Guiding your dyslexic child

Understanding Dyslexia

What is Dyslexia? Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty significantly affecting a person's ability to read, write, and spell accurately and fluently. Unlike a general learning disability, Dyslexia doesn't impact overall intelligence. Rather, it primarily affects language-based processing skills. It's characterised by challenges in several key areas:

• Phonological Awareness: This refers to the ability to recognise and manipulate the sounds in spoken words. Dyslexics often struggle with identifying and manipulating sounds, which is crucial for reading and spelling.
  
  

• Verbal Memory: This involves the ability to remember a sequence of verbal information for a short period. Children with Dyslexia may have difficulty remembering spoken instructions or lists.
  
  

• Verbal Processing Speed: Dyslexic individuals may take longer to process and respond to verbal information. This can manifest as delayed reading and slower writing speed.

Dyslexia varies not only in severity but also in the ways it affects individuals. Some may have significant reading challenges, while others might struggle more with spelling or organising their thoughts on paper.

It's important to note that Dyslexia is a neurobiological condition, meaning it stems from differences in brain structure and function. These differences affect the way the brain processes written and spoken language. Despite these challenges, with the right support and intervention, individuals with Dyslexia can achieve success in school and beyond.

Dyslexia is often a lifelong condition, but its impact can change over time. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for helping individuals develop the skills they need to cope with their Dyslexia. With appropriate support, many people with Dyslexia can enhance their reading and writing skills and find strategies that work for them, allowing them to excel in various aspects of life.


Signs and Age of Onset of Dyslexia

Recognising the signs of Dyslexia at various stages of a child's development is crucial for timely support and intervention.


Early Years (Pre-school to Reception)

• Difficulties in Processing Language: Young children may have trouble understanding spoken language, often misinterpreting questions or instructions.
  
  

• Poor Concentration: They might struggle to focus during language-based activities like storytelling or rhyming games, which are common in early years settings.
  
  

• Challenges in Following Instructions: Difficulty in understanding or remembering multi-step instructions is common.
  
  

• Delayed Speech Development: Some children with Dyslexia start talking later than their peers, showing a lag in language acquisition.

Primary School Age (Key Stage 1 and 2)

• Slow Processing in Spoken and Written Language: Children may take longer to understand what they hear and to formulate responses. Their reading might be slow and laborious.
  
  

• Difficulties with Concentration: They may appear easily distracted, especially during tasks that involve reading or writing.
  
  

• Challenges in Following Instructions: This may be more evident in complex tasks that require a sequence of steps.
  
  

• Forgetting Words: Children might often forget words, both in speech and writing, which can impact their ability to express themselves clearly.
  
  

• Trouble with Spelling and Reading: They might struggle with basic phonics, have trouble remembering common sight words, and often make spelling errors.

Getting a Diagnosis: Diagnostic Assessment

Obtaining an official diagnosis of Dyslexia is a critical step in securing the appropriate support and resources for a child. In the UK, this process typically involves a comprehensive evaluation known as a Diagnostic Assessment.


Diagnostic Assessment Explained

• Age for Assessment: While signs of Dyslexia can be observedearlier, formal Diagnostic Assessments are generally conducted from around 7 years old. This age is chosen as it allows for clearer identification of Dyslexia, distinguishing it from general developmental delays.
  
  

• Nature of Assessment: The assessment is thorough and tailored to the child's age and educational level. It evaluates a range of skills, including reading, writing, spelling, comprehension, and phonological processing. The assessment also considers the child's cognitive abilities, like memory and processing speed.

Seeking a Referral

• Referral Sources: Parents should consult their child's teacher or school's Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) to initiate the process. They can also approach their GP, who can provide a referral to an educational psychologist. ( Some schools may request you seek a private assessment. This depends on the support provided in your postcode)

School Support: Enhancing Learning for Dyslexic Students

The role of schools in supporting students with Dyslexia is paramount. Under the Equality Act 2010, UK schools are obligated to make reasonable adjustments for students with Dyslexia, ensuring they have equal access to education.


School's Role and Adjustments

• Personalised Learning Plans: Many schools develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or Personalised Learning Plans for students with Dyslexia. These plans are tailored to each child's unique needs and outline specific goals and strategies for their education.
  
  

• Utilising Specialist Staff: Schools may have specialist dyslexia teachers or teaching assistants trained to work with children with specific learning difficulties. They provide targeted support and implement effective teaching methods.
  
  

• Adjusting Teaching Methods: Teachers can employ multisensory teaching techniques, which integrate visual, auditory, and kinesthetic-tactile elements to enhance learning. This approach is often effective for children with Dyslexia.

Educational Support

• Specialist Interventions: These may include structured literacyprograms that focus on phonics, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and fluency. Schools might also provide speech and language therapy if needed.
  
  

• Technology Aids: The use of assistive technology, like text-to- speech and speech-to-text software, can greatly benefit dyslexic students. These tools help them access the curriculum and express their understanding.
  
  

• Flexible Assessment Methods: Adjustments in assessments, such as extra time, the use of a reader or scribe, or alternative ways of demonstrating knowledge, can help level the playing field for dyslexic students.

Collaboration with Parents

• Regular Communication: Schools should maintain open lines of communication with parents, keeping them informed about their child's progress and the strategies being used. Parental input is often valuable in shaping the support provided.
  
  

• Continuous Assessment: Regular monitoring of the child's progress is essential to ensure that the support provided is effective and meets the child's evolving needs.
  
  

• Adapting Strategies: As children grow and their educational demands change, it may be necessary to adjust the support strategies in place. Regular reviews of the child's IEP or learning plan ensure that the support remains relevant and effective.

Support at Home: Enhancing Learning and Confidence

In addition to available resources, parents can play a proactive role by:

• Engaging in Regular Reading: Spend time reading with your child, focusing on the enjoyment of the story and the reading process.
  
  

• Using Educational Games and Apps: Incorporate learning tools that make reading and spelling fun and interactive.
  
  

• Establishing a Routine: Consistency and structure can help dyslexic children feel more secure and enhance their learning.
  
  

• Encouraging Strengths and Interests: Focus on areas where your child excels, building their confidence and motivation.
  
  

• Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate progress and effort, no matter how small, to build self-esteem and a positive attitude towards learning.In conclusion, guiding a dyslexic child through their educational journey requires a multi-dimensional approach that embraces early identification, tailored educational strategies, and a nurturing home environment. As parents, educators, and caregivers collaborate, leveraging each other's expertise and experience, they create a supportive network that facilitates the child's ability to thrive. While Dyslexia presents unique challenges, with the right support, children with Dyslexia can and do excel, turning perceived obstacles into stepping stones for success.

For additional support and resources, parents can visit:

• British Dyslexia Association
  
  

• Dyslexia Action
  
  

• NHS Dyslexia Information

These websites offer valuable information on dyslexia support services, educational resources, and community networks that can make a significant difference in managing Dyslexia.

At Think Differently, we provide personalised one-to-one coaching and training to support parents who are looking for additional customised assistance.

Author Toni Horn, Founder of Think Differently