Before your appointment
Share the concerns that led you to seek help. We explain the assessment arrangements and any background information required.
HANDWRITING DIFFICULTIES
Handwriting difficulties assessments
Help the ideas get onto the page. When handwriting gets in the way, understanding the specific difficulty helps support become more useful. We focus on the person and the practical changes they may need.
Who it is forFrom age eight; discuss individual suitability
AppointmentOnline, with preparation explained beforehand
What you receiveA written report and practical recommendations, usually within 3–4 weeks after the assessment
Know who you are trusting
DTC is led by specialist assessors Helen Walker and Jeanette Butterworth. Explore their qualifications, teaching experience and approach to understanding learning needs.
Clear information before you book
- Discuss suitability and what the assessment covers.
- Ask for the current fee and what is included.
- Confirm appointment availability and report timescales.
Using Bupa? Follow the dedicated assessment route. Bupa assessment reports usually take approximately 2 weeks after the assessment.
ABOUT THE ASSESSMENT
What does it explore?
This assessment explores the specific challenges affecting handwriting and written work. The focus is on understanding what support the person needs.
- Handwriting and written expression
- Relevant literacy and learning skills
- The difference between understanding and written output
- Practical needs in education or work
The findings and next steps
The report draws together the findings and recommendations, which may inform discussions about classroom strategies, assistive tools or further specialist support.
Why we use “handwriting difficulties”
Our terminology
You may know these difficulties as dysgraphia. At DTC, we use “handwriting difficulties” to describe what we assess: writing that is slow, hard to read or effortful, and the support that may help.
How this relates to dyslexia
The 2025 Delphi definition focuses on reading and spelling and recognises overlapping developmental difficulties. Handwriting concerns may occur alongside dyslexia, but do not by themselves establish dyslexia. We consider the person’s wider learning needs.
WATCH & UNDERSTAND
Prefer to watch?
An explainer from our existing assessment resources. Watch at your own pace.
Understanding handwriting difficulties
Watch on YouTubeWHY DYSLEXIA TEST CENTRE?
Specific needs. Practical recommendations.
We listen
An exploration of handwriting and learning needs.
We explain
A report that explains findings in context.
We support
Recommendations to discuss with school, college or other support professionals.
SUPPORT FOR YOUR SITUATION
Assessment suitability depends on age and individual needs. See the guidance on this page or speak to us.
ASSESSMENT IS THE START. SUPPORT COMES NEXT.
A report should open doors.
Let’s help you take the next step.
Our aftercare helps you understand the findings, choose your priorities and turn recommendations into practical support at home, in education or at work.
From understanding to action.
- Make sense of your report.
- Choose practical changes to start with.
- Explore suitable ongoing support.
Already have a report? Talk to us about what would help you now.
BEFORE YOU DECIDE