Dyslexia Action Test Age 6- anyone had it?

[BethanG]

Hi, I've been told by Dyslexia Action that they can test a child from the age of 6. Has anyone else had a child be assessed at this age - any advice, is it best to do the assessment as soon as, or to wait or little? My only concern is that my ds is struggling so much with reading / writing will they actually be able to assess him?
Thanks for any words of wisdom

[catrin]

Children can be tested that young, but sometimes children who are having literacy diffiuclties do so because they have not had enough experience of literacy yet eg summer born or very physical (so not a sit down and practice writing type) or just not keen in general.
My concern with early tests is that they teat the child on stuff they would not have learnt in school yet (times tables, division) so the test looks a bit skewed purely because the poor child has never been taught these things.

If your ds is experiencing literacy difficulties, speak to the SENCo and see what the school will put in place to support him. All good practice should support acquisition of literacy whether he has a diagnosis or not.

Sorry for the long post, hope that helps.

[maverick]

Do read my page 'Should I have my child assessed?' I think you'll find it very helpful

www.aowm73.dsl.pipex.com/dyslexics/should_I_have.htm

[BethanG]

Sorry I took so long to reply - been visiting family - thank you both very much for your responses. Lots of food for thought - will be talking to Senco again in September, but for now determined to relax and enjoy holiday time with him! Thanks