Difficulty reading and writing

[penguin101]

My son is 10 next month, he struggles with reading and writing, his reading ability has been diagnosed at the age of 5yrs 9 months. To write just 3 sentances would take an awful lot of effort, and quite honestly I would not be able to read it back to you. The school have him on SA+. My question is where do we go from here? He is bright enough and comprehension is above average on reading. Should we try for a laptop, does anyone have a child using one for school? If so what do you think the pros and cons are? Would you recommend a specific style, type? Thank you all, on behalf of my very frustrated son...

Has he been seen by an Educational Psychologist ? That may determine whether a laptop could be of benefit to his particular needs, especially since his reading is affected. However you may find he needs to be a competent touch typist before he is allowed to use one in school as otherwise it may be more of a hinderance than a help in class, a distraction rather than a useful tool. ds has recently started using one (he's 11) - as recommended by OT and SENCO - but he doesn't like to be different and it is only of use in certain lessons. He would also need to be reassessed by an Ed Psych to be allowed to use it in an exam situation.

I think you need some advice from IPSEA (they have a web site and telephone support) they will help you through the SEN process - they were really good. Parent partnership / snap are more local are also a resource to tap into (not always as proactive as IPSEA).

As your child is probably going to start the comprehensive school it is important to have his needs identified, appropriate support put in place and to determine which school can meet his specific educational needs. Have you requested a statutory assessment for his educational needs? If the school hasnt already requested this then request this yourself (IPSEA web site has template letters).

Both of my children have specific learning difficulties. My DS has significant problems with any writing and also most fine motor skills ie drawing, craft work etc. The occupational therapy team were brilliant, DS had a writing assessment, the OT report recommended what educational support she would require to enable her to access the national curriculm. There are ICT programmes to help with maths and science equations ie fractions- efofex, which the school can download free for your child. Your GP will be able refer to occupational therapy, sometimes OT ask for 2 copies of IEPs, I also sent them a copy of the educational psychologist report, so it might be worth telephoning the paediatric OT department to see what information they need to prioritise a referral.

Good luck

No has not seen Ed psych. the only thing that has happened is a report from the LEA from an observation that was made on him, reading the report it felt is was more of an observation regarding the teachers thoughts rather than on my son. With just a few alternative ideas to try and assist with his learning difficulties. (I wasn't very impressed really).

I have not even heard of IPSEA, so will have a look on the web for that. Did actually discuss laptop with the head today, and he also thought that laptop would be a way forward, but perhaps for only specific topics/lessons.

I also didn't know you could see the ot via the GP something else for me to follow up.

Thank you so much for your help, feel much happier to have some knowledge on what to do next....