Dyslexia Assessment
in Ireland
Understand school and private dyslexia assessment routes, what to ask an educational psychologist and why report acceptance must be confirmed for its intended purpose.
How Dyslexia Assessment Works in Ireland
Dyslexia assessments are commonly carried out by educational psychologists. Check the assessor's exact qualifications and current professional status, and ask the organisation receiving the report what evidence it accepts.
1. Cognitive & Achievement Testing
The psychologist administers standardised tests measuring reading speed, reading accuracy, reading comprehension, spelling, and phonological processing. Common tools include the WISC-V, WRAT-5, and Woodcock-Johnson.
2. Background Interview
Your educational and developmental history, family history, and specific difficulties at school or work. For children, parents are involved. For adults, you describe your own experience.
3. Psychoeducational Report
The most important output. This written report confirms or rules out dyslexia, documents your profile (strengths and challenges), and includes specific recommendations for accommodations. Keep this report: you'll use it for school, college, and work.
How to Find a Dyslexia Assessor
Dyslexia assessment is delivered by private educational psychologists rather than specialist clinics. We're currently building out our directory of registered assessors by county. In the meantime:
Dyslexia Ireland Referral Service
Dyslexia Ireland maintains a list of approved educational psychologists. Visit dyslexia.ie →
NEPS (Children, via schools)
The HSE's National Educational Psychological Service provides free assessments for primary and secondary school children: but waiting times are 6–18 months and it's school-referred only.
University Disability Services
Many Irish universities have their own assessors or can refer you. If you're a third-level student, contact your disability support office first: assessment may be subsidised.
Do you provide dyslexia assessments?
Providers can submit current business information for independent review. Read the provider criteria →
What You Can Do With a Dyslexia Report
🎓 College Entry (DARE Scheme)
A current psychoeducational report is required to apply for the DARE (Disability Access Route to Education) scheme: reduced CAO points for students with a disability including dyslexia.
📝 Exam Accommodations
Exam accommodations depend on the current scheme and individual evidence. Confirm the process with the school, State Examinations Commission or institution before relying on a report.
💼 Workplace Accommodations
A report may help explain a workplace barrier and possible adjustments, but it does not guarantee a particular outcome. Use the employer's process and seek current advice where needed.
💶 DSP Disability Payments
Department of Social Protection schemes have their own current eligibility and evidence rules. Check the relevant scheme directly; a diagnosis or report does not guarantee eligibility.
Dyslexia Assessment in Ireland: FAQs
How much does a private dyslexia assessment cost in Ireland?
Dyslexia Ireland currently publishes €600 for a child or young-person assessment and €350 for an adult dyslexia assessment. These are one organisation's prices, not a national range. A private quote should state the assessment, feedback, written report, follow-up and any additional fees.
Who is qualified to assess dyslexia in Ireland?
Ask who will conduct and sign the assessment, their exact qualifications and professional status, and what the report includes. Confirm acceptance requirements with the school, college or other receiving organisation before booking.
Can adults get a dyslexia assessment in Ireland?
Yes. Adult dyslexia assessments are available privately and are particularly valuable for accessing university disability services and workplace accommodations. The NEPS public service is children-only, but private educational psychologists assess adults.
How old does a dyslexia report need to be for DARE or college?
For the DARE scheme and most university disability offices, a report should generally be no more than 3 years old. Some institutions require a more recent assessment. Check with your specific college's disability office for their current requirements.
Does dyslexia qualify for extra time in the Leaving Cert?
Yes. The State Examinations Commission (SEC) grants reasonable accommodations including extra time (typically +25% or +33%) for students with dyslexia. You need a valid psychoeducational report submitted before the deadline. Check the SEC website for current requirements each year.
Published by Divergent.ie
Reviewed 30 August 2026. See how sources are selected or submit a correction.