Dyspraxia and SEN

[shallweshop]

DS (6) has recently been diagnosed as having mild dyspraxia. He is particularly struggling with his writing and school have said he will be allowed to word process some of his assessed work. I had thought he was doing ok with his reading but today the teacher told me he has is making below average process in reading and writing and he will be receiving some one to one support from an LSA for the next 6 weeks. They will then reassess and talk to me about his next steps.

Whilst I think its great that he will get this additional support, I am already jumping the gun and thinking about next steps and what they might be?

I am also wondering if I should have him tested privately for dyslexia. I know the school have tested him but I understand that it is quite a rudimentary assessment and the consultant who diagnosed his dyspraxia told me that it often goes hand-in-hand with dyslexia.

I am aware that lots of you on this site will be dealing with much bigger issues than me and I hope you don't mind me posting. I would be grateful for any advice.

'progress' not 'process'!

Personally I think the thing with both dyspraxia and dyslexia is not the dx, but the appropriate treatments offered.
I also think that your money might be better spent on a behavioural optometrist rather than testing for dyslexia. That way, the BO can tell you what specific issues there are with reading. When you know where the reading process is breaking down, then you can put in place suitable programmes designed for that specific area. So for example, my DS can decode phonics, but finds that the letters run around the page. It would be pointless to re-teach phonics, but strategies to help his visual acuity are beneficial.
The same goes with dyspraxia. A test such as the SIPT (sensory integration and praxis test) will highlight very specific areas of weakness. From what I understand, you can have a major problem in a couple of areas and still be classed as having 'mild dyspraxia' as there are not enough areas of weakness to class as 'just' dyspraxia. Knowing specific weaknesses means that the school can tailor their efforts into the areas that they can make the most difference with.

Aunt evil, that's really helpful advice, thanks. I will look into SIPT testing.

things you can do at home to help dyspraxia. Purchase Write from the Start - can be bought on line - which has exercises to develop better handwriting. Also reading buy Toe by Toe by Cowling - on internet again - the rescue book for non-readers and dyslexics. visual tracking exercises good - find on line. I am a specialist teacher and these helps. Any problems with memory buy Listening Comprehension, fun book where children have to listen, repeat instruction and draw on paper.
Also to help fine motor skills, get shoe box and get some little clothes pegs - from paint/activity shop - and with one hand behind back pick up clothes peg and put on top of one edge of shoe box. Do 10 or 20 and next time time your child which adds fun competitive element. Also to help strength in other hand do the same.
Good luck.

We have found caring cutlery and a step to rest DS feet on have been a real help at meal times (he can sit still for almost 5 minutes now!).

Our OT also recommended working a task backwards with him. For exampple, tying a shoe lace until the last part and having DS do the last bit. The aim of this is for DS to feel like he has had some success and he will carry a positive attitude forward rather than feeling like a failure. We've stopped the shoe lace one as DS couldn't do the second last but on days when he struggles taking a jumper off or putting his socks on we make him do the very last bit and praise him for doing the task.

DS is also struggling with his literacy and I suspect dyslexia (DH is dyslexic). he is workign with the SENCO on an accelerated reading programme. Not sure how, but since Ocotber she has managed to bring DS reading on really well & his whole attitude has changed. He now wants to read!!!

I will be looking into some ofthe things Ani has suggested (sorry - stealing from your thread shallweshop!)

Good luck x

I have used Write from the Start with children and found it ok, but have recently started using Pegs to Paper (through National Handwriting Association) having heard through it through vimeo.com/20290475 by Nikki Wise (@kiwiteacheruk). It focuses on the gross and fine motor skills involved in handwriting as well as the directional language used in handwriting. It then has separate exercises for shape, spacing, size and slant - whichever needs focusing on most.
Even with teaching children in a group of 6 I have found this has shown significant improvements in only a few weeks.
The board and booklet (doesn't look professionally edited, but content is invaluable) cost £44 altogether (£40+£4), so not cheap, but in my opinion worth it.
www.nha-handwriting.org.uk/publications/publications-summary/pegs-to-paper
Good luck x