Dyslexia affects 10% of the Irish population. Private assessment by an educational psychologist costs €350–€800 and gives you the report you need for school supports, university access, and workplace accommodations.
Unlike ADHD or autism, dyslexia is assessed by educational psychologists, not psychiatrists. An educational psychologist is a specialist in learning and development — registered with the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) or HCPC.
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.
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.
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.
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 maintains a list of approved educational psychologists. Visit dyslexia.ie →
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.
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.
We're building Ireland's most comprehensive directory of educational psychologists. List your practice for free →
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.
Extra time in State exams (Junior Cert, Leaving Cert) and college exams. Requires a valid report submitted to the SEC or your institution's disability office.
Employers must provide reasonable accommodations under the Employment Equality Acts. A report gives you the documented basis to request text-to-speech software, written instructions, extra time on tasks, and similar supports.
A formal diagnosis can support applications for Department of Social Protection disability schemes including the Disability Allowance and Back to Education Allowance, depending on severity.
Private educational psychology assessments typically cost €350–€800. This usually includes the assessment session (2–4 hours), the full written psychoeducational report, and a feedback consultation. Some assessors charge extra for follow-ups or school meetings.
Dyslexia must be assessed by an educational psychologist registered with the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) or the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Always verify your assessor's registration before booking — a diagnosis from an unregistered practitioner may not be accepted by schools or universities.
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.
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.
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.