Many left waiting more than two years for dyslexia assessment, group warns

In 2015 just 26% of assessments were done publicly, primarily through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS). By 2022 this dropped to just 14%.

Access to dyslexia assessment remains challenging for both children and adults, with many waiting over two years to be initially assessed for the learning condition, the Dyslexia Association of Ireland has warned.

According to the group, the public assessment system is increasingly failing to meet the demand for dyslexia assessments, leaving many with no other option but to seek private assessments.

It has called on the Government to address the systematic barriers that prevent many dyslexic people from accessing assessment.

In 2015, 68% of its members were waiting two or more years to access an assessment. By 2022, its most recent survey, this figure had risen to 77%.

In 2015 just 26% of assessments were done publicly, primarily through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS). By 2022 this dropped to just 14%.

In 2015, 54% of its members found it difficult or very difficult to get supports post-assessment. In 2022 this increased to 63%.

In 2015, 49% of the association’s members were satisfied with the level of support their child received in school, but that had dropped to 41% in its most recent survey.

More than 80% wanted to see increased numbers of special education teachers to enable dyslexic learners to receive the level of support they need. Dyslexia Association of Ireland chief executive Rosie Bissett, said:

We are calling on the Government to address the systemic barriers which prevent many dyslexics from accessing assessment, identification, and the supports and accommodations they may need in education and work.

“We are asking the Government and its agencies to properly recognise dyslexia, in words and actions, and commit to meeting the needs of dyslexic individuals of all ages.”

An improved scheme of reasonable accommodations in State exams is also needed, according to the Dyslexia Association of Ireland. Earlier this year, it called on the State Examinations Commission (SEC) to urgently review its reasonable accommodations policy for dyslexic students.

It has called for the introduction of extra time for students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties, as well as increased access to assistive technology in exams.

Ms Bissett said: “Literacy interventions must be in line with the known science of reading research. Accommodations such as extra time in State exams must be introduced for our dyslexic students, in line with international practice, and at university level in Ireland.

Our educators must be properly supported with training and guidance on best practices. We cannot allow the needs of those with dyslexia to continue to go unmet.

Meanwhile, more than 17,500 Ukrainian pupils have been enrolled in schools across Ireland as of October 2. Of that, 10,655 of these pupils have been accommodated in primary schools while 6,846 pupils have enrolled in post-primary schools. This represents a 12% increase in total enrolments since June 2023.

It also indicates an enrolment rate of 91% among Ukrainian children between the ages of five and 18. Regional Education and Language Teams (REALT) are continuing to assist with the transition of Ukrainian students and their families into Irish schools.