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- What is dyslexia?
ØThe British Dyslexia Association gives this definition:
“Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty which is neurobiological in origin and persists across the lifespan.
It is characterised by difficulties with phonological processing, rapid naming, working memory, processing speed and the automatic development of skills that are unexpected in relation to an individual’s other cognitive abilities.
These processing difficulties can undermine the acquisition of literacy and numeracy skills, as well as musical notation, and have an effect on verbal communication, organisation and adaptation to change.
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Their impact can be mitigated by correct teaching, strategy development and the use of information technology.” Back
- What symptoms should I be looking for?
Ø Dyslexics have very individual profiles, but a list of likely problems can be found at www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/indications.html . It is only when you get a cluster of symptoms that a diagnosis of dyslexia is likely. Back
- · How early can indications of dyslexia be identified?
Ø There is test material that can be administered from 4 years 6 months. This will give an ‘indication of concern’. More specific testing can take place once a child attempts to read and write. Back
- Do you have a list of people qualified to carry out a private assessment of dyslexia?
Ø Yes. Leave a message for us on 023 8033 3345 or e-mail us for a list of assessors in your area. This will include Educational Psychologists and Specialist Teachers who are qualified to assess. Back
- Do you have any idea as to how much an assessment would cost?
Ø An Educational Psychologist will charge in the region of £450 and a Specialist Teacher between £100 and £300 Back
- Is there any help with funding private assessment or private teaching?
Ø Sadly the answer is no. However, the Helen Arkell centre – www.arkellcentre.org.uk – offer a subsidised consultation. This service is charged at £55 but can be reduced or even free if you are on benefit or a low income. Back
- Do you have a list of tutors in Hampshire?
Ø Yes. Contact us by e-mail or leave a message on 023 8033 3345 and we can help you find someone in your area. Back
- I am hoping to find an independent school in my area that specialises in children with all forms of dyslexia. Do you have a list of such schools?
Ø Specialist schools are limited, but see our page on Specialist Education in Hampshire. Back
- I want to help my 7-year-old son at home. Do you have any suggestions as to what I can do?
Ø Here are some ideas: Read to him and borrow story tapes and books from the library or from www.calibre.org.uk.
Ø Play games which encourage him to listen to sounds (“I spy something beginning with the sound ‘ch’ “), or match pictures to words in a pelmanism type game.
Ø Use magnetic letters on your fridge with a ‘sound of the week’ (which matches his level of understanding of sounds). eg. plan on Monday, plug on Tuesday, plum on Wednesday, plus on Thursday, plot on Friday. Or see, seen, seem, weep, sweep; air, hair, chair, fair, fairy
Ø Activities that involve your son in looking, listening and ‘doing’, help all children to learn and are particularly beneficial to dyslexic children. There are multi sensory games available from www.crossboweducation.com
Ø He will need lots of praise, and time out doing the things he is good at and enjoys. Back
- My son is 10 years old and has consistently struggled at school in particular with Maths and English. He often seems to have problems with concentrating.
He has in the past suffered with low self-confidence. These days he is much more confident at home but at school remains quiet and unsure of himself. I am concerned that his "playing the clown" is his way of covering up areas where he is still struggling.
I have often mentioned possibilities of dyslexia to the school he attends but with no real feedback. Dyslexia does run in the family on my husband’s side. Where should we go to get help for him?
Ø If you have not had success talking to your son’s class teacher, you should ask to see the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO). Tell the SENCO just what problems your son is experiencing – in as calm and non-confrontational way as possible! All schools are encouraged to have dyslexia friendly classrooms but it is an initiative that may not yet have been fully implemented. Ask if it is possible to have your son assessed through the school. If it is not, you may wish to pay for your own assessment.
Ø For pupils who are experiencing difficulties there should be one of the following interventions on a regular basis: differentiated tasks (Wave 1) or small group work (Wave 2) or even 1:1 support (Wave 3). Your child should have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) that should be discussed with you and your son on a regular basis. This should set out short-term targets for improvement and the way in which they are going to be achieved.
Ø If you feel your son would benefit from tuition outside school, we keep a list of tutors who can provide 1:1 tuition in your area. You could also join a local support group. Back
- My son says that when he is reading, the words move about on the page. This causes him to lose his place and his understanding of the text. He soon becomes tired and very frustrated with the whole process. What can I do to help him?
Ø It may be that your son is suffering from Irlen Syndrome (otherwise known as Scotopic Sensitivity). This occurs when the brain fails to process visual information correctly. The condition can be corrected with the use of coloured overlays, Eye Level Reading Rulers (available from www.crossboweducation.com ) or tinted glasses. See www.irlen.com for more information. Alternatively your son may need to be seen by a Behavioural Optometrist if there is a problem with his vision. He could be treated with lenses or vision training. For more details see www.babo.co.uk Back
- My son is keen to join the Fire Service but keeps failing the mental arithmetic test. His current tutor thinks he needs specialist help with this problem. Can you help please.
Ø We keep a list of tutors, some of whom specialise in numeracy. Back
- What help should my company be providing for me? I can read fairly well, but find spelling really difficult.
Ø Dyslexia is a recognised disability under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995/2004. See the BDA website for more information at www.bdadyslexia.org.uk The British Dyslexia Association has published the BDA Code of Practice for Employers. It offers employers accessible, practical advice to achieve a dyslexia friendly workplace in which difficulties can be supported and talents fully developed. An employer should take necessary steps to encourage all staff to be aware of hidden disabilities and how colleagues can be supported to ensure optimum performance and career prospects To get your copy of the Code of Practice, contact Carol Cole: Telephone Number: 0118 966 2677. Or send a cheque for £10 plus £2.40 p&p. together with the delivery address to: BDA, 98 London Road, Reading, RG1 5AU. Back
- If you have a diagnosis of dyslexia or suspect you may be dyslexic contact Access to Work for advice and support in the workplace. Their telephone number is 01273 364750. They are based in Shoreham on Sea. Back
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dyslexia