Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty with reading and spelling. The difficulty with reading or spelling is below what is expected for the child or young person’s age, and cannot be explained through intellectual ability. Dyslexia is often also referred to as a specific reading or spelling difficulty.
Dyslexia is the most common condition that we are asked to assist with. Very often if dyslexia is not recognised and provision is not made, it will lead to secondary issues, such as behaviour or truancy.
Dyslexia may present as
- Reading printed text multiple times to understand or remember information
- Being unable to think of the appropriate words they need
- Difficulty reading aloud
- Difficulty reading
- Poor concentration during tasks involving reading and writing
- Low self-esteem
- Difficulty understanding verbal instructions
- Difficulty following multiple conversations
- Difficulty organising and structuring thoughts
What interventions are available?
We use the data from the battery of tests completed on the assessment to tailor the intervention needed for the child. These can be all or some of the following:
- access arrangements for exams and tests (extra time, a scribe, a reader, reading pen, special equipment, separate room…)
- a specialised plan
- a specialised reading intervention focussed on single word, sentence or comprehension
- a highly adapted spelling scheme, such as Ace
- a short term memory, working memory development plan
- a phonological work scheme
- a writing tuition scheme such as touch type or Phono
Why have a formal assessment?
✓ You can apply for unto £25k DSA grant for university
✓ Schools can apply for access arrangements in exams, such as extra time
✓ Counts as evidence towards gaining an EHCP and extra funding
✓ The document has no expiry and is valid in a host of situations