DD12 dyslexic (suspected)

[istanme]

I've home educated DD12 since the beginning. Around age 8/9 I noticed she was really struggling with spelling and just generally was slower at understanding concepts... she'd eventually understand.

I did some online dyslexia tests and found she does have dyslexia... so nothing official.

My question is how do I support her going forward. She doesn't have an issue reading but is slower at processing information.

I'm concerned how to manage GCSE'S and what options are available to her going forward. She is getting better at spelling as we've been working on it but her confidence is not there and she doesn't see herself going down the academic route.

What options/support is there for a home Ed dyslexic child? Anyone have a child that has been through this, what route did they take?

I'd look to get her an official diagnosis if you can- it can be really useful in the future to ensure she receives the correct support at work etc. It also means that you can apply for her to have the typing accommodation in her GCSE exams, and potentially a scribe/ someone to read the questions out to her depending on the severity.

The Nessy programs, particularly 'Nessy Fingers' and 'Nessy Beach' are great and really helped my DD. Home and Home Educators | Nessy. Nessy Fingers works on touch typing, which helps for things like exams. Nessy Beach works on sentence conjugation etc. They also help with confidence and flag up areas to you that she is struggling with so you can work on them with her.

Regarding GCSEs, you'll need the basics (maths, english lit and english language). What subjects does she enjoy? Does she like learning history/ science/ geography?

Will the exam centre (?) accept a private diagnosis and make the necessary adjustments?

We did try nessy but she didn't get on with it at the time, maybe we can revisit and see if she gets on with it now. Currently we are doing the apples and pears series for spelling.

She does enjoy science but isn't too sure about the maths side of things. I worry I won't be able to prepare her in the best way for GCSE'S.

They should do, yes, so long as the centre you get her assessed with has the necessary qualifications. BDA do assessments that are recognised Our Assessment Services - British Dyslexia Association.

Would you consider an online school? Kings Interhigh might be worth a look, they have a fantastic SEN team that is very experienced in working with dyslexic pupils, and so could offer her extra support from a specialist angle. You have the option of doing all subjects online, or they offer a 3 subject package for homeschool families, which might be an option to see if she gets on with it before starting the GCSE courses in a few years? You have the option of live or recorded lessons. Key Stage 3 Online | Study the KS3 Curriculum | King's InterHigh.

Great thanks, I'll look in to the assessment.

Not sure about online school but something we could consider x

You really need to get her a formal diagnosis and some specialist support. If you're struggling to support her needs now it's only going to get worse. Being dyslexic isn't just being bad at spelling and struggling with reading. It affects other things like organisation and thought processing. I have very intelligent dyslexic friends who have all the info in their head but if they write an essay or report it's like verbal diarrhea with no structure and info all over the place. Or DSD does things like knows her laptop needs charging but doesn't think to bring the power cable for it home from school, or would take her hockey stick in but not her PE kit!

Nessy is really for younger children. Word Shark, although pricier, has a wider range of game types, some supporting auditory difficulties, some which appeal to more visual learners, some with sequencing difficulties etc… it all boils down to processing speed in the end.

And do get your daughter formally assessed. You will get a wealth of information from this. Google Patoss Tutor Index and find an assessor in your area. They need APC after their name. Once you’ve done this, you can start looking at exam access arrangements.

@MiddleAgedDread yes I understand its more complex than just spelling. I just wanted to see what support I could get for her as we progress in education

@ADifferentSong great I'll have a look in to word shark and the local assessments, thank you.