How to Get a Dyslexia Diagnosis in Ireland: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Describe the difficulty, not the label

Begin with examples: reading is accurate but unusually slow; spelling remains inconsistent despite teaching; written tasks take much longer than spoken tasks; or a person avoids forms, reports or study because the effort is exhausting. Note when the pattern began, where it appears and what has helped.

This record does not prove dyslexia. It gives a teacher or assessor a useful referral question and helps distinguish a persistent pattern from a temporary difficulty or a problem limited to one setting.

2. For a child, contact the school

The Department of Education tells parents who think their child needs NEPS input to begin with the class teacher or school principal. Schools use a Continuum of Support: they identify needs, plan interventions, monitor progress and increase support where needed. A school's assigned NEPS psychologist can advise staff, and the school prioritises referrals for individual casework.

Ask what the school has observed, which supports are in place, how progress is measured and when the plan will be reviewed. Not every child needs an individual psychologist appointment before receiving support. If the school arranges a NEPS assessment, the Department says there is no charge.

3. For an adult, define where the report will be used

Adults generally use a private educational psychology route. If you are in further or higher education, contact the disability or access service first; Dyslexia Ireland notes that a college service may be able to help with organising an assessment. If the report is for work, identify the barriers you want to discuss rather than assuming a diagnosis automatically creates a standard package of adjustments.

Ask the college, training body or employer what documentation it currently accepts. Requirements can differ, and they may change.

4. Check the assessor before booking

Dyslexia Ireland advises that assessment should be undertaken or supervised by a fully qualified educational psychologist with relevant postgraduate professional training. Ask for the person's full name, qualification and experience with the age group and referral question.

If an assistant psychologist is involved, ask who supervises their work and who will sign and take responsibility for the report. Also request the fee, cancellation terms, assessment format, feedback arrangements and report date in writing.

5. Prepare for the assessment

Follow the provider's instructions. Useful records may include school reports, previous psychological or therapy reports, examples of written work, a history of literacy support, and notes about current study or job demands. The provider should explain consent, confidentiality and how information will be used.

Dyslexia Ireland describes its approach as contextualised: relevant background from family, school, college or work can be considered alongside assessment tasks. That is why an online self-test cannot do the same job.

6. Understand what happens on the day

The exact tasks vary with age and purpose. The assessment may explore reading, spelling, written language and other aspects of learning, while also considering history and supports. Ask the assessor to explain the method without promising a particular conclusion.

An assessment should not be presented as a test a person can “pass” by preparing answers. Sleep, prescribed glasses or hearing aids, and any usual accessibility needs should be discussed with the provider in advance.

7. Review the report and next actions

Ask for a plain-language explanation of the findings, including strengths, needs, limits and practical recommendations. Check names and factual history for errors. Ask who to contact if part of the report is unclear and whether a follow-up conversation is included.

Share the report only where you choose and where it is relevant. For a child, return to the school to discuss the support plan. A report can inform decisions, but it should not replace ongoing observation and review.

What not to do

• Do not treat an online quiz as a diagnosis.
• Do not choose solely on the earliest appointment or lowest headline price.
• Do not assume one report guarantees a particular exam or workplace accommodation.
• Do not delay practical reading, writing or classroom support while waiting for assessment.

For deeper detail, read the full Ireland assessment guide, compare fees in our assessment cost guide, or use the Dublin options checklist.

Sources and review date

• Department of Education: NEPS and information for parents
• Dyslexia Ireland: assessment process
• Dyslexia Ireland: private-assessment guidance

Reviewed: 25 July 2026.