Dyslexia in children

[Ellie75su]

Just wondering if anyone has a child that was screened for Dyslexia in school? My daughter was screened and came back as a high risk for Dyslexia and a low risk for working memory (not sure what is meant by the working memory part) she was referred by our GP to have an ADHD assessment however it’s taking longer than expected because her school aren’t supporting it. So my question is should the school be putting things in place for her learning now theyre aware she has come back as a high risk for Dyslexia? It seems they are just carrying on as normal with her and I’m worried about her being so far behind her class mates and will continue to fall behind.

Just to add I know it’s a screening and not a formal diagnosis, however she’s almost 9 and still cannot read and write fluently. But often comes home upset that her teacher has called her lazy for not finishing her work 😞

Ok thank you, I'll ask them tomorrow. I think a private assessment is probably on the cards just so I have a good detailed understanding on how I could perhaps support her too. I've zero knowledge on dyslexia and working memory so it would help me to help her also. Thanks for your reply

Not a prob at all @Ellie75su, I smikayly had no experience of all this a few months ago, and not much more knowledge now, to be fair! 🤣🤣🤣🫣

*similarly

Schools don’t need a formal diagnosis for access arrangements/extra time for SATs/external exams though. It’s about the school evidencing the child’s normal ways of working and that things like extra time are actually beneficial to the individual.

You say you are worried about her being behind her peers, but is she? In her last end of year report what did they say about her attainment.

First up:
dyslexia is a learning need dealt with by school / specialist teachers / education psycologists / Local Authority Education Dept.

adhd a medical issue dealt with by your GP and paediatricians / NHS

For your parents evening... (if not before!):

Ask whether your child is on the SEND register... the answer should be YES. They should be in the monitoring area to have recieved the screening... but the dyslexia screening should move her to the support area. The ADHD referal should also have her in monitoring. But they SHOULD be meeting with you to explain this. School must have a named SENDCo (Special Eductional Needs and Disabilities Co-Ordinator). She should have a SEN plan which covers the possibility of both diagnoses and things that help/don't.

Ask to see the screening report - get a copy. The report should tell you which of the 4 main areas of dyslexia your daughter has - common to have more than 1. That will also give you an idea of what can help. Have a look here for an explanation of types https://www.twinkl.co.uk/teaching-wiki/the-types-of-dyslexia You might need to go private for a full diagnosis. But I'd speak to the SENCo first as they may have her on list for the Ed Psyc ( - however this list could take forever!) And will tell you whether they accept private diagnosis and may suggest where to go. (But be prepared they might not as they don't want to take responsibility for external services).

This is a computer programme which might help if your daughter needs reading support. She can try text with different fonts / background colours and all sorts which might help her to find something that works. You can get abfree trials.
www.texthelp.com/en-gb/products/read-and-write-education/?fbclid=IwAR3NWm2-X31P7P0mgGLaXpok8cUYBRF4M3HnBLzjtVGQXazFYjT1kiIuP9U

My daughter is 8 and was diagnosed with dyslexia about a month ago. Her dad and I paid for the test which was really useful for identifying her strengths as well as her challenges (including working memory). I think it was really helpful for our daughter to understand what her diagnosis means and that she learns in a different way to other children. I can’t say that the school are able to offer her too much extra in the way of support but the report gave lots of information about how we can support her learning at home.

Oh, and I'm reading a book called 'dyslexia at home' which has been eye opening, would really recommend.

I had to pay £400 for an official assessment, as the waiting lists are over 12 months. I then only had to wait 3 months and now the school are supporting gcse stuff really well.

The school learning support team should be able to direct you to the appropriate people to book privately. A

Her end of year report stated that she was working towards in every subject other than computing she was working at expected level.

They told me she wasn't on their SEN list however it seemed she was only made aware through paper work during out meeting that my daughter had scored a high risk for Dyslexia and low working memory so it may be the case that she will now be added to it for the extra help I know she desperately needs.
School aren't in support of her ADHD referral but it was our GP and local Wellbeing Practitioner that sent the referral forms to the school so I think they are feeling obliged to fill it in. They did however tell me they don't support it and will make it clear on the forms. Not sure how that will proceed forwards.

I'll have a look at the link, thank you for your reply :)

We had to pay for a private assessment and, after DS was diagnosed with severe dyslexia, a private tutor to help him because school had no extra help available unless the child had an EHCP - which he wasn't eligible for!

The tutor had us doing the Toe by Toe workbook, it was a very good way of scaffolding reading skills (available on Amazon).

I should also say - he is now in year 9 and thriving at school. He can read well but his writing skills mean he uses a laptop in lessons rather than handwriting. His secondary school were great at supporting this with intensive touch typing lessons at the start of year 7.

Unfortunately if school doesn't support the ADHD diagnosis they will likely skupper the process. Because the medics need to have observations in 2 settings. So unless you have another setting they ask who will support they will likely not diagnose. Sadly. The process doesn't support girls who usually mask much better than boys in settings like school..

Although there is some good advice on this thread it's not all accurate. It would be useful to check what the situation is in your county. You should be able to discuss with the SENCo but failing that, there should be Send support from the local authority. Ours is all on the LA website and there's a number for parents to call and discuss things.

Even a diagnosis of dyslexia doesn't mean the child automatically goes on the SEN register. The children on the register are those who are getting above average support. Most of the things needed for a child with dyslexia is what is expected to be covered in regular class support. There may be extra things like specific spelling support and extra time in examinations but these should be regular working practice and so long as they are evidenced then it's not usually a problem.

11+ is different as it's a different group of people looking at whether the child should be allowed extra time. Unfortunately it does seem to be quite biased against dyslexic children.

With regards to the ADHD. When school said they don't support, do they mean they don't see the signs? They shouldn't refuse to fill in the forms. I would speak to the head if that happens.

Masking is a problem as they can only report what they see. For my DD school were happy to help but ultimately it was rejected as she masks so heavily at school and the forms are biased towards a 'hyperactive boy' type presentation. Very frustrating! However, they have strategies which they use to manage her anxiety and the style of teaching, resources etc have been ADHD friendly so she hasn't been held back without the diagnosis.

I would also ask the SENCo if they can point you to some support groups. They will be able to give you practical advice and support and will also know how things work in your county.