Dyslexia Discovery
About me
Hi, I am Alison McMillan, I have over 25 years experience developing children’s literacy skills and over 14 years of experience providing both diagnostic dyslexia and general educational assessments to adults and children over the age of 4. I held the Chairperson position with the Dyslexia Association in Hong Kong (DAHK) for 10 years until relocating back to Scotland in 2022.
I hold Full Membership (PPM) of PATOSS, Member of the Dyslexia Guild (MDG) with Approved Practitioner Status (APS) and registered on the list of approved diagnostic dyslexia assessors on the SpLD Assessments Standards Committee (SASC) website. Additionally, I am on Dyslexia Scotland’s list of approved assessors and tutors.
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I hold an Assessment Practicing Certificate (APC), a PGCert SEND, a Diploma in Strategic Teaching Support for Dyslexia and Literacy and a Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment & Access Arrangements (CPT3A). Additionally, I am a certified TEFL teacher and Irlen Screener (Visual disturbance).
Services
Specialist tutoring for children aged 5 - 12
I provide personalised, one-to-one tutoring for children aged 5 to 12, delivered in a flexible and accessible online format.
As a qualified specialist, I use evidence-based programmes endorsed by the International Dyslexia Association, including the Orton-Gillingham approach. This highly structured, multi-sensory, and systematic method has been developed over decades to support children with dyslexia and other literacy-related difficulties effectively.
Following an initial assessment, I develop a bespoke teaching plan tailored to each child’s learning profile. Lessons are designed to build confidence by addressing specific areas of need while nurturing the child’s strengths. Instruction is multi-sensory, engaging, and carefully paced to ensure meaningful and lasting progress.
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​Tutoring may focus on areas such as:-
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Phonemic awareness
Phonics
Reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension
Vocabulary development
Spelling
Grammar and punctuation
Handwriting
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I use fun, engaging activities and games to help consolidate learning, ensuring that each session is effective and enjoyable. I truly believe that children who enjoy the learning process make exceptional progress.
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Diagnostic Dyslexia Assessments (Age 8 - 16)
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In line with SASC (Specific Learning Difficulties Assessment Standards Committee) guidelines, I offer comprehensive Diagnostic Dyslexia Assessments for individuals aged 8 to 16.
These assessments are designed to determine whether a young person has dyslexia and to develop a clear understanding of their cognitive profile, including their strengths and areas where they may need additional support.
Following the assessment, a detailed written report will be provided. This report will outline any evidence of a dyslexic profile and include personalised recommendations to help support the individual in both their educational setting and everyday life.
My goal is to ensure that each child is understood, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
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Dyslexia Assessment Screener (Age 5 - 8)
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For children under the age of 8, a dyslexia assessment screener will identify if your child is ‘at risk’ of dyslexia. This assessment will determine the precise nature of your child's difficulties and how they can best be supported. If there is a moderate to high probability of dyslexia or dyslexic type difficulties, an evidence-based intervention before, or simultaneously with, the onset of formal reading instruction should begin before the child begins to experience failure. The earlier dyslexia or reading difficulties are identified and effectively addressed, the greater the chances that your child will be able to manage their difficulty and keep up with the school's curriculum.