I've just started the process of getting DD tested for dyslexia......

[katymac]

...and now I'm not sure I should have.

I'm so indecisive

[spookylips]

why do you think she need it?

[katymac]

Everyone (apart from her teacher) comments on how bright she is (incl several teachers we know socially). Her teacher says she lacks concentration, lacks attention, is in a world of her own etc.

Her sats were average to high, but she keeps being told she should try harder, put more work in. She works quite hard, - maybe she could work harder.

She is also having behaviour problems

[katymac]

you know "could try harder"

[katymac]

I'm even less sure I've doen the right thing this morning.......I'm such a wuss

[bigdonna]

katymac how is your dd reading!!!

[Littlefish]

What are you hoping will happen if you get a diagnosis? Was her last teacher concerned? What makes you think it is a dyslexia problem?

Sorry - lots of questions!

[katymac]

She is reading fantastically - it's writing and putting things down on paper that is the problem.

The school insists she is below/just average - I know I'm pushy, but she is orally so bright.

I'm unhappy with the school, but would like her to stay until at least next Sept (when she could move to middle school). I feel the teacher has little understanding of her and she is bored.

She has gone from learnng to spell words like microscope and unnessessary(which I can't spell but she could) to words like making and tuning?

The school has pegged me as a pushy mother and fussing - but DD doesn't want to go to school, but is happy to do work set by school or me at home.

I'm very confused, but have been assured that reading badly is not the only sign of dyslexia and that constant under acheiveing may be a symptom.

I was tested as a child (mid 70's) and was "borderline - but will cope". He dad has problems with reading and writing tho' can do both adequatly

Sorry it's s long
KMc

[katymac]

I've just been to parents evening, her work is adequate, average, normal. She is attention seeking. The teacher thinks she is winding me up when she says she is unhappy. He thinks all her problems stem from her home life.

I feel so confused and that I'm not doing my best for her

[Cadmum]

Oh my goodness! I cannot imagine how I would feel if a teacher suggested that all of my child is "attention seeking" or "winding me up when she says she is unhappy". What makes him qualified to determine that "all her problems stem from her home life"?


I am so upset on your behalf! RIDICULOUS! You know your child better than anyone on the planet. How long have you been worried about her? How old is she?

[Cadmum]

Sorry that my fist sentence is incoherent!!! I have a 3 year old in my lap!

[katymac]

Thanks Cadmum, she has been having problems since Feb (I found out she was being bullied)

He assures me she isn't being bullied any more and hasn't been since the holidays.

She has apparently been "clingy" for the last week or so and "dislikes playtime" but "is fine when she gets out there" she knows"how to get a reaction from me"

From my side I see a child who is unhappy, insecure, without confidence - she says she is ugly, rude, nasty and horrid, she wants to leave home, go to boarding school, or her nan's house or to another school.

[katymac]

She's 8 next month, I'm in touch with Indigo in Norwich (they have a website - don't know the website)

They have said that if I'm a fussy mother they will tell me straight and not messy around.

I "react" to her complaints apparently

[swedishmum]

I had my ds tested at exactly the same age (he is dyslexic) and my dd definitely has some weaknesses in spelling and presentation (spelling average which teacher thought OK but I certainly don't). She was an early and fluent reader, though not always too keen.
My ds is much happier now - he knows what his strengths and weaknesses are and we've worked a lot on his reading. I'm now doing a specialist course - such a fascinating subject.
Go with your instincts - I know from experience that teachers aren't always right.

[katymac]

Thanks Swedishmum
It is useful to know that

[aloha]

If she wants to change schools I'd seriously consider it personally.

[Cadmum]

My DS is also 8, currently home-schooled but mostly because of family situation (WAY too long a story), and I worry about him for similar reasons. Some part of me believes that it is an age-related issue; I think that 8 is tricky and many of my friends have found this to be true.

I would NEVER ignore what your child is telling you. You know her best and if something is not quite right you would notice before her teacher. (I am still really about his implications and I don't even know any of you.)

Could you consider finding a new school?

[katymac]

Well she is in a junior and the other junior that feeds the high school - I just don't like.

She could move next September to a nearby middle school and the high school connected with that is great so it is a possibility. However I would hesitate to move her during this year and then for her to move again next sept

[Copper]

Go with the dyslexia testing - sounds v like my ds1 who could read but not spell at all. Very unhappy at 8 with dismissive teacher, bullying etc

[Cadmum]

How long and involved are the tests for dyslexia? I have days where I am convinced that DS has it and then days where I think that he just hasn't been taught properly...