Dyslexia signs?

[Mumtogremlins]

My son is in Year 6 and has done ok up to now but his exam results aren't matching up to what his ability is supposed to be. He has just taken his 11+ for various schools and failed them all.
His CAT tests at school indicated he was in top 4% nationally. He has always been really good at maths and reading but his spelling is awful, handwriting a mess and he has a strange pencil grip. He is very imaginative and creative but very sensitive and has low self esteem. His teachers have mentioned that he expresses ideas well in class but not on paper. He was a very late talker but an early walker.
We have always thought he is lazy but can't help thinking there may be more to it than that as he really wants to do well and did months of revision for his exams. He's good at reading and maths so can't be dyslexia can it? I haven't mentioned it to the school yet.

[Mumtogremlins]

Forgot to add, although he's good at reading, he hates it and gets stressed about doing it. Dyslexia also runs on both sides of the family

[Trying2bgd]

Bump.

Problems with reading is the sign most people associate with dyslexia but it is one of many traits that can show up. Often those with dyslexia can be terrible at organising themselves, remembering long instructions (working memory) and take longer at processing information whether visually or auditory as well as problems with spelling, learning foreign languages and following group conversations. There are more signs but I am not an expert. However, if you do have concerns then I would ask the SEN teacher at school. They can either get him tested or send you in the right direction. Good luck

[AlphaBites]

Sorry I'm hijacking here but Trying2bg that one post has summed up my DD ! At no point has anyone said Dyslexia though but it is on both sides of my family as well.

OP Does your son have good balance ? Is he sporty ?

[mumsiedarlingrevolta]

I have a DS who is a very good reader who wasn't diagnosed with dyslexia until Y7-and only because DD was and it was like a lightbulb going off...
Children can develop coping strategies around reading and maths which can masks the problems but it is much more of a struggle.
Someone said to me a flag for dyslexia is that the gap between verbal and written work is huge.
My DS also has terrible handwriting, and easily loses track of where he is in his written work-especially maths.
It is worth pursuing if it helps you/him to cope better.
But have always been of the attitude with my DC that is it not an excuse-but a different challenge.
Good luck

[Villagernumber9]

There are many different forms of dyslexia. Check your area for your local dyslexia association. I was called thick all my way through school and only found out that I'm dyslexic when I was 20.
I'm very good at maths, can actually read better upside down and very good at solving puzzles.
Balance and sport is not affected and agree with what mumsiedarlingrevolta is saying.
If he gets diagnosed with dyslexia, he can get more help from school and be given extra time in exams.
Good luck.

[MyCatIsTryingToKillMe]

Sounds like my 9yo DS who has just been assessed as having Dyspraxia and Dyslexia. His WRIT tests show him in the top 2% but his writing and reading marks and motor skills are average to below average. While average doesn't sound bad - he is certainly hitting targets for school - in theory he is capable of doing much more with the right learning styles. I see how upset and frustrated he gets with writing yet when he talks to you he is so imaginative and has excellent vocab, they just don't translate on to paper.

[loopygoose06]

You need to get him assessed by an Educational Psychologist. They will give him very positive feedback on what he can do as well as clear indications of where his struggles are and how best to tackle them.
wordpress.com/post/loopygoosedarling.wordpress.com/1

[mum4ever]

Sounds like my daughter - she has only recently been diagnosed but has had terrible hand writing and spelling. She is great verbally but putting it on paper is a nightmare. She now gets to use chromebook in class and gets to use spell check and extra time for exams. Best to get him checked out now so that he can start to reach his potential.

[Wheresthattomoibabber]

My daughter has dyslexia - her writing, reading and maths are all amazing but her spelling age is 7 and she has very poor working memory. She had learned many coping strategies and we had to really argue the point to get her tested. Worth it for her confidence though!

[Daffodilcrazy]

Hello :) this blog may help and there are some useful links within it too xx itmustbemum.wordpress.com/2017/02/17/dyslexia-a-pathway-to-a-diagnosis/

[Daffodilcrazy]

also, the question about how far behind does he have to be is a big one in my view. bright children miss out on support - that is wrong and unnecessary. the idea that you have to 'fall behind' som sort of average is an urban myth not supported by policy. this is covered in this blog :( ... itmustbemum.wordpress.com/2017/02/11/how-far-behind-does-she-have-to-be/

[Neolara]

Could absolutely be dyslexia (ex educational psychologist here). He might never have been taught to hold his pen correctly. My 12yo dd wasn't and has terrible handwriting as a result.

[Daffodilcrazy]

Another thing to consider might be processing. I know of 2 chn who are very bright and it turns out that their ability to process information was in the bottom 2 - 5%. I would suggest that a full educational assessment would be good. Also, our OT did visual motor integration assessment on our DS and he came out on 3rd percentile which in part explained the writing difficulties. I hope yo et some explanations for him as it may be that he is actually working really hard ?

[Ladybud2013]

I suspect that my son has dyslexia but it costs about £400 to get a proper assessment. Does anyone know of any government schemes to help with the cost?