialist evidence, helping families, schools and employers understand how an individual learns best and what support may help them succeed. Whether you’re looking for answers for your child, evidence for exam access arrangements, support with a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) application or greater understanding of your own learning profile, we’re here to help.

Could My Child Be Dyslexic?

Every child develops differently, and struggling with reading doesn’t automatically mean a child has dyslexia. However, persistent difficulties can sometimes indicate an underlying specific learning difficulty. Your child may benefit from a dyslexia assessment if they:

• struggle to learn letter sounds or blend words together
• read accurately but very slowly
• have difficulty remembering spellings despite regular practice
• avoid reading or writing whenever possible
• confuse similar words or letters
• forget instructions or sequences
• produce written work that doesn’t reflect what they can explain verbally
• become anxious or frustrated about schoolwork
• work much harder than classmates to achieve similar results

Many children with dyslexia are highly intelligent, creative and articulate. Their difficulties often become apparent only as schoolwork becomes more demanding. A comprehensive assessment helps identify both strengths and areas of difficulty, giving parents and schools a clearer understanding of how a child learns.

Why Families Choose MDAC

Choosing an independent dyslexia assessment is an important decision. Parents tell us they come to MDAC because they want clear answers, practical advice and a report they can confidently share with schools, colleges, universities or employers. Our assessments provide:

• a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation
• a detailed explanation of strengths and areas of difficulty
• practical recommendations for home and school
• evidence that may support exam access arrangements
• reports suitable for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) applications where appropriate
• clear guidance on the next steps

Most importantly, we help families understand not simply whether dyslexia is present, but how an individual learns most effectively.

Meet Your Assessor

Every assessment is completed personally by Adriana. As a former Headteacher, Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and specialist dyslexia assessor, she understands both the diagnostic process and the realities of supporting children within schools. Her professional qualifications include:

• BA (Hons)
• PGCE
• NASENCO
• Postgraduate Certificate in Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia)
• AMBDA

She is a member of the British Dyslexia Association and works in accordance with the standards set by the Specific Learning Difficulty Assessment Standards Committee (SASC). In 2020, Adriana was recognised as a winner of Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday (SBS) award, recognising outstanding small businesses across the UK. Families value not only her expertise, but also her calm, supportive and reassuring approach throughout the assessment process.

What Happens During a Dyslexia Assessment?

Many parents worry that an assessment will feel like an exam. It isn’t. Our assessments are designed to help individuals feel relaxed and supported while building a detailed picture of how they learn. Before the appointment, you’ll complete a short background questionnaire about educational history, early development and current concerns. The assessment itself usually lasts between two and three hours and includes a range of nationally standardised tests looking at areas such as:

• reading
• spelling
• writing
• phonological processing
• working memory
• processing speed
• reasoning skills
• literacy attainment

There are regular breaks throughout the assessment, and everything is explained clearly. For children, the atmosphere is friendly and encouraging. For young adults, the assessment is conducted professionally and respectfully. Following the assessment, you’ll receive a comprehensive written report explaining the findings in plain English, together with practical recommendations tailored to the individual’s needs.

Our Preston Assessment Centre

Assessments take place at our central Preston appointment location, conveniently situated for families travelling from across Lancashire. We’re easily accessible from:

• Preston
• Fulwood
• Penwortham
• Bamber Bridge
• Leyland
• Longridge
• Chorley
• South Ribble

The clinic is close to Preston railway station, bus services and nearby public parking, making it straightforward to reach whether you’re travelling by car or public transport. Full appointment details are provided when your booking is confirmed.

Book a Free Consultation

If you’re wondering whether a dyslexia assessment is the right next step, we’d be happy to help. We offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation with Adriana, giving you the opportunity to discuss your concerns, ask questions and decide whether an assessment is right for you or your child. There’s no pressure and no obligation—just friendly, professional advice from an experienced specialist. Contact Manchester Dyslexia Assessment Centre today to take the first step towards understanding how you or your child learns best