Dyslexia

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What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder that impacts the way the brain processes written and spoken language. Dyslexia primarily affects reading skills. It refers to a pattern of learning challenges where a child may struggle with recognising words accurately or fluently, as well as difficulties with decoding and spelling. This can be concerning for a parent, but with the right support and strategies, children with dyslexia can make significant progress in their learning.

Signs of childhood dyslexia

It can be hard to diagnose dyslexia, as every child is unique. However, some common signs of childhood dyslexia include:

  • Struggling to recognise letters and link them to sounds.
  • Frequent spelling mistakes and difficulty remembering how to spell common words.
  • Trouble following verbal instructions or understanding what they’ve just read.
  • Avoiding reading activities or becoming frustrated when asked to read aloud.

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Getting a dyslexia diagnosis using Educational Psychology Assessments

Our private educational psychology assessments are designed to give you a clear picture of your child’s learning profile and help you find the right support, including receiving a dyslexia diagnosis if your child meets clinical diagnostic criteria.

 

As part of the Educational Psychology assessment, the WPPSI-IV, WISC-V or WAIS-IV standardised assessments are used (depending on age) to measure cognitive functioning, and the WIAT-III is used to measure academic achievement.

 

Our approach:

  1. Initial Consultation: This involves a detailed discussion with you, the parents, to gather background information and understand your concerns and your child’s developmental history.
  2. Assessment Sessions: Your child will take part in two testing sessions, which can last up to 2 hours each, depending on the child’s age and abilities. These sessions assess different areas such as cognitive abilities, academic skills, and behavioural functioning.
  3. Feedback Session: Once the assessment is complete, we will meet with you to discuss the results. We’ll provide a comprehensive written report, including background, developmental and academic history, behavioural observations, standardised test results, an overall summary and recommendations for going forward.

What kind of support is available for children with dyslexia?

Support for dyslexia can include specialised reading programmes, one-to-one tutoring, and, in some cases, classroom accommodations such as extra time in exams or the use of technology to assist with reading and writing. However, it’s important to understand that accommodations like extra time are not automatically granted solely because a child has dyslexia. Specific criteria need to be met for these arrangements, and an individual assessment will determine what support is appropriate for your child. Educational psychologists can help develop personalised support plans tailored to your child’s unique needs, but it’s important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Dyslexia can only be diagnosed once a child has started school and has shown specific symptoms in learning settings for at least six months. Early assessment is beneficial, as it allows schools to implement targeted interventions that can help improve reading and writing skills. A formal diagnosis can only be made after these interventions have been tried, and if they are not effective and your child’s scores remain low. This process ensures we’re providing the right support based on your child’s individual progress.

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that primarily affects reading, writing, and spelling. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), on the other hand is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s innate ability to pay attention, focus, and concentrate. It is possible for both conditions to exist at the same time (comorbidly), which can make learning and behaviour more challenging, but equally each condition can have similar traits. Understanding these distinctions helps in providing the right support.

Dyslexia is often linked to differences in how the brain processes language, particularly in areas responsible for reading and writing. Research suggests that individuals with dyslexia may have variations in brain structure and function, affecting their ability to decode words and recognise phonemes—the smallest units of sound that make up language.

Dyslexia tends to run in families, indicating a potential genetic component. Studies have shown that if a family member has dyslexia, the likelihood of other family members also experiencing difficulties with reading and writing increases. However, while genetics plays a role, it is not the sole factor, and the exact cause of dyslexia remains complex and not fully understood.

Other environmental factors, such as exposure to language during early development, can also influence a child’s reading abilities. Early identification and intervention are crucial in supporting your child’s learning journey. By recognising the signs of dyslexia early and seeking appropriate support, parents can help their children develop effective strategies for overcoming challenges, ultimately fostering a positive learning experience and enhancing their confidence. Understanding the multifaceted nature of dyslexia is vital for creating a supportive environment that nurtures your child’s unique strengths.

While both are learning difficulties, dyslexia affects reading, language processing, and spelling, whereas dysgraphia impacts handwriting and the ability to organise thoughts in written form. Your child may have one or both conditions, and a thorough assessment can clarify the specific areas of difficulty.

Dyslexia assessments are conducted by educational psychologists, specialist teachers, or at private psychology clinics. These assessments involve a range of tests that evaluate your child’s reading, spelling, and cognitive skills, providing a comprehensive view of their learning needs.

Schools play a crucial role in providing background information for a dyslexia assessment. This typically includes reports on your child’s reading progress, examples of schoolwork, teacher observations, and any previous assessments. These insights help to build a fuller understanding of your child’s learning profile.

Being proactive is essential. Collaborate closely with your child’s school to ensure appropriate support is in place, such as individual learning plans or access to specialist teaching. At home, fostering a positive attitude towards reading and learning, along with using technology that supports literacy, can make a significant difference. Above all, patience and encouragement will help your child feel supported.

Dyslexia can absolutely be diagnosed in adulthood. Many adults may have developed strategies to cope, but formal identification can still bring clarity. It’s never too late to access support, whether in further education, the workplace, or in daily life. There are numerous strategies and accommodations that can make a positive impact at any age.

Dyslexia is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive assessment conducted by a qualified professional. This process usually includes a detailed evaluation of reading, writing, and language skills, along with an assessment of cognitive abilities. Parents and teachers may provide insights into the individual’s academic performance and challenges. The assessment might involve standardised tests and informal observations to understand the person’s strengths and weaknesses better. It’s important to consider a variety of factors, as dyslexia can present differently in each individual.

Dyslexia can be diagnosed by various professionals, including educational psychologists. These professionals have the expertise to conduct the necessary assessments and evaluations to determine whether someone has dyslexia. It’s essential to choose someone who is experienced in working with dyslexia and familiar with the latest diagnostic criteria.

Currently, dyslexia cannot be “cured” in the traditional sense, as it is a lifelong condition. However, with the right support and interventions, children with dyslexia can learn strategies to manage their difficulties effectively and succeed academically and personally. Early intervention, tailored teaching methods, and specific accommodations can significantly improve reading and writing skills. With ongoing support, children with dyslexia can thrive and develop a positive self-image.

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Marina Hilleary

December 9, 2024 No Comments

Dr Marina Hilleary is a Clinical Psychologist working in the NHS and private practice. She completed her BSc in Psychology at the University of Exeter, graduating with first-class honours and was subsequently awarded an MSc in Mental Health Studies and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London.

Dr Hilleary has 9 years of clinical experience in various NHS mental health settings, her current position being on a Specialist Adolescent Team at a Community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). She has a specialist interest in working with children, young people and their families and has worked with young people presenting with a wide range of difficulties including depression, low self-esteem, anxiety (specific phobias, GAD, social anxiety, separation anxiety, panic and OCD), PTSD, behaviours that challenge and additional neurodevelopmental needs.

Dr Hilleary is experienced in carrying out comprehensive psychological assessments (including cognitive assessments) and recognises the importance of working towards a shared understanding of the presenting difficulties to enable a positive therapeutic outcome. She draws on a range of evidence-based psychological therapies and models, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based approaches. In addition, Dr Hilleary utilises systemic family approaches when working with young people and their families.

Dr Hilleary adopts an integrative, compassionate and person-centred approach to engage young people, building their motivation to participate in decisions around their care plan and achieve their therapeutic goals. She works creatively with her clients and, where appropriate, alongside any of their important support systems.