|
- 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.
.
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
|
|
Frequently Asked
Questions About Dyslexia