DD aged 14 just been diagnosed with Dyslexia - this is all new to me so please can anyone give any advice?

[GetOrfMoiLand]

DD tested for dyslexia a couple of weeks ago - I had the letter notifyig me last night. It is all written in jargon which I do not fully understand, and I have made an appointment with the SENCO next week.

The report indicates that she should have an additional 25% time in exams. Is this automatically granted?

Plus she is recommended to have further tests as they indicate she could have problems with mathematical reasoning.

DD has just taken her options, and I am a bit worried as she has taken quite academic subjects (geographt, history, triple science) which will require a lot of reading and comprehension.

I am also hugely confused. This has never been indicated as a problem before. DD is new to this school and in her previous (very academic) school she was in higher sets and nobody had every indicated that she was in any kind of trouble with her work. She has been in the new school since November, and they told me that they thought she had issue early this year. How can she have got to 14 without being diagnosed? I feel awful. How did I not spot she had problems before (I just thought she just read slowly, but not problematically slowly to me, idiot I am). I am mystified.

How can I best help DD? Can someone recommend any books? Can someone hold my hand a bit.

Thanks very much

[mistlethrush]

In dispair (I've had to write that 3 times now) my mother took me to a friend who was an Ed.psyc about my French when I was about 14. She confirmed I am dyslexic, but not strongly so - it looked in most subjects as though I was a bit careless, but in French I couldn't write a sentence without getting something wrong, so always got awful marks - although I was good at the aural/oral and comprehension. So, yes, its easy not to get diagnosed, particularly if its not severe, and yes, its perfectly possible to get on fine. I didn't get any extra time for exams etc - but did OK (except in history where the fact that I can't remember names or dates is a bit of a drawback) - have 3 degrees (2 postgrad) and a job where I write professional reports etc... If she's now got the diagnosis, this will help her and also ensure she learns hope to cope with the problem best.

[GetOrfMoiLand]

Thank you Mistlethrush.

I have always thought dd's reading was a bit slow, however whenever I have said anything about it to family, they have just said that I was comparing her to myself (I am a very fast reader) and was imnagining a problem.

Her writing is all over the place as well - and spelling is a bit hit and miss at times.

Luckily dd is not at all bothered about it, she is actually relieved because now she knows she is not just a slow reader and has actually got a reason for it.

Christ though now I am just thinking back when she read to me when she was younger, and my sighing and tutting with frustration at her reading.

[Dolfin]

Have you had a look at British Dyslexia Friendly Schools pack? This can be downloaded from their web site free. It goes through primary and secondary school - giving advice about how parents and teachers can support pupils with dyslexia and numerousy problems.

The British Dyslexia site also has other sections such as suggestions for electronic books, podcasts etc. Letts and Lonsdale do podcast / CD book versions for revision for a range of GCSE subjects.

The school can apply for additional time, rest breaks, reader, scribe and use use ICT if dd meets the exam board criteria.

It might be worth asking your GP if your dd handwriting can be assessed by an OT. The OT can make recommendations about how to support DD writing to enable her to have accurate and legiable notes from which to revise.

Good luck

[Dolfin]

Sorry - should have said "British Dyslexia Association" web site for the Dyslexia Friendly School Pack and the suggestions for e-books, podcasts etc.

[cornsilk]

who did the assessment? The 25% extra time should be given - school will need a copy of the report to have on file as evidence. It is not unusual for girls with dyslexia to be diagnosed later in life unfortunately.

[lillybloom]

If a child is coping with a problem it is very difficult for teachers to pick it up-especially(bright)girls for some reason. Be proactive as much as possible in getting the school to apply for extra assistance re time, scribes readers etc as often these things can be over looked. My neice is dyslexic and often had to remind her teachers at exan time.
It may also be worthwhile going for a visual processing assessment. This is relativly new (6 years or so) so not available everywhere yet but really beneficial using colour lenses rather than overlays.
My DH is dyslexic and wasn't diagnosed until he was in his late 20's. Hasn't held him back in his career. Your DD sounds like she is very bright and resilient. She will do well.