My Child Has Dyslexia

[Peppermint]

I hope there are some experienced parents out there who can direct me to some useful resources for helping my son who has Dyslexia. Although there is lots of information on the web - it is a minefield. I am looking for the best route for information and help. From my own searches there appear to be two types of party envolved - charitable organisations who basically refer you to the school or LEA and private companies who offer miracle cures at high cost. My child is 8 and is being delt with by the school under their SEN programme but Im not sure that that is enough as they have been very careful to never use the "D" word to me and just give him extra one to one for a little time each day - I feel more can be done. Can anyone offer advice as to how I can find the best possible help for my child ?

[Thistle]

Hi Peppermint....yes it can be investigated through an Educational Psychologist and written into the record of needs (Scotland) Sometimes it is best to get that independent report done by the Dyslexia Institute...worth the paperwork at least because depending on the severity, help at crutial times (eg exams) can be given.

[Lindy Loo]

Hi Peppermint...My youngest son has dyslexia (he's 17 now) so I can understand your concerns totally. Unfortunately it's still a very rude word in educational circles, particularly some junior school. I had to fight with my LEA to get him help, but i wasn't till he got to senior school that it was forthcoming. Thankfully they were very sympathetic and helpful, and told me what was being done to help him. It would also be worth trying to find a local Dyslexia Association group. They can give loads of practical advice and ideas to help your son, and they also have social events etc, where you ans your son can meet other parents/children in the same situation. It really helps knowing that there are others in your situation, getting to know them, sharing experiences, coping stratagies etc. Have a look at these sites and I'm sure you'll find something that helps. http://www.dyslexia-inst.org.uk/ http://www.bda-dyslexia.org.uk/main/home/index.asp http://www.dyslexia.uk.com/ http://www.dyslexiaa2z.com/ http://www.dyslexiahelp.co.uk/ (this one has a forum) Take care and good luck

[Lindy Loo]

Should have also said that we have a family history of dyslexia - My brother (now 49), and 2 cousins (brothers 57 and 53), all of whom are qualified precision toolmakers and engineers!! They all had extremely bad dyslexia and at 11 could hardly read and write their own names!! Nephew (18 and a qualified chef) Niece (9 undecided!!) All dyslexics gradually learn coping stragies and are usually very practical. You may find that your son is brilliant at art, sports, woodwork, mechanics etc. If so, encourage him as it will improve his confidence and self esteem, but be warned...if he gets into 'can I pull this apart to see how it works?' make sure it's something you don't need first!! (not the alarm clock, TV, video etc because there's always 'well I got it it back together, but I've got these bits left over!!') Believe me, my brother did it several times and learnt how to run a mile in 30 seconds as a side line!!!

[Peppermint]

Thankyou Thistle that is worth considering. Special thanks Lindy Lou - it is inspiring to hear about your own family and how Dyslexia doesnt necessarily impied those who have it. My father, brother, uncle and cousin all have Dyslexia too and just like your relations they are all succesful in creative occupations as well as being highly artistic with amazing depths of knowledge in their fields - but they have suffered getting there. It amazes me that today - some of the ignorances towards Dyslexics are still blatantly displayed - especially by teachers who appear to receive no training in this field.

[Peppermint]

....Oops pressed "submit" to early. I shall certainly follow the links and advice you have given and hopefully I will find a way of walking the Dyslexic road which leaves my son feeling confident, capable and proud. Many thanks again.

[Lindy Loo]

Hi Peppermint, pleased to help, as I'd hate to see another parent went through what we did. As you've mentioned you have other men in the family with dyslexia, why not have a chat with them, and perhaps they could reassure your son that just because he has a learning difficulty he's not stupid, retarded etc (the bullying angle at school) and may be they could tell him how they coped, managed. Unfortunalely it is still a problem largely played down in the teaching world, particularly at Junior school. When my son was in Juniors, I was told that teacher training only covered dyslexia for about 1day!!! SEN was a specialist area that was an option for 'further study', similar to training as a nurse, then specialising in midwifery...!! I have found this site about famous dyslexics; http://www.dyslexia.f9.co.uk/dyslexia/famous_dyslexics-0.htm l It might encourage your son further. I wish at times like this we could exchange email addresses, as it would be great to keep in touch to see how you are all getting on, but AB has spoken!! Wishing you all the best. Take care

[Jules001]

I worked in a school as a Learning Support Assistant giving 1:1 support to a dyslexic child. Schools don't feel happy about labelling childrens problems and tend to say specific learning difficulties. I would say it depends how many hours support your child is getting and in what areas as to whether this will be sufficient. I supported the child I worked with when the class did Literacy and Maths, but as all subjects need an ability to read, support should be far more, however the money is never there to fund it. I don't know if you are based in the UK, but there are schools that specialise in dealing with dyslexia, also good advice has been given about finding local support groups as there will be people who know your area and what is available and will be able to advise on what to push for. Hope this helps