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What is Dyslexia?

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The NHS states Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty.  People with dyslexia will have issues with specific abilities used for learning. Specifically reading difficulty and written language, but possibly also with word reading maths.

Dyslexia does not affect intelligence.

It’s estimated up to 1 in every 10 people in the UK has some degree of dyslexia.

So what are some common dyslexia symptoms?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]

Dyslexia Symptoms

I wrote previously with some of the early signs of Dyslexia here, but below are some of the most common signs by age:[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image media=”59198″ media_width_percent=”100″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image media=”59199″ media_width_percent=”100″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image media=”59200″ media_width_percent=”100″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]

Getting Help

If you think that your child may have undiagnosed dyslexia then the first things to do is to speak to the school.  Your child’s teacher or the school’s SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) will address your concerns.  They may then offer additional support if necessary and appropriate.

If your child continues to have issues despite additional support then it may be that you look at a formal assessment.  These assessments are more in-depth and will be carried out by a specialist dyslexia teacher or educational psychologist. They can be arranged through the school, or you can arrange privately (Can cost anything from £450 – £800).

Samuel has just had his formal assessment and we are awaiting the results.  We found a local charity via the British Dyslexia Association (American Dyslexia Association in the U.S).

If, as an adult, you think you may be dyslexic and would like dyslexia screening, you should contact your local dyslexia association for advice.

Read more about how dyslexia is diagnosed.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Support with Dyslexia

If your child has dyslexia, then it is likely they will receive extra support from their school.

There is absolutely no reason why your child cannot go to a mainstream school.  However, depending on the severity of dyslexia, your child may benefit from attending a specialist school.

The extra support that your child may receive could be the following:

• 1-to-1 teaching or lessons in a small group with a specialist teacher.
• Phonics (multi-sensory & via computer apps such as Nessy)
• Technology like computers, speech recognition software and electronic pens, that may make it easier to read and write for older children.
• Universities & Colleges have specialist staff who can support young people in higher education.

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What Causes Dyslexia?

As said earlier, dyslexia isn’t related to a person’s level of intelligence.  All levels of intellect in children and adults can be affected by dyslexia.

The exact cause of dyslexia isn’t known, but it does seem to run in families., so could be genetic.  There does also seem to be a link with early/premature birth and also low birth weight.

As soon as we have Samuel’s results we will be able to sit down with the school and look at how we can best support him in his learning.  This has been a hard year for him, homeschooling from mum and lockdown certainly haven’t helped.  So here’s to an awesome year ahead!  Do you have dyslexia or a dyslexic child?  When was it diagnosed?  Do you feel you/your child received appropriate support?  I love to hear your stories.

Fay x

[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”1″][vc_column_text]If you liked this post then you may like the following categories:

Dyslexia

Parenting

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Dyslexia | Dyslexia Activities | Learning Support

Featured Image Photo by How Felicity Finds[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image media=”59193″ media_width_percent=”70″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]