SLD/Dyslexia

Firefly

I'm studing with the Open University and one of my fellow course mates has dyslexia and she gets lots of and lots of help and support from the OU. They've provided her with a laptop and extra time in exams together with consultations to discuss her needs. She did have to get a diagnosis of her needs which was paid for by her but this has been the key to opening lots of doors re support.

Savvy_Sue

annie-c wrote: »

one thing I do know is that it is not at all unheard of for a parent to accompany a student to an initial interview with an advisor.... given that your son's difficulties lead him to struggle with getting started then maybe you could arrange a joint appointment for the two of you. You might be able to fill in any gaps in his recall of previous events and take notes so that you have a clear idea of the next steps needed.

Thanks: there was certainly no problem with them talking to me before he started, so I will see what he (and the Uni!) think. It's a two hour drive, but one I enjoy doing, and while I hesitate to embarrass him more than is STRICTLY necessary within the maternal job description, my input on how he was different as a child would certainly be needed, as a) he has no recollection and b) to him it was perfectly normal! :rotfl: Bits I could do by letter, but obviously I can't answer questions by letter.

studentphil

I would worry about parents advocating for their children to professions. As there are things I would tell professionals that wouldn't tell my parents because it would upset them. I think involving parents can be a problem for some people.

annie-c

Phil - I didn't mean that Savvy Sue should advocate for her son, or necessarily be privy to everything that her son says to the support services - I suggested that it might be helpful if she were present at the first apointment to help fill in the detail and help him get started in the system. He is an adult not a child and of course this would be up to him to agree or not. However, sometimes 2 heads can be better than 1 when trying to procure help in a situation that is not straightforward. Since this is about cognitive ability and is not a counselling situation I'm not sure that your own issues would necessarily be relevant to Sue's son's case.

Sue - all the best - you seem like a very thoughtful mum - I'm sure you won't embarass him xx

studentphil

annie-c wrote: »

Phil - I didn't mean that Savvy Sue should advocate for her son, or necessarily be privy to everything that her son says to the support services - I suggested that it might be helpful if she were present at the first apointment to help fill in the detail and help him get started in the system. He is an adult not a child and of course this would be up to him to agree or not. However, sometimes 2 heads can be better than 1 when trying to procure help in a situation that is not straightforward. Since this is about cognitive ability and is not a counselling situation I'm not sure that your own issues would necessarily be relevant to Sue's son's case.

Sue - all the best - you seem like a very thoughtful mum - I'm sure you won't embarass him xx

I wasn't meaning Sue personally. Sue is far more objective than my parents who would go into deep depression and upset if they knew how I hated university and how poorly I did there. I am just saying as a universal method it is important to offer protected place to speak without parents.

Savvy_Sue

annie-c wrote: »

Sue - all the best - you seem like a very thoughtful mum - I'm sure you won't embarass him xx

:rotfl: Why change the habits of a lifetime? :rotfl:

Seriously, I'm torn. But I'll see what he wants.