What can you do to help?
If you suspect your child may be dyslexic go to see their teacher or Head. Share information and listen to what they have to say. Some symptoms of dyslexia, such as jumbling up words and writing letters back to front, are very common in young children and do not necessarily mean your child is dyslexic. However, if the teacher agrees there is a problem, he or she can ask the school's Special Education Needs Coordinator to assess your child and, if they are dyslexic, work out an individual teaching plan for them.
If you're not happy with the school's response, you can apply to your Local Education Authority for your child to see a psychologist for assessment. But be warned. You may have to wait a considerable amount of time for this to happen. If you don't want to wait, you can pay for an independent assessment by a recognized organization such as Dyslexia Action (see below).
What else will help?
Everything from wearing multi coloured spectacles to balancing on wobble boards while catching bean bags have been suggested as ways to help children with dyslexia - with varying degrees of success.
The wobble board and bean bag approach isn't as odd as it sounds. It's called the DORE programme and is based on the theory that people with dyslexia have something called cerebellar developmental delay (CDD). This means that tiny areas of the brain haven't fully developed sufficiently and need to be stimulated with a specially devised series of exercises. The DORE programme is proving very popular in the UK (see details below) but is only benefical if your child is seven or over.
The most impressive results so far, backed up by the Dyslexia Research Trust, are with Omega-3 fatty acids fish oil supplements. A growing body of scientific evidence suggests these supplements really can boost brain power and improve concentration.
Useful information
www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk or call 01784 222300
British Dyslexia Association helpline 0118 966 8271 or visit www.bdadyslexia.org.uk
Visit www.dore.co.uk for more information
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linda, about 1 year
please help, my friends son is dyslexic (we think), the school are not doing all they should, we dont know the next step, any info anyone has will be helpfull. He is almost 10 and cant read or write very well. thanks linda
Report this commentkaz, about 1 year
My partner, brother-in-law, niece are dyslexic and possibly my eldest son who at nearly 7 has to work so hard to read and remember what he reads. We have to intensively learn his spellings each week but if we leave it a day or two he's forgotten the words completely. Today a teacher at the school asked some questions like what are the days of the week. My son knows that he always misses one out but doesn't know which one (is the same every time, Friday) he also thinks that there are 5 days in a week and can't use a knife and fork. There are lots of other bits. Does anyone else think like me that he may be slightly dyslexic and what do I do now? My sister who has dealt with this in the last eight years says I should wait for the school to do the proper tests and get their diagnosis as the LEA can be a bit awkward about being told from outside agencies. What are others experiences?
Report this commentconnor bannister, about 1 year
my name is connor i am 11 years old and i have just found out that i am dyslexia i felt sad because my friends do not have it. one of my teachers did the test and that5 is how i found out.but i am glad in a way because i have a long time untill my gcse and i know i will do good
Report this commentanonymous, about 1 year
these comments were great. they must have given hope to lots of people. my daughter has just been told she is dyslexic. this seems to have opened up so many memories in my own mind about what i was going through at school. maybe i was also dyslexic and because i went to a good secondary school i overcame some of these problems. but for me to achieve i had to try so ... hard that when it came to university i gave up because revision was so hard and so scary for me cos under pressure i would faint. how could i be tested for dyslexia?
Report this commentEmma Jefferson, over 2 years
Hi, my name is Emma, I am 26 years old, and Dyslexic. I have allways know that i was different from most people. When i was at school the term dyslexia was not very well known and the stigma that was attached to the condition was huge. I never really had any help, you were just classed as being slow or stupid. Even so, i managed to finish school, go to college and now have a degree in behavioural studies. Now years latter i realise that although i went through hell, i am still here, and finally people are realising that dyslexia is a real medical problem. The fact that you are reading this, gives me hope that our societies views are changing. Now instead of fearing the future and the future of my 7 year old son (who also suffers from dyslexia) i am looking forward to it. So my message to all those like me is to stay positive, you are just as bright and clever as those around you. Infact in some ways you are better, as although you will struggle that struggle will make you love life more. Hope you all have a bright and happy future. Best Wishes Emma and here Family -xx-
Report this commentHayleigh, over 2 years
hey, im 15 n only just found out im Dyslexic. i found out by have a private test through dyslecia action. they are very helpful. in year 4 i was supposed 2 have a test through school and they said i wasnt but i went to the dyyslectia action and ive finnally got help with it and it turns out in grade D . i dnt understand whats happenin in my brain i just find it hard i just thought i was stupid. now i know im not its because i have dyslexia its been a great help and for my GCSE coming up in may it will help me in the way that i get help. dont let any of your children suffer like have had to up till 2months ago. hope this gave u a idea that school tests arent good and to go to dyslexia action and that the school will then have to help with the report they give you. i went through hell before now its ok i suppose. help ur family. love hayleigh xxx aged 15
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bp, 11 months
hi there, my child is 9 year old, and i m working parent.my child does take interest in reading writing, i think my child find boring because he is nt understanding stories, his reading and writing is good.but i think he is slow to learn which i think its dyslexic and school put in to as special education need.i borrow book from library and try to sit with him and he is nt responding proplerly and he get tired in 5 minutes thats wat make me think he find it boaring.even children call him stupid in school. i spoke to teachers but htey dont do anything about it.i found teacher are nt supportive because he is nt clever! how can i help my child to take interest in education,how can i make him same level in education as other kids same age him.PL HELP. THANKS
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