What is Dyslexia?
First recorded in Scotland over 100 years ago, today dyslexia is generally recognised by academics and educational administrators, and most people have some idea of what the term dyslexia means.
Dyslexia is not an uncommon condition, it is estimated that approximately 10% of the population has a difficulty that affects their life and work. Studies show that it would appear to be more prevalent in boys than girls and also there is a strong genetic predisposition.
Are there any signs to look out for?
It is important not to be overly concerned if a child shows any one of the above signs in isolation, if however a child exhibits a range of these indicators then it would be advisable for a child to be screened by a qualified professional.
It is possible to carry out online testing for dyslexia, however, we at Dyslexia School Search would always advise parents to seek professional help, and we work with a highly qualified and professional team of educational psychologists and SEN professionals and teachers.
It is generally not advised to test a child for dyslexia prior to their seventh birthday, but the sooner intervention can start, generally the more successful the outcome.
Dyslexia is not an uncommon condition, it is estimated that approximately 10% of the population has a difficulty that affects their life and work. Studies show that it would appear to be more prevalent in boys than girls and also there is a strong genetic predisposition.
Are there any signs to look out for?
- Is there a family history
- Problems with sequencing and organisational skills, including dressing.
- Auditory problems are very common. The child may be able to hear, but not to distinguish sounds, such as f and t at the end of words. Hearing tests may show normal hearing, however, the child may have problems remembering a string of instructions, learning nursery rhymes, learning tables, the alphabet, days of the week. Counting may also be a problem, especially counting in reverse.
- Problems with distinguishing right from left and being slow to hop, skip and jump along with problems tying shoe laces and using cutlery.
- Visual difficulties, standard eye test may reveal perfect vision, however there can be underlying problems with tracking, ordering and sorting.
- Appears to be unnaturally clumsy, frequently bumping into doors, etc.
- Finds it difficult to remember home address, telephone number.
- Many children have a very artistic eye and are inventive and creative in art, music and/or drama
- Writing letters, symbols in the wrong sequence, for example 23 instead of 32 or “no” for “on”.
- Poor concentration span, especially with written work.
- Is unhappy to try new things and changes to routine.
- Has an exceptionally untidy living space.
- Is unwell, with stomach or headaches on the day of the “dreaded” lesson.
It is important not to be overly concerned if a child shows any one of the above signs in isolation, if however a child exhibits a range of these indicators then it would be advisable for a child to be screened by a qualified professional.
It is possible to carry out online testing for dyslexia, however, we at Dyslexia School Search would always advise parents to seek professional help, and we work with a highly qualified and professional team of educational psychologists and SEN professionals and teachers.
It is generally not advised to test a child for dyslexia prior to their seventh birthday, but the sooner intervention can start, generally the more successful the outcome.