Dyslexia Assessments in Calgary, AB

Dyslexia affects the way the brain processes written language - not intelligence, not effort, and not something a child or adult can simply try harder to overcome. If reading has always felt harder than it should, if spelling seems impossible no matter how much practice goes in, or if the words on the page seem to move or blur - there's likely a neurological reason. And a formal assessment can tell you exactly what it is.

At Bluebird Psychology, we provide comprehensive dyslexia assessments for children and adults in Calgary. Our Registered Psychologists also provide a detailed written report with practical recommendations, so you leave with answers and a clear path forward.

First, what is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a common learning disorder that affects the way some people learn to read, write, and spell. It is not caused by a lack of intelligence, but rather by differences in the way the brain processes information.

There are several different types of dyslexia. People with dyslexia may have difficulty with decoding, which means recognizing letters and the sounds they make. This can make it hard to read words accurately and quickly. They may also have trouble with encoding, which means spelling words correctly. Dyslexia can also make it challenging to remember words and their meanings.

Dyslexia is not something that a person can grow out of, but with help, people with dyslexia can learn to read, write, and spell more easily. There are many strategies and tools available to help people with dyslexia, including specialized instruction, assistive technology, and accommodations in the classroom.

It is important to remember that dyslexia is just one way that people's brains can work differently, and that everyone has strengths and challenges.

Signs of Dyslexia

Early Signs of Dyslexia in Preschool Children

In preschool, children may have difficulty rhyming words, have delayed speech or language skills, or have difficulty with letter sounds or learning letters.

Signs of Dyslexia in Elementary School Children

In elementary school, children may have difficulty blending sounds together, identifying the different sounds within a word, remembering sight words, and spelling.

Signs of Dyslexia in Teenagers and Adults

Teenagers and adults may read slowly, not enjoy reading, prefer to listen to audiobooks, struggle with spelling, or find it difficult to complete tests within the given time limit.

Our Assessment Process:

We begin with a discussion to understand your concerns and gather background information. This meeting can be done in-person at our office or virtually.
We use a combination of standardized tests, interviews, and observational assessments to gain insights into your learning profile. Our assessments include an analysis of cognitive abilities, academic skills, and phonological processing abilities. Phonological processing skills are critical for reading success, as they enable individuals to decode written text and understand the relationship between letters and sounds. Deficits in these skills are often associated with reading difficulties such as dyslexia.
Once the assessment is complete, we schedule a feedback meeting to review the findings and discuss next steps. You’ll also receive a comprehensive written report that you can use for support and treatment planning after the assessment.
As part of the assessment process, we provide personalized strategies and recommendations to facilitate learning and reading skills.

Are There Other Types of Reading Disorders?

Dyslexia is not the only reading disorder that people may experience. For example, dysgraphia is a condition that affects writing and spelling ability. People with dysgraphia may have difficulty with fine motor skills, making it hard to form letters and write legibly. Some people may have difficulty with reading comprehension, even if they can read words accurately. This means they may have trouble understanding the meaning of what they are reading or remembering what they have read.

These conditions can occur alone, with dyslexia, or with other learning difficulties.

Child dyslexia assessment session in Calgary,

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. Dyslexia doesn't disappear in adulthood - many adults were never identified as children, particularly those who developed strong coping strategies that masked the difficulty. A formal dyslexia assessment as an adult can finally explain longstanding struggles with reading, spelling, and written expression, and open access to workplace accommodations and targeted support that can make a real difference.
A dyslexia assessment at Bluebird Psychology involves an intake meeting, two testing sessions, plus an a feedback session to review the results. Most families complete the full process within 6–8 weeks of starting. We work to make the process as efficient as possible while ensuring the assessment is thorough enough to be genuinely useful.
No. You can contact us directly without a referral from any other professional. We can also discuss your concerns during a free 15-minute consultation and help you determine whether a dyslexia assessment is the right next step.
Many extended health plans cover psychoeducational assessments under "psychological services" - which includes dyslexia assessments. We recommend checking your specific plan directly. We provide detailed receipts after the assessment that you can submit for reimbursement. The fee is $3,000, with a split-payment option available.
Not all reading difficulties are dyslexia. Some children struggle with reading comprehension (understanding what they've read) rather than decoding (sounding out words). Others may have dysgraphia, which primarily affects writing rather than reading. A comprehensive assessment identifies exactly which type of difficulty is present and distinguishes dyslexia from other learning differences that may look similar but require different support.
Yes. Our written reports are accepted by the Calgary Board of Education, the Calgary Catholic School District, and schools throughout Alberta. The report includes specific, evidence-based accommodation recommendations, such as extended time, text-to-speech tools, and reduced copying requirements, that schools can implement directly. We can also provide guidance on how to advocate for your child using the report if needed.

Get Started With a Psychoeducational Assessment for Reading

If you are interested in more information about psychoeducational assessments, click here.

Or click here to book your psychoeducational assessment through our online booking system.

The fee for a psychoeducational assessment is $3,000 and can be paid for in installments. Many insurance providers cover this cost, either partially or in full.

We currently offer psychoeducational assessments for children and adults ages 6+.

Have questions?

We’re here to help!

Email us: office@bluebirdpsychology.ca
Call us: (587) 288-6884
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with one of our psychologists here.
We are located at 277, 200 Rivercrest Dr. SE in Calgary, AB