The Connective Learning course is preceded with an initial reading and spelling screening, using well-known, standardised tests often used in schools. The student also tries coloured overlays to see whether or not this helps them see text more clearly. This is mainly for the purposes of the Connective Learning programme and shows:
- Whether help is indeed needed
- Particular areas of strength and weakness
- Reading and spelling ages
- Whether a coloured computer screen will be helpful and, if so, the best colours to suit the student (see also http://www.irlenuk.com/about-irlen-syndrome.htm ).
The information obtained enables analysis of the student’s methods, traits and difficulties and informs decisions on how best to tailor the programme to their individual needs.
The reading and spelling screenings are mainly for the purposes of the Connective Learning programme, but can also flag up the probability of dyslexia. If a diagnosis and a detailed written report is required, a wide-ranging assessment will need to be carried out by a specialist assessor or an Educational Psychologist. This type of assessment can be arranged through the British Dyslexia Association, or an index of specialist assessors may be obtained from PATOSS (Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties).