As a learning disability, dyslexia can cause barriers to the simple tasks that many people take for granted (see our blog ‘What is Dyslexia’). It’s estimated that at least 1 in 10 people struggle with dyslexia, and it is common in both children and adults.
As the saying goes ‘If things don’t change, they’ll stay the same’, this is very true for an undiagnosed dyslexic. Everyday tasks such as reading or writing may be a struggle, which impact tasks and decisions later life.
Signs of Dyslexia through Life
The signs will vary between child and adult, and we have a useful checklist on our website.
When a child starts school and begins to learn reading and writing, the signs will become more apparent. They may struggle with letters, simple rhymes (such as cat and mat) and confuse the direction of letters when writing (for example writing ‘big’ instead of ‘dig’).
In teenagers, the child may have inconsistent spellings, or difficulty planning and writing essays. The frustrations may lead to behavioural or emotional difficulties and low self-esteem.
And for undiagnosed adults, some of the characteristics are finding it difficult to complete forms, missing and confusing appointment times and holding a low opinion of their own capabilities.
As you can see, dyslexia can affect all individuals in any stage of life, and if undiagnosed it’ll become a barrier to achievements and everyday tasks.
A dyslexia assessment will provide clarity and direction, and become the starting point for solutions that can help those difficulties become less of a struggle.
Dyslexia First can help your child, teenager or university student to reach their full potential.
How can I get an assessment?
The best place to start is at your child’s school. Speak to the teachers and SENCo about any concerns or problem areas.
The SENCo will complete the ‘JCQ Form 8’ which will help the assessor determine what is needed and the history of slower working.
Dyslexia First are a member of the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC) and the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) as approved assessors and we conduct the assessments for you. You need these qualifications to assess for access arrangements and complete a dyslexia assessment.
When assessing for dyslexia we work in collaboration with schools to assess the individual through a series of tests that observe the visual ability, verbal ability, cognitive ability, literacy skills and other possible co-occurrence in associated specific learning difficulties.
Nationally recognised
All assessments are validated and approved by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) and the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee. Together, these are nationally recognised in school (including further and higher education) and in the workplace.
The Dyslexia Assessment Report
The report will review the individual’s background and family history. It’ll provide an analysis of the cognitive abilities, literacy skills and ability, and strengths and weaknesses. There will be a recommendation for coping strategies and further assessment for help and support if required.
Dyslexia First work closely with schools to deliver this support, and for university students, this report can help them to apply for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA).
Start your journey today, so you can fulfil your potential.
About Dyslexia First
Dyslexia First provides first-class dyslexia assessments for children and adults across the North West.
Owner Michala Morton has worked in the field of Special Needs for over 20 years, across a wide range of educational settings, and works closely with The British Dyslexia Association and The Dyslexia Association assessing children and adults.
Based in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, Dyslexia First is conveniently accessible by train, linking to Central Liverpool, Manchester and cities within an hour’s commute.
By helping you to get the right support, a world of possibilities will open, that might not have seemed possible before.
Contact us to discuss your assessment needs. Email michala@dyslexia-first.co.uk or call 07711 904 589.
