dyslexia tests in northern Ireland??

happy_gardener

Has anyone had a dyslexia test?
I have a son who i believe to be dyslexic. i do not know where to get an 'official' test...or where to start. The primary school thought he was 'slow' ..which he is not...the High school did some sort of test on him..I get the photocopy of it this week...he scored 4...5 would be dyslexic and a 3 would be a no...so a 4 is mildly dyslexic ....I do not know where to go next....

Has anyone any helpful suggestions please?

purt

I think his teacher is required to provide support in some shape or form where dyslexia is an issue. However, if he's only mildly dyslexic, the extent of that support may be limited. You may wish to discuss it with the school first.

You may also wish to speak with someone in the your local Education and Library Board for advice on what support is available in schools for pupils who are dyslexic.

leftieM

As a parent you have the right to request evaluation of your child's potential special educational needs. This is done through the school and they will bring in specialists to assess the child.
If I were you I would make an appointment to discuss your child with the school's special educational needs co-ordinator or their form tutor.

kidshorsesdogs

About 7 years ago we had our daughter tested privately as she was going into her p7 year and felt we couldn't wait the time it would take the school to arrange for an assessment. At that time it cost around £300 it was a very thorough test, done in very relaxed surrounding and not pressured. The report was very comprehensive and did indeed confirm that she had dyslexia, and by no means mild. The range of tests however did show up what she was exptremely good at as well and not nearly as devastating a diagnosis as we thought it would be.

A friend recently enquired from same person and the cost is now £500 which is understandable as it was a long time ago that we had it done.

Depending on your school board waiting lists can be longer than a year, others less. Good luck on which ever route you take.

PM me if you want the name of the educational psychiastrist we used.

just_mini_mad

My son is borderline dyslexic but thanks to a referral by a speech therapist when he was 9 it was also discovered that he has mild dyspraxia which explained why he struggled so much at school with writing, creative activities and sport. Primary school were great in helping him but Grammar school was a disaster and totally ignored his condition. We paid for a private assessment at age 14 to get him extra time for exams etc because the waiting list at school was 3 yrs for assessment. The pyschologist gave a very good report and also gave us advice for later years as to my son's strengths. The assessment also highlighted that my son had a very low level of self confidence. School continued to be a struggle but due to his determination and the support of a few dedicated teachers he went on to achieve 4 A levels and is now first year at university.

Perhaps speak to your doctor or school nurse to see if they could help point you in the right direction.

Choco

Check out kipmcgrath on google. They have centres throughout NI and costs £45/£50 for an assessment. If nothing else you get report from them and then give to school it speeds process up.

happy_gardener

Does anyone know of a way to have a child assessed for dyslexia privately. I only say privately as the child is not severe enough for the school to refer to the NEELB. The NEELB have been no help to me and I am going round and round in circles. I have contacted the dyslexia place on the Newtownards Rd, but there was only an answer machine and I am waiting for them to get back to me.
Can anyone help? Has anyone had the same problems?

whitewing

I can't really help but I just wanted to say maybe get the child checked out for Irlen Syndrome too as that can affect dyslexics.

jellynose

Sorry I had another look at your post and you have. They will take a while but they are usually good at getting back to you.

gibbyni

Im actually going for a test myself next monday, its throught the open university but its an indipendent person doing the testing. Its costing me £250 I dont have any other details to hand but will have once I do the test.

blue_monkey_2

Look for a local Educational Physcologist. My friend had her daughters dyslexia diagnosed this way - do not be put off by their name, most have worked for schools in the past and she got a good thorough 3 1/2 hours with the EP. It'll be much quicker too, usually within the fortnight. In the home counties it is around £450 for this service. The EP also picked up that her daughter had a problem with her eyes, she/he will report to you and the childs school and her dignosis carries as much weight as the school linked EP and any help suggested, has to be given by the school.

HTH