What are the benefits of having a dyslexia assessment?

Two people sat at a desk. They look happy. The man is having a dyslexia assessment

A question I often get asked is, "What’s the point in having an assessment?

The answer isn’t straightforward; there are lots of reasons why an assessment is a good idea. Some are obvious and for practical reasons, although having an assessment does not automatically mean you will receive a diagnosis.

• To apply for support at university. To be able to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance, students need proof, and for dyslexia, an assessment report completed by a dyslexia assessor who has an Assessment Practising Certificate or an Educational Psychologist who is registered with HCPC.

  
  

• To request access arrangements (for example, extra time) in some professional exams, for example, accounting or within the NHS.

  
  

  It’s worth noting that a dyslexia diagnosis, on its own, will not automatically grant a child or young person Access Arrangements (such as reader, extra time, use of a computer, or scribe), as these are based on exam board regulations and the child’s school or college and more importantly, a formal diagnosis is not required.

  Similarly, a diagnosis is not required to receive support in the workplace or to apply for Access to Work, but it can be helpful to have more detailed information to inform support.

So, why have an assessment? There are numerous reasons why an assessment can be beneficial to individuals.

For many people with undiagnosed dyslexia, daily life can feel like an uphill battle. Challenges with reading, writing, working memory and processing information can cause frustration, self-doubt, and even anxiety. A dyslexia assessment can be more than just a tool for academic or professional support—it can play a crucial role in improving mental health, building confidence and developing self esteem.

One of the biggest psychological benefits of a dyslexia assessment is the validation it provides. Many individuals with dyslexia have spent years wondering why learning feels harder for them than for others. A diagnosis helps make sense of these challenges, replacing confusion with understanding and self-acceptance.

The pressure to "keep up" in school or work can create intense stress for someone with dyslexia. Without a diagnosis, they may believe they simply aren’t clever enough, or are not working hard enough, which can cause overwhelming anxiety, or mean people drop out, or take a job way below what they are capable of. Having a diagnosis can help.  People recognise it is not a personal failing, which can significantly reduce stress levels.

it can also mean teachers become aware of the challenges faced by a child or young person and can help them get the support and adjustments needed.

Unrecognised dyslexia can impact confidence. Constant challenges with tasks that seem easy for others can make individuals feel inadequate. A dyslexia assessment helps reframe these difficulties as part of a different way of processing information, not a reflection of intelligence. This shift in perspective can boost self-esteem, and many individuals report this has been life-changing, in the way people see themselves.

Rather than seeing difficulties as personal flaws, a dyslexia diagnosis fosters a growth mindset—an understanding that challenges can be navigated with the right strategies. Learning becomes more about finding creative solutions rather than struggling against an invisible barrier.

An assessment should always make a useful recommendation for support. These do not have to be formal, often simple changes or readily available assistive technology can make a massive difference to a person's daily life, and having a diagnosis can make it easier for people to feel confident asking for adjustments. Especially as dyslexia is now well known.

Sadly, a diagnosis does not always translate into more support in school or the workplace, but what a good assessment should do is build confidence, empower people and provide people with strategies and ideas for assistive technology to make their life easier and, in the words of a recent assessee, allow them to be the best version of themselves