Dyslexia

gunsandbanjos

I am concerned my 8 year old has dyslexia, I have no experience of this so was wondering if anyone could point me towards any resources?

Is it possible to have her tested so she can receive any extra support she may require if she does have it.

Any help gratefully received.

marisco_2

Schools can do dyslexia screening tests. It may be worth speaking to the Senco (special educational needs co-ordinator) at your childs school, raising the concerns you have and taking their advice on any appropriate next steps.

notakid

What area do you live in G&B? Some E/A do not recognise the condition.

I work for a dyslexia charity in the West Midlands.

Mojisola

Start with the SENCO at the school but be prepared to go privately and get a comprehensive test done by one of the national dyslexia organisations.

Some areas will have classes for dyslexics which are usually very worth while.

thegirlintheattic

Speak to the SENCO. School tests will only be ordered if your DC is having difficulties in class.

Private tests can be useful for you but many schools will not take them into account unfortunately when considering extra help because private tests do not = money.

Mojisola

But if you have the results of a private test showing the specific problems that your child is having, it's very hard for them not to do something about it.

notakid

I think girlintheattic is right.

Many teachers can and will ignore any private reports. Many think that for £450 any "expert" will tell you want you want to hear.

Totally untrue of course but many teachers/sencos take this stance.

gunsandbanjos

notakid wrote: »

What area do you live in G&B? Some E/A do not recognise the condition.

I work for a dyslexia charity in the West Midlands.

We're in Edinburgh.

notakid

gunsandbanjos wrote: »

We're in Edinburgh.

Oh crumbs I'm worse than useless then!:p

Contact the BDA they might have contacts of a local support group in your area.

Remember a screening test like Lucid may be more useful than a full test at present as a full time expires after 3/4 years and needs to be renewed. The money save could be used for teaching.A dyslexia trained teacher would be a good idea and many can assess for dyslexia traits too. But that is my view coming from the West Mid's where Brum Schools don't recognise it may be different in Scotland

Toe by Toe is a good teaching programme

Also Beat Dyslexia.

Wordshark on the computer.

And it may be worth checking for Irlens Syndrome if he says the text dances around the page.

None of these will do him any harm if he isn't dyslexic!:p

gunsandbanjos

Thanks everyone, will speak to her class teacher first and see if she can set us up with the learning support.
She already sees LS for help with her spelling, one of the problems is her health was atrocious in P1-3 and she is just about on an even keel now though does still miss some school. This means she has missed a lot of the teaching at the start so the foundations are a bit rocky.
My husband thinks all the issues she has with her learning are down to what she has missed but i'm not convinced, would rather check this out too just in case.

betsie

My daughter was tested in December, she is 9 years old. It cost £375 at the nearest dyslexia centre. Her teacher picked it up and asked if we could pay to have her tested as the school would take too long to test her. Once you have a diagnosis the school have to put in place a special education plan and give them extra help. She is now doing the Toe to Toe book and it is helping loads. Dyslexia is not just about reading and spelling - it also affects their confidence, ability to mix in crowds, social skills, memory, adjustment to change and much more.
If you can afford it I would have her tested.