Dyslexia in children…

a guide for parents and carers

www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk

What is dyslexia? Dyslexia primarily affects the ability to learn to read and spell, and sometimes maths is affected too. It comes from a difficulty in dealing with the sounds of words, which makes it especially hard to learn to read words using phonics (sounding out the letters in a word). People with dyslexia often find it hard to remember lists of things they have heard, or to remember a name or a fact quickly, although they often have individual strengths in reasoning, visual and creative fields. It is important to remember dyslexia is not related to general intelligence and is not the same for everyone. It can be mild or severe; and it varies depending on other strengths, or difficulties, that the person may have. More importantly, it varies depending on the kind of support and encouragement from friends, family and teachers.

What is Dyslexia Action? Dyslexia Action is a national charity with over 40 years’ experience in providing services and support to children, young people and adults with literacy and numeracy difficulties, dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties. We provide assessments and tuition through our national Learning Centres and in schools across the country, alongside supporting teachers and educators through the provision of teaching resources and training. We also undertake research and campaigning to improve the lives of those affected by dyslexia.

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When can dyslexia be identified? Children with dyslexia can often be taught effectively without having to wait for a ‘dyslexia test’. Structured phonics teaching is used in almost all schools, and this is also a good start for those who are dyslexic. Between the ages of 4 and 7, it can be very helpful to have a ‘screening’ test to identify strengths and weaknesses, and pick up on ‘risk factors’ for dyslexia. Teachers can then use this knowledge to adapt the way they teach. This could be a good idea if there is a family history of dyslexia or concerns about progress. From the age of 6-7, a full assessment for dyslexia can usually be made. Dyslexia Action offers a ‘Key Stage 1’ screening service; and our specialist teachers can also deliver tuition to children aged four and above, as well as liaise with schools to support intervention at school.

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My child has dyslexia, or I think they may have dyslexia, what next? What support can I get from Dyslexia Action? 1. Free advice Dyslexia Action Learning Centres offer free 30-minute advice sessions to help you find the best course of action.

2. Dyslexia and specific learning difficulty testing We offer a range of assessments for children. Options range from a short screening assessment to a full diagnostic assessment. Diagnostic assessment Diagnostic assessments are carried out by a specialist assessor to identify strengths and areas that require support. The assessment may indicate dyslexia, another specific learning difficulty, or that no specific difficulties exist. Whatever the outcome, recommendations are provided to help with the most appropriate way forward. Screening Planning Assessment and Skills Profile There are a number of alternative assessments to a full diagnosis. You will be able to gain advice from the Principal of the Learning Centre as to which assessment is the most appropriate. There are a range of tests, including a Screening Planning Assessment and a Skills Profile, for people aged 5 to adult

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which also assess strengths and areas that require support, however they do not provide a diagnosis. At different times of your life a full diagnosis may not be necessary or available. All the centres have fully qualified staff to support you with your choice and ensure you are provided with the most appropriate and valuefor-money solution. Assessors may be specialist teachers or psychologists, and all are professionally qualified and registered.

3. Tuition and support Dyslexia Action Learning Centres offer one-to-one or group teaching to help with literacy, numeracy or other needs such as organisational skills. For some children, extra tuition can be a life-line. Once needs have been identified, our specialist teachers can work with your child to develop coping strategies. Dyslexia Action also runs information and awareness courses for parents and catch-up clubs for children to get extra support after school.

What support can my child get at school? Some schools may prefer not to use the term dyslexia, but all will have much to offer children with literacy difficulties. Schools must publish details of the approaches they use to support children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), including those with dyslexia and this should be on the school’s website. 5

A step-by-step support guide

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First write a list of your concerns and the reasons why you feel your child may have dyslexia.

Then speak to your child’s class teacher and/or head of year about your concerns. It may be recommended that an assessment is appropriate. Make an appointment with either Dyslexia Action or the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) at your child’s school to discuss the options available or the possibility of an assessment from a Local Authority Psychologist. Discuss the assessment report with your child’s teacher and/or SENCo and set in place an action plan.

 yslexia Action has produced a useful D Parent/Carer Support Guide: The ‘How to… Navigate the changes in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) provision’, which highlights the new legal requirements that schools and colleges have a duty to follow in England, and what this means for your child. Visit: www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk.

Useful Resources Dyslexia Action Website Our website provides a range of helpful resources. Or you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter for regular ‘top tips’, resources and support. Dyslexia Action Learning Centre Everyone with dyslexia is different so it is best to discuss specific needs with your local Dyslexia Action Learning Centre. Dyslexia Action Online Resources Shop Additional learning resources and games can be a great support for learners with specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia. Products offered include Units of Sound; a computer-based literacy programme to support reading, writing and spelling and the DIY readers support pack, developed with parents in mind to assist children with reading. www.dyslexiaactionshop.co.uk Assistive Technology This can be useful for general support and learning. It includes voice recognition software, text-to-speech communication aids, organisational aids such as mind mapping software and electronic calendars. Visit our website for more information. CReSTeD The Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Pupils. CReSTeD’s aim is to help parents and those who advise parents, choose schools catering for children with specific learning difficulties (SpLD). Freephone – 0845 601 5013.

Parent Champions Parent Champions is a website developed by The Dyslexia-SpLD Trust which supports parents and carers of children with dyslexia and specific learning difficulties. www.parentchampions.org.uk Legal advice from Coram Children’s Legal Centre Coram Children’s Legal Centre is a specialist provider of legal advice and assistance for education law matters for those who are eligible for legal aid. In order to check eligibility and seek legal advice, please contact Civil Legal Advice. Parents who are not eligible for legal aid can seek advice from Coram Children’s Legal Centre’s Child Law Advice Line. Child Law Advice Line – T. 0808 802 0008 Civil Legal Advice – T. 0345 345 4345 www.childrenslegalcentre.com. Information, Advice and Support Services Local authorities must provide free, impartial and confidential information, advice and support to disabled children and young people, and those with SEN, and their parents, through an Information, Advice and Support Service. Support from services can include: a confidential helpline; support in preparing for and attending meetings; help with filling in forms and writing letters; support in resolving disagreements with school and the Local Education Authority. www.iassnetwork.org.uk Local Support Groups Our website lists some support groups that may be useful.

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Fees Your initial discussion with us is free. Dyslexia Action also offers a Learning Fund Bursary which may be available to help with tuition fees. Please call your nearest Dyslexia Action Learning Centre to discuss prices or to find out whether you are eligible to receive support and apply for the Learning Fund.

Follow us on social media www.facebook.com/DyslexiaAction

@DyslexiaAction

Registered Office: Dyslexia Action House, 10 High Street, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9EA Tel: 0300 303 8357 *

*All our practitioner psychologists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and meet their standards. The information in this leaflet was correct at the time of print (September, 2014) Dyslexia Action is the working name for Dyslexia Institute Limited, a charity registered in England and Wales (No. 268502) and Scotland (No. SC039177) and registered in England and Wales as a company (No. 01179975).

www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk