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Referred Diagnostic Services

Some children need a specialist assessment — for dyslexia, auditory processing, audiology or educational psychology — to really understand what’s going on. We don’t carry these out ourselves. We refer you to specialists we know and trust, you engage them directly, and if you’d like, you can share their findings with us to build into your child’s wider plan.

Why It Matters

The case for getting a proper diagnosis

Dyslexia is common, and many children are never formally identified. Auditory Processing Disorder is frequently missed, because standard hearing tests come back normal — and it often occurs alongside dyslexia and ADHD. Understanding what is actually happening is the foundation the right support is built on.

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

Specialists we refer to

These are experienced, independent professionals. Where one is right for your child, we’ll explain who they are and how to reach them — and you contact them directly. Their reports stand on their own and can support EHCP applications and school SEN processes. Share them back with us and we’ll help translate them into everyday support.

Dyslexia Assessment

Full diagnostic assessment by an experienced specialist teacher and assessor, with a written report and practical recommendations for home and school. Can support exam access arrangements.

Auditory Processing & Audiology

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

Educational Psychology

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

Doctor-led ADHD & Autism Assessment

Formal clinical assessment through our partnership with The ADHD Centre. See our Assessments page →

How the referral works

It starts with understanding the need — often through a Gap Analysis Assessment, or from concerns you already have. From there, we’ll recommend the right specialist and explain how to reach them. You book and work with them directly. Once you have their report, you’re welcome to share it with us — and we’ll help you make sense of it and turn it into school provision, SEN support and EHCP evidence where relevant.

Education With Lauren does not deliver these assessments and does not accept liability for these independent professional services.

The Team

Specialists we refer to

Sarah and Ana are experienced independent specialists we’re happy to refer families to. You engage them directly.

Sarah, Specialist Dyslexia Assessor
Dyslexia & Specific Learning Difficulties

Sarah

Specialist Teacher & Dyslexia Assessor · PATOSS Member · APC Holder

Sarah has over 20 years’ experience working in education, including roles 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
Ana, Audiology Specialist
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 produces clear, actionable recommendations that schools can act on.

  • 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
Enquire Here
The Process

How it works

It starts with understanding the need. Lauren recommends the right specialist and how to reach them — you book directly, and can bring the findings back to us afterwards.

1

Identification

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

2

Discussion

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

3

You book directly

We explain who to contact; you book and engage the specialist yourself.

4

Assessment

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

5

Bring it back (optional)

Share the findings with us and we’ll fold them into your child’s broader support, SEN planning and EHCP evidence.

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. These reports are written with schools in mind: clear, evidence-based and directly actionable. They can support 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 booking — 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.

“Understanding what’s really happening is the only foundation on which the right support can be built.”

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Education With Lauren is a Kent-based education consultancy and tutoring service, working alongside schools and SENCOs to help every child get the support they deserve.