Partnerships and Professional Referrals
Working together to provide the right
support at the right time.
Whether you are a school, tutor, university, healthcare professional or another organisation supporting children or adults, we welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively.
At Defining Dyslexia, we believe that the best outcomes are achieved when professionals share information, communicate openly and work together to understand an individual's learning profile. Our assessments are designed not only to identify specific learning difficulties but also to provide practical recommendations that support learning across education, work and everyday life.
We regularly work alongside schools, universities and other professionals throughout the assessment process and are always happy to discuss how we can support the individuals you work with.
Our Professional Partners May Recommend Us When...
- A pupil continues to struggle despite targeted intervention.
- A university student requires further investigation into long-standing literacy difficulties.
- A tutor notices persistent patterns consistent with dyslexia.
- An occupational therapist identifies learning difficulties affecting education or work.
- An educational psychologist feels an independent diagnostic assessment would complement their work.
- An employer wishes to signpost an employee towards a specialist assessment.
How Our Partnerships Work
We believe that every child, young person and adult deserves access to the right support at the right time. Many of the individuals we assess are introduced to us by professionals who have recognised persistent learning difficulties and feel that a specialist assessment may provide greater clarity.
We work in partnership with schools, tutors, universities, healthcare professionals and employers who wish to signpost individuals towards an independent assessment. There is no formal referral process. Professionals simply recommend our services where they feel an assessment may be appropriate, allowing individuals and families to make an informed decision about whether they wish to contact us.
We are always happy to discuss potential referrals, answer questions about the assessment process and provide guidance on whether a diagnostic assessment is likely to be appropriate before an appointment is arranged.
Why Partner With Defining Dyslexia?
Professionals choose to recommend Defining Dyslexia because they know individuals will receive a supportive, independent and evidence-based assessment experience. Every assessment is completed in line with current SASC guidance, with clear explanations, personalised recommendations and ongoing support following the assessment where appropriate.
We aim to make the referral process straightforward, keep communication clear and work collaboratively wherever it benefits the individual.
Become a Professional Partner
If you work with children, young people or adults who may benefit from a specialist assessment, we would be delighted to work with you.
Whether you are making an occasional recommendation or would like to establish an ongoing professional relationship, we are always happy to discuss how we can support the individuals you work with.
We welcome referrals from:
- 🏫 Schools and colleges
- 🎓 Universities and higher education providers
- 📚 Tutors and specialist teachers
- 🩺 Healthcare professionals
- 💼 Employers and workplace wellbeing services
- ❤️ Charities and support organisations
Have a question before referring someone? We'd be happy to help. Get in touch for an informal discussion.
Schools and SENCOs
Schools are often the first to recognise when a pupil may be experiencing persistent literacy difficulties despite good teaching and appropriate intervention. A specialist assessment can provide greater clarity and help schools understand the underlying reasons for these difficulties.
We work with primary schools, secondary schools and colleges by providing independent diagnostic assessments, clear reports and practical recommendations that can be implemented within the classroom. We are also happy to discuss pupils before referral and provide guidance on whether a full assessment is likely to be appropriate.
Tutors and Specialist Teachers
Private tutors and specialist teachers often identify patterns of difficulty that suggest further investigation may be beneficial. We are happy to accept referrals from tutors and work collaboratively to ensure assessment findings complement ongoing intervention.
Where appropriate, reports can help tutors better understand a learner's profile and tailor teaching strategies accordingly.
Universities and Higher Education
Many students reach higher education before recognising that their long-standing learning difficulties may reflect an underlying specific learning difficulty.
We regularly assess university students studying across a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Our reports meet current SASC guidance and can support applications for Disabled Students' Allowance (where appropriate) and reasonable adjustments within higher education.
Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare professionals are often supporting individuals whose learning difficulties affect education, employment or everyday life. We welcome referrals from healthcare colleagues where an educational assessment may be beneficial.
Employers and Workplace Professionals
Adults frequently seek assessment after experiencing challenges in the workplace, during professional qualifications or when returning to education.
Why professionals choose Defining Dyslexia?
✅ Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) holder
🎓 Qualified specialist teacher and assessor
🏫 Former SENCo and Designated Safeguarding Lead
📋 Reports completed in line with current SASC guidance
💡 Clear, practical recommendations tailored to the individual
🤝 Independent, collaborative and person-centred approach
💻🏡 Remote and face-to-face assessments available across the UK
💷 Transparent pricing
E-mail: Mark@definingdyslexia.org
We operate virtually across the UK, providing accessible support wherever you are. For in-person appointments, we serve Sheffield, Peterborough, and the surrounding area. Contact us to learn more!