Research regarding the cost of having a child with dyslexia

[tomatohead]

Hello... Sorry if this has already been discussed here, I am new to this forum, but I am very interesting in everyones experience of the financial cost of having a child with dyslexia... assessments, purchasing software etc..
Also is there any financial help out there.. Charities or something that anyone knows of. Thank you.

My son had an EHCP for profound dyslexia (cognitively able) he has a specialist school placement. Full time reader/scribe, salt and OT intervention and 2x 1:1 sessions a week with specialist teacher. The school fees are £50k a year (funded) he uses an iPad with voice to speak tech. I’be spent probably about £5k on private ed psych and assistive tech advice over the years (he’s now 13)

lanbury can I ask what the process was from the EHCP to the LA agreeing to fund the specialist school?

The EHCP is very specific. It’s the key to be honest. Things like specialist teaching (details of phonics and semantics) SALT, small classes, over learning, reader and scribe, etc etc. Got him in there and then nailed it again for the extra funding and even more specific provision. It’s all a battle of wits and test of mettle to be honest.

When you say got him in there then nailed it again you are saying he got his place at an independent school then you got more funding? Did you need to appeal with an educational solicitor? I know you may not want to be this specific but what part of the country are you in? Don’t answer that if you don’t want to.

Yes. No mainstream could meet the needs as he’s very very profoundly dyslexic (not just a bit crap at spelling!!) but cognitively able so not suitable for a complex needs “special” school either, so an independent “specialist” the only one. Once there got extra funding for one to one reader and scribe rather than a general class TA as can’t access without. That was done via emergency review. No, didn’t get a solicitor but spent a lot on private ed psych reports and also had support from OT and salt. The honest truth is if I wasn’t degree level and a total bloody pit bull it would never have happened. I’ve read, researched and sweated blood and it’s not over yet

That's fascinating lanbury. DD is similar though we don't need OT and SALT. She is 11, Y6. Primary school paid for Ed Psych, laptop and software and some interventions we are hoping mainstream and tech for secondary will be enough. Our main cost to date is specialist tutor approx 1300 a year, will be 3500 this year as we are flexi schooling.

Applying for an EHCP next month (school whilst generally supportive are v anti EHCP they think its a waste of time).

EHCP may not give her a lot more in her current school as they sound super supportive which is very rare but that is complete BS that its irrelevant. It is SO different with one. Obv it carries a lot of funding but the school has to manage it well for it to be effective. We have also fought blood sweat and everything in between for ours just because our DD cant access SALT without it and secondary school will be a nightmare.
It is tricky to get EHCP for dyslexia as you have to prove it is Educational AND Health care need. The health part is what causes problems with dyslexia. Most often ones who are severe enough for it to effect their vocab and speech are the ones to get it. But tbh its a pain to get it for anything. I've been helping my friend whos child has cerebal palsy and can't walk- you'd be amazed at what the LEA EP's do to highlight her strength and ignore areas that need help.

The fact your school has supported you thoroughly and you are flexi schooling due to her needs will be good for the application to show the interventions in place arent sufficient and she needs more. but don't be surprised if you have to go to tribunal for every stage- we did and the tribunal was very supportive.

Have you thought of applying to DLA? It may sound like a strange suggestion but its needs based not diagnosis. Even the basic rate goes a long way towards a tutor and helps a lot of parents. Form is a nightmare but I highly suggest it.

Thanks malmontar that's very helpful. I hadn"t thought of DLA. I used to be a welfare rights worker 20 yrs ago. DLA forms were my bread and butter - i think criteria have changed a lot though.