Dyslexia Diagnosis
Discussion
There are a raft of threads on this but mostly old so forgive a new one.
My eldest started private school in September to do her A levels. Just after Xmas the school contacted us to say they believe she is Dyslexic. We've just had confirmation following an assessment performed two weeks ago.
She is bright, and capable of excellent grades and in hindsight I've been quite hard on her when she failed to consistently maintain them. She did reasonably well at GCSE but was herself a little disappointed with her grades.
Having started VI form in September she undertook an assessment which has predicted A grades but her mid term exams did not reflect the same. A typical criticism was that she obviously knew the answer but mixed up the response, or that it is her exam technique letting her down. I'm not sure why her previous secondary school did not pick up on it, but am told she has developed sophisticated techniques to deal with it.
They have also said it can be inherited from a parent and having done some online testing all fingers point to me
Any advice? She has a laptop but it is a large heavy one, should I be looking to get her a nice lightweight surface pro for instance, to help her? What has worked for your kids?
My eldest started private school in September to do her A levels. Just after Xmas the school contacted us to say they believe she is Dyslexic. We've just had confirmation following an assessment performed two weeks ago.
She is bright, and capable of excellent grades and in hindsight I've been quite hard on her when she failed to consistently maintain them. She did reasonably well at GCSE but was herself a little disappointed with her grades.
Having started VI form in September she undertook an assessment which has predicted A grades but her mid term exams did not reflect the same. A typical criticism was that she obviously knew the answer but mixed up the response, or that it is her exam technique letting her down. I'm not sure why her previous secondary school did not pick up on it, but am told she has developed sophisticated techniques to deal with it.
They have also said it can be inherited from a parent and having done some online testing all fingers point to me
Any advice? She has a laptop but it is a large heavy one, should I be looking to get her a nice lightweight surface pro for instance, to help her? What has worked for your kids?
I'm dyslexic. I was lucky enough to be diagnosed quite young as before I learned coping techniques I was really struggling with written English my spoken and reading ability was above average. I have never learned how to write neatly despite putting a huge amount of effort into it, I can print if I take my time but writing something like an essay by hand would be next to impossible.
While my Son doesn't have the same problems I did with written English (he got 2 9s for GCSE for English without much effort), he has my inability to write neatly. Before we had approval for him to type his exams he was getting at least 2 grades lower for each subject.
The single most important thing to to do is to get the proper allowances made for the exams, be it extra time for the exams, to use a computer, or even dictate her work. All are possible and I'd not accept no for an answer for any of them. Spelling however is a real issue if she types, you are not allowed a spell checker, and they still mark on spelling, which is unfair on a dyslexic.
The only problem subject is maths, as it is very hard for a school to provide software that they trust (risk of cheating, they use notepad for example for essays to avoid access to spell checker) that will allow adequate expression of maths problems. For maths (my son is doing it at A Level) we have extra time allowed to enable him to do the working out on scrap paper then transfer to the exam paper at the end. Otherwise his work is illegible as he works out maths problems in the wrong sequence on the paper and his handwriting is terrible, didn't stop him getting an 8 at GCSE mind you.
While my Son doesn't have the same problems I did with written English (he got 2 9s for GCSE for English without much effort), he has my inability to write neatly. Before we had approval for him to type his exams he was getting at least 2 grades lower for each subject.
The single most important thing to to do is to get the proper allowances made for the exams, be it extra time for the exams, to use a computer, or even dictate her work. All are possible and I'd not accept no for an answer for any of them. Spelling however is a real issue if she types, you are not allowed a spell checker, and they still mark on spelling, which is unfair on a dyslexic.
The only problem subject is maths, as it is very hard for a school to provide software that they trust (risk of cheating, they use notepad for example for essays to avoid access to spell checker) that will allow adequate expression of maths problems. For maths (my son is doing it at A Level) we have extra time allowed to enable him to do the working out on scrap paper then transfer to the exam paper at the end. Otherwise his work is illegible as he works out maths problems in the wrong sequence on the paper and his handwriting is terrible, didn't stop him getting an 8 at GCSE mind you.
I'm guessing the A grade predictor was the GL Assessment Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT), which is a very accurate tool used by many schools in the UK. The thing with dyslexia is there is not a cure, instead there are coping strategies to help, and there are qualified experts who can formally assess and advise which coping strategies are most relevant.
Probably the most important thing to keep in mind is dyslexia has a whole load of strengths, and does not impact or change intelligence, many of our greatest business leaders and entrepreneurs are dyslexic.
Best thing to do is get expert help, there are reams of people, assessments, resources, coping strategies, all can help out.
Probably the most important thing to keep in mind is dyslexia has a whole load of strengths, and does not impact or change intelligence, many of our greatest business leaders and entrepreneurs are dyslexic.
Best thing to do is get expert help, there are reams of people, assessments, resources, coping strategies, all can help out.
tankplanker said:
I'm dyslexic. I was lucky enough to be diagnosed quite young as before I learned coping techniques I was really struggling with written English my spoken and reading ability was above average. I have never learned how to write neatly despite putting a huge amount of effort into it, I can print if I take my time but writing something like an essay by hand would be next to impossible.
While my Son doesn't have the same problems I did with written English (he got 2 9s for GCSE for English without much effort), he has my inability to write neatly. Before we had approval for him to type his exams he was getting at least 2 grades lower for each subject.
The single most important thing to to do is to get the proper allowances made for the exams, be it extra time for the exams, to use a computer, or even dictate her work. All are possible and I'd not accept no for an answer for any of them. Spelling however is a real issue if she types, you are not allowed a spell checker, and they still mark on spelling, which is unfair on a dyslexic.
The only problem subject is maths, as it is very hard for a school to provide software that they trust (risk of cheating, they use notepad for example for essays to avoid access to spell checker) that will allow adequate expression of maths problems. For maths (my son is doing it at A Level) we have extra time allowed to enable him to do the working out on scrap paper then transfer to the exam paper at the end. Otherwise his work is illegible as he works out maths problems in the wrong sequence on the paper and his handwriting is terrible, didn't stop him getting an 8 at GCSE mind you.
Some of this resonates. She will redo work several times until it is neat and tidy. This of course takes up time.My writing is horrendous btw! She passed her English and Lit although we did get help from an external tutor. I failed both but resat Language successfully.While my Son doesn't have the same problems I did with written English (he got 2 9s for GCSE for English without much effort), he has my inability to write neatly. Before we had approval for him to type his exams he was getting at least 2 grades lower for each subject.
The single most important thing to to do is to get the proper allowances made for the exams, be it extra time for the exams, to use a computer, or even dictate her work. All are possible and I'd not accept no for an answer for any of them. Spelling however is a real issue if she types, you are not allowed a spell checker, and they still mark on spelling, which is unfair on a dyslexic.
The only problem subject is maths, as it is very hard for a school to provide software that they trust (risk of cheating, they use notepad for example for essays to avoid access to spell checker) that will allow adequate expression of maths problems. For maths (my son is doing it at A Level) we have extra time allowed to enable him to do the working out on scrap paper then transfer to the exam paper at the end. Otherwise his work is illegible as he works out maths problems in the wrong sequence on the paper and his handwriting is terrible, didn't stop him getting an 8 at GCSE mind you.
She is doing maths at A level also along with Physics and Chemistry. As you can imagine Humanities and English were unlikely to be subjects of choice.
SeanyD said:
I'm guessing the A grade predictor was the GL Assessment Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT), which is a very accurate tool used by many schools in the UK. The thing with dyslexia is there is not a cure, instead there are coping strategies to help, and there are qualified experts who can formally assess and advise which coping strategies are most relevant.
Probably the most important thing to keep in mind is dyslexia has a whole load of strengths, and does not impact or change intelligence, many of our greatest business leaders and entrepreneurs are dyslexic.
Best thing to do is get expert help, there are reams of people, assessments, resources, coping strategies, all can help out.
Good to know the test is accurate. The school will be reaching out after the Easter break so looking forward to their advice.Probably the most important thing to keep in mind is dyslexia has a whole load of strengths, and does not impact or change intelligence, many of our greatest business leaders and entrepreneurs are dyslexic.
Best thing to do is get expert help, there are reams of people, assessments, resources, coping strategies, all can help out.
The interesting part for me was reading the report and recognising all the "symptoms" myself. Bit late for me now nearing my 50s.
I got diagnosed with it in 2016 I think at 26. I struggled all through school and college, and still do now.
My youngest sister got diagnosed when she went to a different school, she gets 25% extra time in exams and also the use of a computer.
Other sister has it as well, she is still going through it all at the moment with uni but I believe she gets the same.
Annoyingly my sister's both did brilliantly at GCSEs getting As and Bs. I didn't mind you ha.
I also get extra time in exams and the use of computers in it (with spell check).
My youngest sister got diagnosed when she went to a different school, she gets 25% extra time in exams and also the use of a computer.
Other sister has it as well, she is still going through it all at the moment with uni but I believe she gets the same.
Annoyingly my sister's both did brilliantly at GCSEs getting As and Bs. I didn't mind you ha.
I also get extra time in exams and the use of computers in it (with spell check).
I've found locally (I'm in Oswestry too) as an Optician primary schools seem to be getting more aware of dsylexia and Meares-Irlen Syndrome (the two often go together but not always). Coloured overlays or tinted lenses can be helpful in Meares-Irlen and as you mentioned many parents have a "Eureka moment" when looking through their child's tinted lenses.
I think with Primary Schools focussing on SATS then they seem to be keener to pick up on anything that can help (perhaps I'm cynical) but the secondary schools don't seem quite as positive.
Certainly I've seen some children who have really positive results, you can also change the font/background colour on laptops (easily done it settings on IPads ) which can help.
I think with Primary Schools focussing on SATS then they seem to be keener to pick up on anything that can help (perhaps I'm cynical) but the secondary schools don't seem quite as positive.
Certainly I've seen some children who have really positive results, you can also change the font/background colour on laptops (easily done it settings on IPads ) which can help.
LosingGrip said:
I got diagnosed with it in 2016 I think at 26. I struggled all through school and college, and still do now.
My youngest sister got diagnosed when she went to a different school, she gets 25% extra time in exams and also the use of a computer.
Other sister has it as well, she is still going through it all at the moment with uni but I believe she gets the same.
Annoyingly my sister's both did brilliantly at GCSEs getting As and Bs. I didn't mind you ha.
I also get extra time in exams and the use of computers in it (with spell check).
What prompted your diagnosis if you don't mind me asking?My youngest sister got diagnosed when she went to a different school, she gets 25% extra time in exams and also the use of a computer.
Other sister has it as well, she is still going through it all at the moment with uni but I believe she gets the same.
Annoyingly my sister's both did brilliantly at GCSEs getting As and Bs. I didn't mind you ha.
I also get extra time in exams and the use of computers in it (with spell check).
HelenT said:
I've found locally (I'm in Oswestry too) as an Optician primary schools seem to be getting more aware of dsylexia and Meares-Irlen Syndrome (the two often go together but not always). Coloured overlays or tinted lenses can be helpful in Meares-Irlen and as you mentioned many parents have a "Eureka moment" when looking through their child's tinted lenses.
I think with Primary Schools focussing on SATS then they seem to be keener to pick up on anything that can help (perhaps I'm cynical) but the secondary schools don't seem quite as positive.
Certainly I've seen some children who have really positive results, you can also change the font/background colour on laptops (easily done it settings on IPads ) which can help.
You'll know the two schools (both in town). Her current school have been much more proactive and very supportive, although I am paying for it!. We are due to go in after Easter to discuss what they can do to help and also what we can do at home. I think with Primary Schools focussing on SATS then they seem to be keener to pick up on anything that can help (perhaps I'm cynical) but the secondary schools don't seem quite as positive.
Certainly I've seen some children who have really positive results, you can also change the font/background colour on laptops (easily done it settings on IPads ) which can help.
I concur with you regarding the lack of application by the secondary schools. If you fit into the "comfortable pass" you are largely forgotten. Only the underachievers and the brightest get the attention.
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