Dyslexia

Murphy_The_Cat

On Wednesday Morning (i think) there was a really good article on Dyslexia and how a new exersize programme has some very good results. Unfortunately, I lost reception at the point where they gave the name of the exersize programme/website for further details.

If any one has them and is able to pass them on I would be very grateful

MTC

imported_blackcat

I didn't hear the programme but I do know of one company who uses excercise programmes and seem to have had some good results. The programme costs around £1500 for a year (payable over the year) and there are regular assessments to check progress.

This is the link

http://www.ddat.co.uk/

I've researched this quite a bit as my son has just been diagnosed as dyslexic and it seems that excercises are done for around 10 minutes a day. These are quite simple such as throwing a bean bag from one hand to another. The excercises are suppose to work certain areas of the brain in order to encourage development.

I have had a look at quite a few forums about this and although there are lots of positive feedback about the treatment there are also a few which say it has had no effect. But it seems that the positive comments far outweigh the negatives.

There are other companies who do similar excercises such as INPP http://www.inpp.org.uk and the price seems to be the same.

Hope that helps

kolakube_

I didn't hear the programme, but there are detailed descriptions of exercise for dyslexics and links to other sites about it: http://www.dyslexics.org.uk/ - it's a really comprehensive site run by the mother of a dyslexic boy. There is information about all aspects of the condition, it is definitely worth a look (and it is free!).

Murphy_The_Cat

Thank you both so much. I'll log on and give them a try.

MTC
;D ;D

Ticklemouse

You can log onto Radio 5

http://www.bbc.co.uk/fivelive/

and see if they have the particular show on the listen again section. I think they are available for a week, (but don't know if the particular show you listened to is there) That way you'd know exactly what they were talking about.

If it's there, can you post it (or the show) because I'm sure there will be a few of us who would be interested.

TM

swizzlebabe

Going to talk to his teacher today.

Should I pay for him to be tested? Been recomended some one who charges £60 which I`m told is cheap but she is good.

He is only 5 so still young but if he is dyslexic I would rafer know now than in a few years time. From reading things on the web looks like I am as well. But in my day I just couldn`t spell etc.

If I go through the LEA will it takes months?

Magentasue

It's really difficult to tell with 5 year olds because there is a huge variation in their abilities at that age. My son didn't start reading until Year 2 andthen only thanks to a a school reading recovery program. My daughter was slower than the rest of her class but shot ahead in Year 1. I wouldn't bother with anything much now but wait until September and go in and work out something with his new teacher. Anything you manage to set up now will fall apart with end of term/year activities.

But I wouldn't leave it any later than next term - you need to raise concerns early so his progress is monitored closely. LEA assessment should take weeks rather than months but follow up will vary according to how well off the Special Ed dept is - you shouldn't need private intervention at this stage.

Good luck - all this is only my opinion, of course!

Downsizing__for_sanity

Have a talk with his teacher first to discuss your concerns. The school may have a Special Needs Co-ordinator who will be able to refer him to an educational psychologist, but in the meantime, should be able to help him cope in lessons. You may be able to get funding for an assessment from your GP if they are helpful. Alternatively, some charities offer help towards funding assessments for those on low incomes. Search for "Dyslexia Institute" for more info.

DFS

Ted_Hutchinson

Durham trial
Zipvit Omega Juice
Personally I think it is far too early to begin to think your child may be dyslexic, however as you feel you may have the same problem it would be worth keeping an eye on the situation and also ensure the Omega3 fatty acid supply which is essential for the development and working of the brain is fully available.

bylromarha

Please don't pay for him to be tested...it is a waste of money at his age. Tests for dyslexia aren't effective until your child is at least 7...however people who test for dyslexia will tell you differently and take your money. As a teacher I saw a few children pass through my class at the age of 5 who had been diagnosed dyslexic by outside bodies and they were nothing of the sort. Seeing those children a few years later confirmed what I thought about the "diagnosis"...amazing recoveries from dyslexia all round!

Speaking to the teacher is the best way forward. State specific concerns which are uncommon at the age of 5...eg getting your b's and d' round the wrong way is quite common for a 5 year old;inability to remember a basic instruction "Please put your coat on" is uncommon.

It may be best to write a list of specific issues you feel are showing signs of dyslexia which you can give to the teacher...these can then be discussed. However, it is unlikely your child will be put straight onto the SEN register...if the teacher has concerns about your son they would have already flagged it up with the SENco anyway.

Let us know how it goes.

Spendless

Which year is he in? Reception or Yr 1?

Is it because he's writing some letters wrong way round that you think this?

My own 5 year old (reception year) is doing this with certain letters b and d that's been mentioned, and also z sometimes. His teacher said that it was very common for them to do this at this age.

He is also struggling with his reading but I think that's because he finds other things more interesting rather than anything else.

I'd say talk to the teacher first.