Has anyone used Dyslexia Action?

[pixyvix]

I was wondering if anyone has had tutoring for their child from Dyslexia Action? My little boy is 6 and school say he his fine. But I have spoken to Dyslexia Action and they say he showing classic signs of Dyslexia and recommed an assesment and possible tutoring? My sons father and uncle both have dyslexia.

I'd go with the tuition if you can afford it. I know people who have had their tuition and say it is wonderful. They also say it will help anyone whether dyslexic or not, so I'd probably put more emphasis on tuition than assessment. However 6 is a bit young. Is he falling behind at school? Why are you worried?

You should know that 'specialist dyslexia teaching' as described in Jim Rose's Dyslexia Report 2009 cannot, at present, be considered to provide a 'well founded intervention' as, '(M)any of the things that specialist dyslexia teachers do have not been the subject of much published research' (Intervention for dyslexia. p21) and, 'all the results reported from studies in UK specialist [dyslexia] schools and teaching centres would be regarded as disappointing (or even disregarded altogether)' (Intervention for dyslexia. p74).

I would have him assessed by an independent ed psych, not one who is connected to DA. DA said my DD had mild dyslexic tendencies and advised I have her tutored with them.

I didn't go for the tutoring, I moved schools instead as I was unhappy with the school. All her problems have gone, her new school say they don't believe she's dyslexic at all (and I agree)she is now top of the class rather than being a year behind.

I'd be suspicious of any diagnosis that DA gave.

Anyone thinking of consulting an ed.psych., LEA or independent, would do well to read this thread first:

www.rrf.org.uk/messageforum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=4433

My dd was assessed by dyslexia action and although they advised she has severe dyslexia they did not push DA tutoring as they stated she was receiving enough support from her school. I did see the DA tutor who was actually very good and advocated a synthetic phonics approach - so obviously DA tutors are not all teh same!

My son is tutored at Dyslexia Action Egham and I cannot praise them enough. He now has more confidence and self esteem and his reading skills have improved. It was the best thing we ever did.

6 is at the lower extremity for proper diagnosis of a learning difficulty, isn't it?

I'd have thought it unwise to proceed withouta proper assessment, so you can be sure you are tackling the right issues, and all the issues (eg, is OT or numeracy intervention also indicated, do classroom adjustments need to be made).

And as the thread cited abiveindicates, the quality of Ed Psychs varies. Your school is likely to know the good practitionersin your area, or you could ask around other parents, and should definitely browse the British Dyslexia Association website.

Personally I think D.A are very good. They use Ed Psychs for their assessments. The Ed psych that dx'd my ds worked for a neighbouring LEA. They didn't push tutoring with us either. I have also worked for them - they are very well resourced.