Why It Matters

The case for getting a proper diagnosis

Dyslexia affects around 10% of the UK population — with many never formally identified. Auditory Processing Disorder affects an estimated 5% of school-age children, yet is consistently missed because peripheral hearing tests as normal. These conditions frequently co-occur: up to 40% of individuals with dyslexia show characteristics consistent with APD, and co-occurrence with ADHD is estimated at 30–50% in research literature.

The consequences of going unidentified are well documented — academic underachievement, anxiety, low self-esteem and, in many cases, emotionally based school avoidance. The earlier the identification, the better the outcome. But at any age, understanding what is actually happening is the foundation on which everything else is built.

What We Offer

Our specialist network

EWL has direct links to a range of specialist diagnostic professionals. All assessments are coordinated by Lauren and produce reports compatible with EHCP applications and school SEN processes.

Dyslexia Assessment

Full diagnostic assessment by a specialist teacher and assessor. Comprehensive written report with practical recommendations for home and school. Compatible with exam access arrangements.

Auditory Processing Disorder

APD diagnostic assessment by an HCPC-registered Speech and Language Therapist. Includes hearing evaluation, communication needs assessment and school liaison.

Speech & Language Therapy

Assessment and support for children with speech, language and communication needs — covering language processing, fluency, articulation and social communication.

Educational Psychology

Independent educational psychology assessment covering cognitive ability, learning profile, and specific learning difficulties. Carries significant weight in EHCP applications.

Psychiatry (ADHD & Autism)

Formal psychiatric assessment for ADHD and Autism Spectrum Condition. Required for a clinical diagnosis and for access to medication where appropriate.

Audiology

Specialist hearing assessment and audiological evaluation, including paediatric assessments, vestibular (balance) assessment, ear care and microsuction.

Coordinated by EWL throughout

Every referral is made directly by Lauren following a Full Education Gap Analysis. She coordinates the process from referral to report, ensures findings are clearly communicated to you, and helps translate outcomes into school provision, SEN support plans and EHCP applications where needed. You are never left navigating it alone.

The Team

Our in-house specialists

Sarah and Ana work directly alongside Lauren, ensuring a joined-up approach from assessment to recommendation.

Dyslexia & Specific Learning Difficulties

Sarah

Specialist Teacher & Dyslexia Assessor · PATOSS Member · APC Holder

Sarah has over 20 years’ experience working in schools as a class teacher, intervention specialist and diagnostic assessor. She currently combines part-time class teaching with her assessment practice, giving her a current, grounded understanding of what schools need from a report.

Full diagnostic dyslexia assessments
Comprehensive written reports for home & school
Exam access arrangements
Free discovery call available
EHCP-compatible reporting

BDA Level 5 Certificate in Dyslexia · Level 7 Diploma in Teaching & Assessing SpLD · PGCE (Early Years) · APC · PATOSS

Enquire Here

Auditory Processing Disorder & Audiology

Ana

HCPC Registered Speech & Language Therapist · Audiology Specialist

Ana is a highly experienced clinician specialising in paediatric audiology and auditory processing. Her background spans hospitals, specialist centres and multidisciplinary medical teams. She works closely with Lauren to ensure assessment findings translate into clear, actionable recommendations for schools.

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) assessment
Paediatric hearing assessments
Communication needs evaluation
Vestibular (balance) assessment
School liaison & evidence-based reporting

BSc (Hons) Speech & Language Therapy · HCPC Registered · British Society of Audiology · RCSLT

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The Process

How it works

Every referral starts with Lauren. She identifies the need, makes the referral and stays involved throughout.

1

Identification

A need is identified either through Lauren’s Full Education Gap Analysis, or directly by a parent with existing concerns — both are valid starting points.

2

Discussion

Lauren talks through what the findings suggest and which specialist is the right fit.

3

Referral

EWL makes the direct referral. Fast-track access — typically within 7 days.

4

Assessment

The specialist conducts the assessment and produces a comprehensive written report.

5

Follow-Through

EWL helps translate findings into school provision, support plans and EHCP applications.

Questions

Common questions

Does my child need a Gap Analysis first?

A Gap Analysis first is strongly recommended — it provides the evidence base that makes the specialist assessment more targeted and the report more useful. However, if you already have recent professional evidence, please get in touch and Lauren will advise on the best route.

My child passed a standard hearing test. Could they still have APD?

Yes — this is one of the most common points of confusion. A standard hearing test assesses peripheral hearing (detecting sounds). APD is a central auditory processing issue — the problem is not detecting sound but interpreting it. Children with APD regularly pass standard hearing tests. A specialist APD assessment uses a completely different set of tools.

Will a diagnosis automatically get my child more support at school?

A formal diagnosis is a significant step, but it is the quality of the report that creates change — specifically, the clarity and specificity of its recommendations. Our reports are written with schools in mind: clear, evidence-based and directly actionable. They are compatible with EHCP applications and exam access arrangements.

How much does a specialist assessment cost?

Fees vary by the type and duration of assessment required. Lauren will discuss all costs clearly with you before any referral is made — there are no surprises. Many families find the speed and clarity of a private assessment significantly less costly, in every sense, than continued unidentified difficulty.

How long does an assessment take?

A diagnostic dyslexia assessment typically takes two to three hours including breaks. An APD assessment is usually completed across one or two sessions. All other timelines are confirmed before booking.

Specialist Diagnostic Assessments