Dyslexia assesssments and solutions
by Janine
About Me
As a qualified primary school teacher of 24 years, I have taught children from the Early Years through to Key Stage 2.
I have spent several years working as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) supporting pupils with additional or special educational needs.
… With extensive and practical knowledge of classroom practice and expectations I am able to make realistic and effective recommendations to support learners with dyslexia both in school and at home.
I am passionate about ensuring all pupils, regardless of ability, additional needs or circumstances, have equal access and opportunities to learning.
I believe that understanding the underlying reasons why a child may be struggling with their learning, how they learn and identifying specific targeted support can not only develop their academic ability and maximise their potential but also build their self-esteem and confidence. I believe that every person with dyslexia is unique and often have amazing problem-solving, are creative and can ‘think outside of the box’.
What is Dyslexia?
There are many explanations and definitions of dyslexia which can be confusing and difficult to understand.
In broad terms, a person with dyslexia may find it difficult to read, spell and write. They may also struggle to comprehend and retain what they hear and see, which could hinder their ability to acquire and develop literacy skills. It has nothing to do with intelligence as it can affect people of all backgrounds and intellectual ability – Albert Einstein was dyslexic! Dyslexics have a unique style of thinking and processing information and have some amazing skills.
About 1 in 10 people in the UK have dyslexia, it can be genetic and can co-occur with other neurological difficulties, such as:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
- Dyspraxia
- Visual difficulties.
NOTE: This link will direct you to the British Dyslexia Association website
Dyslexia Assessment
A full diagnostic assessment will determine whether your child has dyslexia or not (based on the definition of dyslexia).
A diagnostic assessment aims to provide a clearer picture of your child’s strengths and difficulties, their knowledge and skills and their own cognitive profile. An assessment can provide a deeper understanding of your child’s learning styles and clear recommendations and strategies to help them succeed and achieve in school and everyday life.
My approach to teaching and assessing is holistic and person-centred. Each assessment is tailored to the needs of the individual and assessed at their own pace. The assessment usually takes between 2.5-3 hours to complete and will include at least one break.
School and parents will be asked to complete a questionnaire to help build up a picture of your child’s developmental history, educational journey so far and their needs.
The assessment will explore:
- Underlying verbal and non-verbal ability
- Reading
- Handwriting
- Spelling
- Short-term and working memory
- Phonological memory
- Phonological awareness
- Speed of processing.
Dyslexia is not a disability, but rather a different way of learning.
The Dyslexia Assessment Report
Following the assessment, a detailed and thorough report will be written which will outline your child’s performance on each area assessed and will consider their strengths and weaknesses and how this impacts their learning. It is important to clarify that this is not a test; there is no pass or fail. The purpose of the assessment and report is to determine your child’s unique learning style and implications for education and everyday life. The report will outline any reasonable adjustments that may need to be made to enable your child to access learning, the curriculum and exams. It will provide practical recommendations for support at school and at home and may identify any other specific learning difficulties that may need further support or referrals to other agencies.
All reports are written in accordance with the current SASC (Specific Learning Difficulties Assessment Standards Committee) guidelines. Further information can be accessed via the link below:
I have dyslexia, and I am a compassionate and empathetic person. I am able to understand and relate to others who are struggling, and I am always willing to lend a helping hand.
Tom Hanks
FAQs
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What is dyslexia?
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What causes dyslexia?
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Can pupils with dyslexia perform well in school?
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Can people with dyslexia learn to read?
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Can dyslexia be cured?
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Should I get my child assessed?
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If my child is diagnosed with dyslexia, will they get extra time in exams?
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