Dr Hester Howells is an Educational
Psychologist based in Norfolk.
Dr Howells offers independent assessments diagnosing the educational aspects
of Neuro-diversity (specific learning difficulties)
for both children and adults.
The assessment typically assesses one or more areas:
cognition and learning, communication and interaction,social, emotional and mental health
or sensory and physical skills. Individualised
evidence-based recommendations are made for needs identified in any of these areas.
For more information
give us a call on 01362 681 869.

Young woman aged 23, graduated with a 2:1 and studying PGCE (Teacher training). Took her 4 attempts to pass maths GCSE and she had extensive one to one private tuition to attain this but despite endless practice, tuition and hard work, still finds it very hard to retain maths facts and to know how to tackle problems. Sometimes she got the right answer to maths problems but was not sure how she had done so. She had a huge fear of maths and had seen her GP because of anxiety. Her self-esteem and confidence were low and she felt a failure with any maths activity and was worried about passing QTS exam (maths) without extra time.

I took detailed history of her maths difficulties and undertook a full assessment. X was very nervous on the day and had to have several breaks and was tearful so I was very gentle and sensitive when assessing. Gave her feedback on her results, which showed she had dyscalculia – deficits in all maths skills and in short-term memory and processing speed.

X was initially upset on hearing the results but over the next half hour, after discussing with X what the results meant for her in terms of being able to access support, extra time and workplace adjustments, she could see the results in a positive light. It was important for me to encourage X to focus on the many positives of the assessment, for example, that she had a high level of cognitive ability.

Outcome for woman was she had intensive one to one multi sensory tuition in maths, extra time for QTS exam which she passed. She found the websites and further reading section in her report especially helpful in assisting her to move forwards; her confidence and self-esteem were raised and she had some CBT as a result of my recommendation. She now has a job as a teacher and is doing well.

01362 681 869