Psychological assessment and dyslexia: parents’ perspectives

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore parents’ perceptions of the process of having their child assessed for dyslexia by an independent Educational Psychologist and the affective impact on the child or young person. The research was carried out as part of an evaluation of the services offered by the Northern Ireland Dyslexia Centre (NIDC). The methodology involved the use of a postal survey questionnaire with both qualitative and quantitative outcomes. Findings are discussed in the context of strategies for promoting partnerships with parents and affective-academic pathways for learners with dyslexia.

Keywords:

• literacy
• parents
• assessment
• educational psychologist
• Northern Ireland Dyslexia Centre
• partnerships

Acknowledgements

We wish to thank John Clarke, director of NIDC, for his support in the initial stages of this study.