Help, My child has Dyslexia
Updated: Feb 8, 2022
So Ruby recently had a dyslexia screening at school and the results come back "high risk" which means she has dyslexia! We suspected it coz I noticed she got letters muddled up a lot and yes kids do get letters muddles up but not at 8 years old. She also has a terrible memory which is also a symptom of dyslexia (which I recently learnt). In fact theirs quite a lot about dyslexia that I don't know so I went on a quest to learn more....
So what is dyslexia anyway?
Dyslexia is a life-long condition which then has an impact on a child's day to day activities and even tho its not "recognised" it is actually classed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. Many children with dyslexia have creative skills, strong visual and good at problem solving.
Dyslexia definition:
"A general term for disorders that involve difficulty in learning to read or interpret words, letters, and other symbols, but that do not affect general intelligence".
There is a huge misconception that dyslexia only affects ones ability to read and write. Well wouldn't that make it so much easier to identify. In fact dyslexia can have an impact on areas such as coordination, organisation & memory. Here are some signs to help you....
Signs:
The signs of dyslexia differ from child to child. Each child with dyslexia will have a unique pattern of strengths and weaknesses.
Below are some of the most common signs of dyslexia:
Pre-school children
In some cases, it is possible to see the signs of dyslexia before a child starts school.
These signs can include:
Delayed speech development compared with other children of the same age (although this can have many different causes)
Speech problems, such as not being able to pronounce long words properly and "jumbling" up phrases (for example, saying "hecilopter" instead of "helicopter", or "beddy tear" instead of "teddy bear")
Problems expressing themselves using spoken language, such as being unable to remember the right word to use, or putting sentences together incorrectly
Little understanding or appreciation of rhyming words, such as "the cat sat on the mat", or nursery rhymes
Difficulty with, or little interest in, learning letters of the alphabet
Schoolchildren Age:
Signs of dyslexia at this age usually become more obvious coz they start school and begin to focus more on learning how to read and write.
Signs of dyslexia in schoolchildren aged 5 to 12:
Problems learning the names and sounds of letters
Spelling that's unpredictable and inconsistent
Putting letters and figures the wrong way round (such as writing "6" instead of "9", or "b" instead of "d")
Confusing the order of letters in words
Reading slowly or making errors when reading aloud
Visual disturbances when reading (for example, a child may describe letters and words as seeming to move around or appear blurred)
Answering questions well orally, but having difficulty writing the answer down
Difficulty carrying out a sequence of directions
Struggling to learn sequences, such as days of the week or the alphabet
Slow writing speed
Poor handwriting
Problems copying written language and taking longer than normal to complete written work
Poor phonological awareness and word attack skills
Dyslexia often co-occurs with related conditions, such as dyspraxia, dyscalculia and attention deficit disorder.
Ruby's school have been so helpful, although it was me who spotted the signs, they have been nothing but forthcoming. Even though our education system does not "recognise" dyslexia they do have screening for it and a helpful learning platform what they call the "nessy program".
The dyslexia association believe that the sole use of Systematic, Synthetic Phonics (SSP) teaching programmes does not meet the needs of all students, especially those with dyslexia. They go on to say ... teachers should be supported to teach a structured, cumulative and multi sensory approach and a range of strategies.
Help us make a change and sign the petition:
Iv just ordered this book... Creative Successful dyslexic by Margaret Rooke Foreword by Mollie King. 23 well-known people from the arts, sport and business worlds talk about how dyslexia can make some things harder to learn and present challenges, but also how they see the way their brain works differently as an advantage. They believe it has given them a special determination, creativity and way of seeing the world. Darcey Bussell CBE, Eddie Izzard, Sir Richard Branson, Meg Mathews, Zoe Wanamaker CBE, Sir Jackie Stewart OBE and others share their stories, and their advice. Those interviewed talk about `thinking sideways' the ability to look at a bigger picture, listen, and grasp simplicity where other people see complexity. An introduction and final section that includes practical information about dyslexia are written with the support of Dyslexia Action, and a percentage of the profits from the book will be donated to Dyslexia Action. The book will be useful for teachers and other professionals, for families and people affected by dyslexia.
Conclusion:
When it comes down to dyslexia is a learning difficulty and children have been suffering in silence for years, since my dad was at school and they didn't even recognise the signs back then! Its sad that the awareness of dyslexia has not hit enough people to make the changes we need for our children of today. Let face it they are the people of the future, they need our help Now! Please sign the petition above & thank you in advance!
That’s all from me today, until next week...
Remember to Keep Smiling & Laugh a little Every day!
Your Mental Mum...
Ps, Does your child suffer with dyslexia?
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