What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. Characteristic features of dyslexia are difficulties in phonological awareness, verbal memory, and verbal processing speed (British Dyslexia Association 2010).

What are the signs my child might be dyslexic?

Your child might have difficulty with some or all of the following: learning the names and sounds of letters, spelling, reversing letters, confusing the order of letters in words, reading speed and reading accuracy, organising their writing, personal organisation, carrying out a sequence of instructions/directions, learning sequences such as days of the week, slow writing speed.

When should I get an assessment?

You may wish to consider a full diagnostic assessment if your child is having significant difficulties with learning to read and spell, or their difficulties are having a negative impact on their self esteem. An assessment will pinpoint your child’s strengths and weaknesses and offer recommendations for how to support them in their learning. Where appropriate it will provide a diagnosis. However, an assessment is not recommended for children under 8 as some symptoms of dyslexia, such as reversing letters, are very common in young children and a usual part of the journey to acquiring literacy skills.

What happens during an assessment?

The assessment takes about 3-4 hours with comfort breaks as required. It can be carried out in my home in Topsham, or at the child’s school if there is a quiet space available and the headteacher is in agreement. Before the assessment, short questionnaires will need to be completed by parents/carers and school in order to provide comprehensive background information. I will make sure the assessment is as informal and relaxed as possible to put the child at ease. The children usually enjoy the activities. I will aim to have the report completed within 3 weeks.

Is a full diagnostic assessment the same as screening?

No. Some schools undertake screening and can give an indication of possible dyslexic tendencies. They are very quick and provide a snapshot. Only a full diagnostic report carried out by a fully qualified assessor can give a diagnosis.

What information do you need and how do you store it to ensure it is secure?

As detailed above, questionnaires will need to be completed ahead of the assessment. These will hold personal information such as name, date of birth, contact addresses and phone numbers. In addition, information such as reasons for requesting an assessment and further background information relating to attainment at school will be gathered. All your child’s confidential information will be stored securely and password protected in accordance with GDPR.