Why screen for dyslexia?

A lot of people ask me "What is dyslexia screening?" and "Is it worth doing?" Here's my best explanation.

Dyslexia screening is the first step towards discovering if your child's difficulties may be linked to dyslexia. Whether your child goes to school or is home-educated, if you have concerns about their reading, writing or spelling then a screening will provide answers. 

Typically a screening lasts about forty five minutes. Your child will undertake a series of short tasks covering various aspects of literacy as well as looking at working memory and processing speed. The results are then collated and a report provided which shows your child's areas of strength and weaknesses. A good screening report should also provide advice and suggestions for activities to help your child improve their skills as well as suggestions for reasonable adjustments for school.

So, what can you do with the results? Well, the screening results can be used in a number of ways:

-Take the screening results into school and share them with the ALNCO and class teacher. I have seen very positive improvements made for children when parents have shared their screening test results with the school.

-Small adjustments in the classroom can make all the difference - your screening report will offer suggestions that can be made by class teachers easily and at no extra cost to the school.

-Do the suggested activities at home and help your child improve their literacy skills.

-If you are home-educating, the screening results help you target those areas of literacy that your child is struggling with -  to help them reach their true potential.

- If you choose to get extra tuition for your child then the screening results will save your tutor time -  and save you money - as they will be able to immediately focus on those particular skills your child needs help to develop.

-Finally and very importantly, you will gain a better understanding of your child, their abilities, strengths and weaknesses.

So, there you have it, a wordy explanation but hopefully one that is useful!

If you live in Wales, you can contact me for a screening. If you live elsewhere then see my resources page for suggestions of organisations who offer screenings. If all else fails, look out for dyslexia associations or support groups in your area - they should be able to point you in the right direction. Early intervention is key so if you have concerns, then get a screening.

Contact me today to get your child the help and support they need to succeed.