Test for Dyslexia

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My son was 7 in June. I think he might be slighly dyslexic, numbers written round the wrong way, d's and b's always mixed up, he even did the s of the superman sign the wrong way the other day. The school say that they will test him, but haven't got round to it. Is this normal? Should I stay calm an hope it will happen soon, or should I put a flea in the SEN's ear?

A school cannot make a diagnosis of dyslexia this can only be done by an Educational Psychologist. The school will have an idea of the criteria and what to look out for and they may have a computer test that will give a 'likelihood' of dyslexia which will then help you to decide whether to then go for a full Ed Psych assessment. If the school has said they will 'test' him and after say 3weeks they haven't then if I were you I would bring it up again and say that you are concerned and would appreciate their input. Let us know how it all goes.

Keep on at them, I started on at my daughters school when she was 10 and still couldnt do her times tables or tell the time on an analogue clock among other things, she was finally diagnosed as dyslexic at 14 and given special help and a scribe with her GCSE exams etc but it took years of moaning and badgering and it was a young NQT who said at a parents evening do you think it is odd how your daughter has A's predicted in all her exams yet a D in her english? hurrah I said I thought I had been talking a different language for the past 4 years. Please dont give up trying your son needs the help if he is dyslexic it is a real confidence knocker if they remain undiagnosed, my daughter invented her own strategies to get by but not all children will be able to do that. Good luck with your EA.x

Many thanks for the input. Yes will keep at it. The school suggested to me that they should test him about a year ago, but said they would wait until he was 7, so I will keep on at them. So If he does come up as 'likely' to have dyslexia do they sort out an ed psych, or is that down to me?

Most Ed Psychs and educationalists are reluctant to formally assess for dyslexia before 7yrs even though there are indicators purely because they have to give the child/school a chance to try all teaching methods/strategies which may help them learn. Once all these are exhausted and any visual problems discounted, they will then start the assessment process. If your child is in a state school then they will arrange this however due to finances this can take many months even years!!!! A private assessment of course would be much quicker but can cost £300-600!!!

you will have to push for it - schools only budget for x number of assessments a year I think because they are so expensive.

privately round us is £390-£500 (we are central south coast)

O.K, Thanks everyone, best start saving my pennies!

I would also suggest that you don't just wait for a diagnosis. The techniques used with dyslexic children will work with those who have other difficulties. So multi-sensory learning, re-enforce phonics, even NLP spelling interventions.

Ask the school what they are doing to meet his specific needs. Try to get specific measurable targets, with specific people assigned to helping him. Then hold the school to them. Keep a diary.
Don't let him be put off books or reading.

Being diagnosed with dyslexia doesn't usually open any doors, but can just help guide. For example a diagnosis of dyslexia will not give extra time in exams by itself.