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PALS - Psychological Assessments and Learning Solutions

When We're Open

We don't operate a waiting list. When a service is open, your assessment begins — you are not joining a queue. Appointment availability is outside of school holiday periods (Halloween, Christmas, Easter and Summer).
Educational assessments — open all year, with appointments typically available within 4 weeks. Comprehensive assessments — open 1 October to Easter. We stop taking new Comprehensive referrals around Easter so that every assessment already underway is completed and reported before we close for the summer, and we reopen on 1 October, once children have been back at school long enough for teachers to complete the forms we need. DARE attainment testing — open November to March, following the DARE application cycle. The DARE deadline is usually 15 March, so testing needs to be completed in good time before it; please check the current year's deadline on the DARE website.
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Educational Assessments

Educational assessments are for learning difficulties only (such as intellectual disabilities or specific difficulties like dyslexia or dyscalculia). They do not cover emotional, behavioural or social concerns such as Autism or ADHD. Appointments are typically available within 4 weeks, outside of school holiday periods. A parent or guardian completes our online referral form, or the individual themselves where the person being assessed is an adult. Payment is made by card at the end of the form and you then choose your clinic appointment straight away, with a receipt emailed to you. If you would like to speak with us first, an enquiry call can be booked.

Comprehensive Psychological Assessments

Comprehensive assessments explore a child's overall educational, emotional, behavioural and social profile, including learning difficulties (such as dyslexia) as well as ADHD, Autism and anxiety. They take place over up to three phases. New referrals are accepted from 1 October to Easter each year. Phase 1 (screening) is immediate and online only: the referral form includes the €200 Phase 1 payment, after which you and your child's teacher complete online questionnaires. Phase 2 is a psychologist appointment, usually within 4 weeks of completing Phase 1, following a verbal consultation on the Phase 1 results. Phase 3 (a Speech and Language Therapist ADOS-2 appointment) is required only for the multi-disciplinary autism assessment and is currently provided within 3 to 6 weeks of Phase 2. A draft report is offered by email within 4 weeks of your last appointment before being finalised.

DARE Attainment Testing

DARE attainment testing is for sixth-year secondary school students who are DARE applicants, have received their CAO numbers, and where the school is unable to provide these tests — either where a dyslexia diagnosis has already been made, or for updated dyscalculia (numeracy) scores. Appointments are available within 4 weeks, excluding school holiday periods, and Saturday and Sunday appointments can be arranged.