OK, DS (14) has been diagnosed with dyslexia & poor ST memory. What do I do now?

[SadAboutTheBoy]

I've been telling the school(s) I've been worried for some time, but early tests didn't show anything other than 'some processing issues' so DH & I decided to follow our hunch and pay for a private EdPsych report.

After 3 hours of tests and discussions her findings were that he is very bright (top 3% of peer range) for IQ/intelligence, but has dyslexia and poor short term memory which is likely causing the problems we are seeing in class/with homework. She has recommended that he be given 25% extra time for exams.

My head is swimming with new information. On one hand, I'm glad he has a proper dx and now we can work out how to help him, but on the other, I'm a bit angry that this wasn't picked up sooner by the school! She said that because he's quite bright he had developed some coping strategies which sort of hid the problem, and it's only since GCSE level work came along it's become clear how much he struggles.

He has GCSEs next summer, and I feel that I now have to move fast to make sure we and the school give him all the help he needs BUT I haven't a clue where to start!

I've arranged a meeting with the school SENCO next week to discuss, but they break up for summer soon and I'd ideally like things in place from the beginning of next term.

Can anyone please help and tell me what I need to be doing/ask for/ investigating etc?

Anyone?

I can't give you much advice that you probably haven't already found out as we're in a very similar position. However, DD is just finishing year 8 so we have a bit more time. DD was diagnosed as dyspraxic a couple of months ago just before half term. It took us until two weeks ago to get an appointment to see the SENCO. The ed psych's tests showed that she was excellent at maths and very good at verbal reasoning but poor in processing speed and working memory. Like you, I feel quite let down by school (at primary not one person picked up on her SN) I don't know if this is partly to do with lack of funding and so, if they don't mention it, then it will save them money and effort.

Our SENCO was very helpful and has suggested initial changes for DD such as giving her handouts, placing her differently in class and allowing her time to finish work. She has to be reassessed though in order for her them to see whether they think she should have extra time. The cynic in me is wondering if they'll conveniently find that she doesn't need it.

How did it go with your SENCO?

Thanks for the response.

Well, we didn't get to see the SENCO and she has rearranged our meetign for early next term . However she did say that she will be creating a one-page summary profile of DS's strengths and issues together with recommendations for classroom strategies etc. This will be sent to all his teachers.

One of the thinsg which cmae out of the report is that he is well above average for visual learning/ recognition etc, so it seems that this will be important for all his GCSE work - to make it as visual and memorable as possible.
I feel we now need to find all his GCSE courses on YouTube and in colourful MindMap formats!

My son was diagnosed with A.D.H.D and dysphraxia and dyslexia at an early age as i knew there was something wrong/different with him compared to his older brother in development/social skills..it was a long and arduous journey seeing every "ologist" that ever existed..however once you have a diagnosis from a doctor/psycologist you should immediately apply for dissability living allowance/carers allowance because with these benefits in place the schools/governing bodies suddenly take you a lot more seriously. Also the school can apply to government for a statement (which is xtra funding for them), to provide an l.s.a ( learning support asst), to work with child one on one either in classroom or seperately in room (whichever suits the childs learning best). Also any additional equipment school may need to assist the child. ie sensory equipment for calming or additional physical activity for excess energy. Once this funding is in place the child will be given all sorts of stratergies to help them cope better and much more leaway regarding tuition. Ask the school to apply for a full statement as soon as poss. This will stay in place througout the childs entire school/college life and will also provide transport for the child so they can attend school/college safely. As soon as the statement is in place there will be a lot more time/equipment/stratergy put into place and allowances made for the childs progress. The teen years are going to be the hardest for your child and you as they seem to peak with anxiety, depression, anger and hormones but if you can manage to get through all the red tape and tantrums it will be well worth it. ..Good luck y'all x