Dyslexia in Singapore

[pupsiecola]

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone has any experience of this re the diagnosis process etc? We're going down that route with school (at our suggestion and their support). I'd know what to do in the UK, and what help was available in the state schooling system but feel a bit lost about it here...

Thanks for any advice.

[laptopwieldingharpy]

As far as I know, its all done privately if your child goes to an international school.

Have a look here: www.das.org.sg

Am sure they will be very helpful. They do intervene hand in hand with schools but not sure for international schools.

Browse on the website and give them a call.

Your school counsellor might also be able to recommend a therapist that already has experience dealing with the school?

i remember your posts. Do you think it might be a reason for your DS to have have had difficulty settling in?
Hope things are better.

[pupsiecola]

Thanks Laptop. We think he may have a specific issue called dyscalculia which can exist alongside dyslexia or on its own. We don't think he has dyslexia but he does have this "number blindness" I think. I reckon he'd be going through the same in the UK as this September he'd have left his cosy tiny village school and gone to the academic focussed school his brother was at. It would explain his withdrawal and lack of self-esteem at school ("mummy I wish I could take my brain out and throw it away and get a new one"). Doesn't help that older brother is naturally very strong at maths. In his mind I guess it's all wrapped up in new school/new country etc (and for sure that has impacted his emotional state too) but I think he has an issue which would have come up in the UK. Difference being that he'd have had great, free support there. Yes, I found that website this morning too. Thank you - I appreciate you posting the link. So on top of school fees we've been paying for a tutor (only 3 sessions so far) and now will likely have to pay for assessment and support. Hey ho. Getting him the right sort of support and help is vital though. The method of repetition, repetition, repetition is not helping and is stressing everyone out.

His teacher had thought along the same lines as us (and I'd never thought about it before but it popped into my head whilst talking to her last week) but she wasn't sure so didn't want to say anything just yet, on account of the tough year he's had - was it just down to that?

She is in touch with the school counsellor. I will see what they come up with before contacting the das. Bless him. He's such an amazing kid in so many ways. It certainly makes sense that there is an issue such as this.

Thanks X

[Merlion]

Hi pupsie I have a friend who works with some of the international schools here for children with SEN (I'm not sure whether this falls within her field of expertise). She may none the less know how to get help. I'll let you know.

[butterfliesinmytummy]

I would speak to your school ... I've just found out that ours has a full time Ed psychologist and 2 learning support specialists (only been here 4 years!), they might have someone in house or at least someone who is regularly on campus and knows the school, staff etc.

Best of luck.

[pupsiecola]

Thx Merlion. Would v much appreciate that.

Butyerflies, am waiting to hear back from them. Especially re what's gonna happen in existing maths class. Ie getting left further behind...

[Merlion]

Hi Pupsie have sent you a message.

[pupsiecola]

Thanks Merlion. Have just emailed her.

[OSU193]

Hi. This post is a little old, not sure if anyone needs more information on Dyslexia but there are many educational and clinical psychologists in Singapore who are registered with international bodies and can provide such testing and share more about available support. We saw Dr. Kang-Sadhnwho does such testing.

[Pupsiecola]

So odd reading this thread back. Like an out of body experience! Nowt wrong with my boy. He is thriving in a wonderful UK state school with top marks for effort and exactly where he should be attainment-wise in all his subjects, even above average for a couple. Off to secondary school next September!

Hopefully this info may help someone who needs it though. Thanks for posting.

[Laptopwieldingharpy]

Hello there! Glad to hear all smooth sailing!
I bet you don't miss the haze right now!

[Pupsiecola]

I don't but feel very bad for those who are experiencing it! I am actually going back (on my own) for a week in November but will postpone if haze no better.