Specialist diagnostic dyslexia and dyscalculia assessments, screening assessments and 1:1 teaching in the South West covering Devon, Dorset and Somerset.
My name is Amanda Stokes and I am the founder of Dyslexia Care. After 20 years as a classroom teacher, I qualified as a specialist dyslexia in 2017, and a dyscalculia assessor in 2021. Assessments can take place at my home in Sidmouth where there is parking and a separate room for parents/carers if they want to stay. I can also carry out assessments at the individual's home if appropriate in the surrounding areas in Devon, Dorset and Somerset. I have experience of working with individuals with a range of neurodevelopment disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)..
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Early identification of dyslexia enables the individual to have the support and intervention they need before the achievement gap widens between them and their peers of the same age.
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If you would like to discuss the assessment process or are not sure whether an assessment is suitable, please contact me by telephone or email. I offer a free consultation where we can discuss the best way I can help your child.
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I offer:
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specialist diagnostic dyslexia assessments.
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specialist diagnostic dyscalculia assessments.
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shorter screening assessments in maths and literacy.
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personalised 1:1 literacy and maths teaching.
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Access Arrangements (AA) to schools
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support to schools with EHCNA requests and supporting individuals with dyslexia
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I have an enhanced DBS certificate and professional indemnity insurance.
Qualifications / memberships
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Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with BEd (Hons)
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Level 7 Specialist Teaching of Pupils with Specific Learning Difficulties (dyslexia)
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Level 5 Dyscalculia Association
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Postgraduate Certificate in Special Educational Needs Coordination (SENCO)
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Assessing Practicing Certificate (APC) number 23/APC08147
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Associate Member of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA)
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Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) registration number ZB887308
A dyslexia assessment and diagnosis offers many benefits. This includes:
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Understanding how the individual learns best.
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Understanding the individual's strengths and weaknesses and why they find certain learning processes more challenging.
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Giving the individual support e.g. through assistive technology (IT) or specialised teaching.
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A dyslexia diagnosis does not automatically qualify the student for Access Arrangements (AA) in exams, but can support the application e.g. for extra time in exams.
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improved self-esteem and confidence.
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By identifying gaps, early intervention can be given.
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The assessment and the process
If your child is having difficulties with reading and/or spelling, you may wish to consider a full diagnostic dyslexia assessment. I can complete full diagnostic assessments for dyslexia for 8-18 year olds. A full diagnostic assessment by a qualified assessor is the only way to give a diagnosis of dyslexia. ​​​​A dyslexia assessment costs £425. Please contact me for the price of a dyscalculia assessment.
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Before the assessment, I will gather background information about the individual. This will be used to help inform me when ​writing the report.
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The assessment process will take up to 3 hours and comfort breaks will be given as often as needed. My aim is to make the individual feel as comfortable as possible. The process will include assessments of underlying verbal and visual ability, cognitive skills (including working memory and phonological awareness), reading, spelling and writing. It is important the individual has had a recent eyesight test (within the last 12 months).
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The assessments can be carried out at the assessor's home in Sidmouth, at your home or at the individual's school if mutually agreed, in Devon, Dorset or Somerset.
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After the assessment, you will receive a detailed report adhering to SASC standards within 15 working days detailing whether a diagnosis has been given. A diagnosis is not guaranteed but the report can be used to identify the individual's strengths and areas to support with recommendations. ​If identified, the dyslexia diagnosis is lifelong.​
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If your child is having maths difficulties, please contact me as there are many reasons why someone may have difficulties in maths, and not all of them are due to dyscalculia. The process for a dyscalculia assessment is the same as for dyslexia, but different assessments are used and it may take slightly longer.
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Please contact me at Dyslexia Care for further information.
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Sidmouth
Devon EX10